Isn’t it something?
That quiet stealth of liquid happiness rising through my veins…
…so quickly upon finding that smile, that irreplaceable smile as I am the very first to walk out of the International Arrivals gate, one of delight and relief.
My Mom rises up out of her chair in the waiting area and comes towards me with open arms.
I hold her so tight and kiss her on the side of her head.
I can feel the gentle pressure of appreciation as others around our little bubble look on.
It’s her. It’s my Mom. It always takes a few seconds more to realize she is actually there.
And that I am here.
I will go through the same feelings being welcomed by her wonderful companion, Leonard and then with a whoop, my Sister, Robin a few hours later.
“Welcome Home,” the young man at passport control had said. But when he asked me the reason why I am in France, I blurted out, “Happiness!” because you see, I have two families and my honey is there.
But I know how much he wants me to enjoy this time, enough for both of us, so that is what I am doing.
I feel rich with gifts. And buoyed with a profound gratitude.
What a year it has been so far, what beauty I have seen. An appreciation of time waving over and within me. Just as it did as Remi and I strolled hand in hand through the village of Aurel.
So much to see and discover…
…and in such fine company too.
I feel it now as well, right this very instant as I sit outside–outside!–with my laptop delicately balanced on a wrought iron table on my Mom’s porch. I am looking out upon a riotous red tree laughing its last and grains from an overstocked bird feeder that are embedded in the earth at my feet. I can hear the reassuring hum of an airplane overhead, knowing others are making their way to their families, as well as the blender’s whir of Leonard preparing a battalion of pies in the kitchen. My fingertips are chilled, my coffee gone cold but I am deeply content in the midst of this everyday poetry.
Perhaps it is the glow in my heart that is shedding extra light, making everything come into focus.
And yet I know that many of us have experienced incredible challenges so far in 2012 whether economical, physical or emotional and some have been dealt terrible losses. It is not an easy moment in history, is it? All I know is what I would wish so dearly, for those of us that have been holding an upside down horseshoe, would be to use both hands to force it the right back up, to keep the luck inside.
This year, rather than to only celebrate Thanksgiving–and I will with a cornucopia of sheer delight–I am going to go good will hunting and invite all of you to join me, no matter where on this incredible planet you might be…just for a day, just for ten seconds or just for our lives, to remember that we are all loved and to try to keep our eyes open to not only all that is in front of us but the horizon beyond.
Sending my Very Best from Ann Arbor, Michigan, U.S.A.
There are many that are still homeless after the devastation of Hurricane Sandy and the rebuilding process will be long. For those of you that would like to donate or donate again:
Even though I am reading this post way late, it's made me go all gooey inside!
And yes, let us keep that horseshoe turned upright 🙂
your reunion with your Mom brought a lump to my throat. and tears. so sweet and loving. gorgeous post, as always.
Doing nothing with family is the sweetest activity of all. Enjoy your visit, Heather — and the Mexican food! 🙂
Yes, it certainly is a lovely and wise post, Heather. So so happy you're home with your family, and quite content to "do nothing" except whatever happens. I think I love Leonard !!
We are! And I keep thinking of your "Land of Love" phrase. . .I think I did pack it into the car so it has enveloped us as we've driven toward Arizona. Hope you had a great day!
What a beautiful post! I am crying as I read a few posts back re your visit! Enjoy every single moment, treasure it and savour it! It has been a tough year for many of us but oh, what a joy to be alive and to share with beautiful people like you my red haired friend!
Sending hugs from Cape Town
Veronica
xxx
Amazing photos as always!! xx
My daughter-in-law recommended your blog to me. It is so beautiful. Thank you. I invite you to read my blog, which is a new venture for me. My subjects are travel, writing, and,mainly,living in the tropics. Try Palmsaway.blogspot.com
I am with you on the good will hunt! And what a great idea! Happy Thanksgiving! Cynthia
So you have arrived safely and happily – that is fabulous news. And your sentiments are humbling for us all, I think. For you have cut to the chase – the simplicity of the heart, and of appreciating and loving life for its rich gifts of love.
Beautiful images, beautiful sentiments, and as always, so poignantly written.
Hope Thanksgiving is beautiful as well. xx
Je t'embrasse très forte, Vero! Remi and Ben are going to TDay on Saturday with our friends Shannon and Phillippe–I love that Remi is bringing oysters, mais bien sur! 😉
Oh I am so thrilled that you stopped by! Yes, of course I remember well reading about your fantastic time with Vicki in Paris!! It looked as though it was the ultimate Girl's Weekend. Vicki is an amazing lady all around, isn't she? I think that most people have little idea how funny she is on top of all of her other fine qualities. It goes without saying that any dear friend of hers…And I am waving in your direction on this very glorious day, what a gift. The cherry on the cake on a special day. Thank you again and bienvenue…
So great to talk to you this morning, Judith…have a great time with your friends!
Miss you friend, you would love it here!
Not to mention it can help pull any one of us out of a bad day! But thank you! Bisous…
Thanks so much Aidan! I feel you are the same! Gros bisous!!!!
