Hold on, to me as we go
As we roll down this unfamiliar road
And although this wave is stringing us along
Just know you’re not alone
‘Cause I’m going to make this place your home
-Phil Phillips, Home
I was carting the boys back from VBS this morning when this song was playing on the radio.
Listening to it came on the tail-end of a quick, one-night trip to NOLA (also known as New Orleans, LA) where we enjoyed some great food (of course!), an afternoon cruise on the Mississippi and some excellent family time.
I started to tear up as I listened to the words because it has been almost 4 years since we left Texas and now, this place? Well, it is sort of becoming home too.
I really wish I had a photo of my face when Tim first mentioned even the possibility that we could be moving to Lafayette. I didn’t really even know where it was in the state. I had to look it up. And as the prospect became more real, I cried a lot (keep in mind I was also pregnant at the time, HELLO HORMONES!) Oh, and I held on alright! I held on to my faith and my man, who I knew were the only two things I really had going into this (well, and of course my babies too…).
But now… things that were once so very unfamiliar to me are now common place. Roads and bridges and water that I had only traveled a couple of times before are now part of my heart. People who I would have never known, had we not taken a chance, are my good friends. Food that was never my favorite before is now inching it’s way in. The cravings are there to prove it. That first fall cold front now means “gumbo”. I never would have though it to be so 4 years ago.
Yesterday I drove part of the way back to our “home” in Lafayette and as I did, I took in all the land and water and trees around me and the beauty of it all. And of course there is beauty here too, just like in the state I still claim as my home (Texas) and I have learned to appreciate what this neighboring state as to offer. It really is quite unique and amazing in it’s own right.
And I’m sure someday, when the time comes to leave, I will be crying then too. But for now, we are taking it all in and making memories and living in the NOW.
For that is all we can really do.
man, God gave me some amazingly cute kids, right? 😉
linking up with Memories Captured
p.s. Old School Blogging is still rocking if you want to join in the fun! 🙂
Living in the now is amazing isn’t? I am trying to be more present, to live in the now too. Beautiful children you have indeed 🙂
My word for the year is “enrich” and I want to live that out through my motherhood journey, just as YOU are doing, Elaine. Stopping by from Writing, Wishing and Memories Captured :):)
Aww, you have me in tears. Beautifully said, Elaine!
When we moved to Canada 5 years ago I embraced it as my new home right away and I am still amazed at the beauty and the sense of home (also: love that song!).
I never felt a sense of home in Germany, even though that’s where I’m from, because my family and I were always at war.
Now I’m with the people that matter to me – my husband and kids – and it’s all good.
So true – about home. I love this, my friend. xo
So sweet! I feel that way about Austin, now, but 5 years ago I was crying frequently just thinking about leaving Atlanta after 10 years. Change is hard, yo.
Super cute kids!
I hope my husband feels this way about Chicago when we finally move here. It has always been sort of my home, but to him will be completely new.
Great piece here. Love that song too. For me, anywhere,as long as my family is with me, is home.:)
Home is where memories are made, and where your loves are, no matter where on the map that is. xo
I have never moved out of my area so I don’t know what it is like to be “away from home”…you’re making the best of it. Where ever those cuties are planted like that? Life will always be awesome-sauce.
You do have super cute kids! I love this post. I remember moving to the big city that I now call home. I never thought it would be “home”…but where you make your memories, becomes your home ( I agree with alison!)
Your family is gorgeous! Also I didn’t realize you lived in Lafayette. I was there several years ago for a work training (the company that owns our paper owns the one in Lafayette) and it’s the only time I’ve ever been to Louisiana. Small world! 🙂
A very wise lady once told me “Home is where you hang your hat.” It has helped me tremulously during my five cities in three years tour…
Love this.
Beautiful piece and adorable kids
They are adorable. And I know what you mean how a place and people can capture your heart even those you love another place. I feel that way where we live now. Georgia is definitely my home. But a part of me will always be a Florida girl.
It’s so good to settle in, even when it’s your adopted home. And it looks so hot there already. It’s not here.
Living in the now – appreciating the things that are around you – is so very important. We are currently living in a now that is not quite our home, so I understand those feelings well.
Home is definitely where the heart is (and I LOVE that song. It’s one of my favorites).
I love that song, I used it for the title of a blog post too, lol. Home is a place rooted in your heart and it takes awhile for another place to feel like home. I’m glad you found it, beautiful post.
Home has meant so many different things to me over the years, always kind of bittersweet when you feel roots taking in a new home and roots lifting in your old home. Such a beautiful post and family (and love that song too!).
I so get this, you. Redefining home is all sorts of bittersweet, isn’t it?
And yes, pure adorable kids!
xo
Gorgeous. And so true- it’s amazing how quickly we can redefine “home.” (I’m starting to think it has something to do with the people.) 😉
Home is where the heart is. I love that song and often think about “home”… the home of my birth and the home of my heart – intertwined!
Yes we teach our kids the same, our house is a home.Very inspiring views and thoughts here.. What puts it all together is continous personal growth and development, always learning, always growing, always doing something new – going places you have never been before, doing things you have never done before.
I love New Orleans!
What a GREAT looking family! I’ve lived in the same place my entire life, so I can’t even imagine, and I admire your way to see your blessings and to live in the now.
Just was thinking about this concept, as I still think of where I grew up “home” — but here, where we live now, is where my son is growing up, and it’s therefore HIS home — and isn’t my home where his is? Very complex feelings in me on this one. And living in the now is essential.
<3 this. I think with your gorgeous spirit you could make anywhere home, truly.
Home is where the heart is. I guess there is something to that, huh? 🙂
And yes. Gorgeous kiddos!
To me home is where my family is. I think I could be happy anywhere!
I really do get this. Somehow, after growing up in KS, AR became my home for EIGHT years. But….then I moved my AR-raised man back up to KS. It’s funny how that works.
Lovely, Elaine. Making memories in the NOW! That’s what life is all about. Some recent distractions have stolen precious family time from me in the last weeks. Even thought, I try not to, I can’t help but dwell on the past, but I’m slowly snapping out of it. I feel my heart shifting toward where I need to be. Thank God for the gifts he has given us in the present.
I learned a few years ago when we moved from our home of over ten years, that our home is where ever we are together. I learned to welcome the journey, even when they bring me to tears and scare the you know what out of me, because God always has something planned that’s good. 😉
It’s a good lesson to learn, Adrienne, for sure. And God knows, you are right. It’s just hard for me to see that sometimes at first. Thank you so much for your lovely comment.
Hi Elaine,
It’s my first time stopping by. I loved this line “things that were once so very unfamiliar to me are now common place.” It’s that moment when you realize how far your feelings and perspective have come. Your family is beautiful. I think you captured a great memory here.
Stevie