It’s always been satisfying to go home to see my family and friends. I love my family and adore my friends and think myself blessed beyond worthiness of their presence in my life. For much of my life though, home has been a great distance from where I find myself travelling and working. I used to be concerned that I was missing out on sharing the special occasions because I was somewhere else, other than home. I would worry that I was in some small way letting everyone else down with my absence, and was creating gulfs between myself and home and all of its entities. Worried that friendships would wither and family bonds would fade. Except when I do return home, I realise that it has all been my insecurities which have allowed these thoughts to creep in to existence. For when I go home, there is no evidence of resentment, shame or guilt. No questions about my reasons for being elsewhere, for not being home more often. All I get is love and warmth and hugs and smiles, everything that makes me feel centred and calm and the very reason why I still call it home.
So to all the family and friends whose company I enjoyed last week, thanks for the great times. I truly relive the moments every day and feel warm and restful. For all my family and friends including the ones I rarely see and the ones who live on the other side of the globe, thanks for being part of my life. It is because of you all that I continue to live and laugh and grow. Together, you are the water in the river of my life, carrying me gently to the ocean of eternal bliss.
My mother used to say that there are no strangers, only friends you haven't met yet. She's now in a maximum security twilight home in Australia. Dame Edna Everage (1934- )