Yay! Notchke, I LOVE A2. My family lived out in San Diego for over twenty years and as much as I miss walking on the ocean, I am crazy for this town. So cosmopolitan and yet open and relaxed. We had sushi at Godaiko last night and will be having brunch at Zingerman's Roadhouse soon…Thanks for your support!
I hope that you two are having a great holiday as well!!
Pamela, I am having a wonderful time so far–thank you for your kind wishes!
Jeanne, I feel the same about all that you share with everyone as well. I am one of your biggest supporters! And of course you will go good will hunting with me. 🙂 That is who you are!
Your post was so beautiful Sylvia. Happy Tday!
Thanks so much Wyn, hoping you have a gorgeous summer day Down Under…
Oh Carolyn, what incredibly wonderful things to say–thank you, thank you for my gift on Thanksgiving! Wishing you a wonderful one as well! I hope that Holly is home for it and that she brought you some treats from NOLA!!
Turkey is in the oven and looking gooood…you will appreciate a Southern touch–cornbread and bacon dressing!
Back in Seattle after five wonderful days in New York City… just in time for Thanksgiving. For once, you and I are on the same side of the pond. So happy for you. I know how much being back at home means to all of us, expats 🙂 I know how much Thanksgiving means to all my American friends, too, and I am thrilled you will be spending this very special day with your loved ones. Ben and Remi are happy in France… knowing that you are happy too. This French family will be celebrating with generous American friends this year. Once again, they will try and introduce me to pumpkin pe. Once again, I will have to decline, but we will all be SHARING THE LOVE, and that's what's important. Hugs to you. Veronique (French Girl in Seattle)
I happened upon your post today as I was determined to make time to search out some new blogs and wanted to say how beautiful your post is , the photos, the writing, and the sentiment. I believe we have a mutual friend in Vicki Archer. Then I was also delighted to read that "home" is in Ann Arbor, a mere 30 minutes from me in Windsor, Ontario. I do hope you are enjoying your visit and the unseasonable weather (as a bonus) and the time with your family. I shall enjoy reading about your travels on both sides of the big pond. Happy Thanksgiving.
Oh Heather. Thank you for this. As you know, my mom is long gone. And yet….. I was right there with you when you got off the plane and greeted her in the waiting area. What a gift: for a moment I was with my own mom again.
Okay, we literally just rolled out of bed. We have to walk Karina and prepare our contributions for today's feast with friends. Ten-year-old Nicholas loves my gougères, so that is one of the things I will make.
Happy Thanksgiving!
XJ
Forgive me for being repetitive but this post is BEAUTIFUL.
Wishing you and your family the happiest of Thanksgivings.
XXX
And sending my Very Best from Australia back to Ann Arbor, Michigan, U.S.A. You have captured the magic of "being in the moment”, which is even more enchanting if it encompasses those whom you love. Being observant can be extremely rewarding – the minutiae of the supposedly mundane, can be so enchanting. Gross bisous.
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How lovely Heather. I wish you the happiest of Thanksgivings today. You never fail to count your blessings and that is one of your most endearing qualities.
Love from France,
Aidan xo
Oh my, what lovely words and photos. Thank you for your beautiful thoughts and wishes. I am a silent fan of your blog. Thank you for sharing your life with us. Enjoy your stay with your family, at home in my favorite town . . . Go Blue!
Happy Thanksgiving to you Heather. . .I know it will be a good one as it began when your mom stood up and greeted you with open arms. . .I am still smiling at the image. . .
I am happy for you that you are with your Mom and sister this Thanksgiving. Enjoy your time with family there in the USA. May you have a Happy Thanksgiving.
As I am watching Far And Away for the first time ever…go figure…this post just made my night! I'm so happy for you..and your mom! I know she must beside herself to have you "home"! I can't imagine my Holly being any further away than she is..and she is just in New Orleans! However…that is another world all in itself, mind you! Heather, please have the best Thanksgiving ever and know that I have loved reading your blog more than anything! Even if I don't comment…it ranks right up there with my favorite authors of novels! You are an incredible writer and I love reading all about your life and your every day life adventures! Happy Thanksgiving!
Heather, your lovely writing brought tears to my eyes in just a few sentences. I'm thankful for you and all the beauty you bring our way. Enjoy this time with your family, and knowing the happiness you have waiting for you at your other home. I'm happy to join you for a little good will hunting, too. Happy Thanksgiving! XO
So happy for you too, Amelia! I know that your dinner will be just wonderful. And I am soaking it all up, trust me!
Gros, gros bisous Amelia and Happy Thanksgiving!
Heather, I'm happy you arrived safely. I was in here a little earlier reading you post…got a little teary and decided to go put the turkey in the brine, and returned it to the fridge. I'm basking in the warmth of your homecoming. Your family will want to spoil you in the short time you're home. Relax and enjoy being home. I'm hosting Thanksgiving dinner this year and have been busy as a bee since Monday…:) My son and daughter-in-law will be arriving at the airport in two hours. I can't wait to go pick them up. My heart and thoughts are with those who are still suffering from Sandy. May there be good samaritans among their midst.
Amelia xoxo
Wow Heather, you have such a way with words, pure poetry…and those images…wow, that's all I can say.
Sylvia
Enjoy and relax – take care and here's to a wonderful holiday for you!! Our thoughts are with those who Sandy touched so hard!!