It’s true – there’s no place like home.  Having been working away from home for almost 5 months now, it brings a lot about home to mind.  Although I do get home every other weekend, it is not the same “visiting” my own home for a couple of days every couple of weeks.  It makes me mindful of how special being home is. 

It is not the house, mind you – it is the home that I miss.  Specifically, being away from the most wonderful person in my life is unkind.  Home is where the heart is – that being said my home is always with Peg. 

The thought of being away, able to do whatever I want, whenever I want with nobody to tell me what to do or monitor my behavior is overrated.  Going out for fun is only fun when Peg is with me.  I’m not “whipped” as they say – I just know that at this stage of my life, sharing every thing I do is just as important as the “doing”. 

I am constantly reminded how amazing our family has been – meaning our daughters and their families.  So very often we hear the heartbreaking news other friends and extended family members share regarding their families.  We have been blessed abundantly with three unbelievably, amazingly, awesome girls.  No father could ever be prouder or more humbled.  They know that unconditional love is forever, whatever, whenever, and they will share that same love with their children. 

I do not speak out of sheltered naiveté. None of us waltzed through our lives to this point unscarred or unhurt.  Knowing the difference makes “home” all the more meaningful and wonderful.  Being placed in a situation that keeps me away only reinforces the knowledge that being home is a goal to be worked toward and cherished and not to be taken for granted.  Sure, I can be a big jerk and she can be a witch but we can be these things openly, and understand that it is an issue or a moment but not a game changer. Being able to be myself and not worry is part of being home. 

Dorothy said it best to Toto “there’s no place like home”. I wish I were there.