Watched, on the last day of the residency, the graduating class don their gowns and be awarded their hoods -- tears welling up in me, in gratitude for their success, but also I think a sudden understanding of what it is I -- and all my class -- are reaching towards. A humbling and powerful and inspiring moment, followed by a great dinner, more dancing, and a walk in the snow alone before bed. Stillness. Starlight. Absolute beauty. The next day, saying goodbye to new friends and "See you in June!" So many wonderful new comrades.
Exactly ready to come home, and when I did, there was the lovely face of my husband, and then the faces of my children asleep, more beautiful than I had even remembered. And this morning, waking up to find them in the bed with us, and love, love, love -- sweet words and holding them on the long barge my body, across the strong new deck of my soul: "I missed you!"
Then a day at the zoo, and taking in all their wonderful observations, their joy at noticing, their sweet words, their demands for kisses.
Hurrah for homecomings, and for coming home different than the way one left. I admire all you are doing, Nicola!
ReplyDelete