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:
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.
This comment has been removed by the author.