It will always be home-- in my heart

I saw the red of the brick in the rear view mirror and I wanted to stop the car and run back. Home- The feeling, the word, the comfort of it filled my thoughts and I cried.

It was time to go, the road called, but I hesitated and turned the car around. Taking the same streets I’d traveled from school and job over years of childhood, teenage wanderings and youthful adult forays to the place that always welcomed me back. But this time the road only led one way…away. The doors locked to me forever more, as new owners now held the key.

I stopped the car in a space I’d always claimed and looked once more upon the friendly edifice and beckoning stoop below. Friends and family gathered there, neighbors stopped to talk…Dad dragging the Christmas Tree up the steps. Mom bringing in the groceries...I see the ghosts of years, like a slow motion film, and I want to stop the action and jump back in...to one more day that I belong here...but the small face in the upstairs window looking out at me reminds me I cannot.

I wave to the lucky child who now will have the hall banister to slide down, the basement to explore, and the backyard to dream in. I get back in my car and look ahead. I've hours to drive...new roads to travel...new memories to make...new home.