Journeys

Hello, Reader. I understand it has been a minute since I have written a travel post. It is not due to a lack of travel, or a lack of adventures to write about. Rather, after recently losing a loved one, I have not felt inspired or willing to share about exciting, new experiences. In truth, I keep travelling to the past in my memories in search of more time, more laughs, and more hugs shared with family. Thus, I would like to take this opportutinty to talk about the journeys I have taken to see family, rather than solely focusing on the destination.

Part of the excitement of travelling, especially when you are travelling for family near or far, is the anticipation of the family tomfoolery to happen, as well as the long needed time to catch up. Whether it be a long plane ride, a meandering train path, or a road trip, the adventure has already begun once I, and sometimes family, enter into the desired mode of transportation. On the way to our meeting place, we are discussing who we will see, how long has it been since so and so’s birthday, and what happened at the last the holiday gathering. Of course, after a couple of hours dragging along in a vehicle, I wonder as we all do, “are we there yet?” Nevertheless, I am never truly “there yet” until I peek around the corner and see the edge of the house, pull into the station, or disembark off the airplane.

Then, before even entering the household, restaurant, or picnic area, hugs, side hugs, laughs and stories already start spilling out of family members’ mouths. Even in a car ride with my siblings, parents, or cousins after being picked up from the train station or airport, we are exchanging stories before we are truly face to face. There is an exhilerating force of needing to share memories that could have been shared over the telephone, email or text, but I waited for that moment so we could smile and laugh together.

Finally, I enter the house, the meeting place, the area for the family gathering. I am pulled into hugs, nice to meet you’s, “he-hey bud” and “hey kiddo”! Everything. Perhaps some awkward hugs too and handshakes to new faces, but that happens as your family continues to grow and new additions are made. As we all start to settle in, maybe I can grab a snack or a rootbeer as I listen to where my cousins have travelled to, listen to who among my uncles has perfected their golf game, how my aunts are doing with their new crafts, or what my nieces and nephew are excited about today. At some point when my grandparents could get a moment of reprieve either listening to stories from endless grandchildren or cooking in the kitchen, I can have a moment to say hi, share a hug, and maybe hear a “holy smokes” and “you know, in my time” story.

Eventually, we gather around the table as many families do. Depending on the gathering, we may all fit at one table nicely, with a dog or a cat trying to butt into the conversation, or we make it work with multiple tables creating a caterpillar-like dining table for the meal. How we say “Grace” varies in which household I am in, but we are all thankful for the moments God has given us, the family He has provided us, and the food that has been prepared. After a squeeze of a hand and “Amen”, we may eat.

I know I am blessed when it comes to food as there are many wonderful chefs in the family (yes, I can cook too). I deeply appreciate when a family member remembers a one of my favourite recipes of theirs, meatball, soup or croquetas, and sneaks it over to me - telling me they made it especially for me. Of course, there is always the uncle, dad, or sibling that is always ready to return the favour by trying to steal some dessert off my plate.

As the hours pass by, I know it is eventually time to go. I start to say goodbye, sometimes fast, sometimes slow, sometimes multiple times in a row. I can remember specific times where I would run back to a someone to give them one more hug, or hugs that would last forever as I would not want to let go. With a wave goodbye out the window, and maybe a tear trying to trickle out from the corner of my eye, I start the journey back to home.

Final conversations occur at the last miles of the journey; in the ride to the airport, the LIRR to the Amtrak, or even at doorsteps. There are times where I do not want these moments to end, yet, if I never truly depart, I can never feel the excitement and anticipation to do this all over again.

With that said, while I love talking about the destinations I explore, I equally treasure and value time with family. Whenever I visit with family, either for a regular visit or a special occasion, I want to live in the moment and leave in peace valuing the intentional time and love shared.

So, dear Reader, please share an extra hug with a loved one. Go hop in a car, make some plans, or dial up a special someone. Let them know how much you love them, and enjoy the journey you share together. Until next time.