When my mother was in the hospital,

gravely ill, and in pain,

I was holding her hand and she said,

”I want to go home.”

Home and family meant so much to her

and I wish I could have helped her

go home one last time.

But it was not meant to be.

Knowing my mother, though,

I think she also meant she

was ready to go to her eternal home,

the one she often sang about in hymns.

One day later she made it to that home.

I think there’s a longing for home

that lives in all of us.

We long for that home where our story began,

where we first experienced family,

where our first memories were created,

friendships were first formed,

and our dreams began.

Home as a youth may not

bring forth positive images for some,

but there’s good news knowing

as adults we can create the home we want,

where we feel comfortable, relaxed and safe,

where we feel loved, connected,

a sense of belonging…

create the home we always

want to go back to.

So, when in life you wonder

which path to take,

always take the path that leads home

because

no matter where you go in life,

or how far you choose to roam,

be it ever so humble,

there’s no place like home.

Really!