There’s no place like home. — Dorothy Gayle, The Wizard of Oz I’m back home at my house now.
I’m propped up in my recliner, train lamp providing soothing light, there’s a new house smell of paint and carpentry and it feels cozy, comfortable and — well— like home.
I’m happy to be home. I suppose I should explain.
For the last three weeks, I have been “staying” with Mama at her house.
Jesus and Mama love me and so, Mama took me in for a few weeks while I was a refugee.
I know she enjoyed the company. I enjoyed being back in what was my Deal grandparents’ home when I was growing up. Daddy and Mama moved back to the place where Daddy grew up after my Grandma Deal died in 2003.
It has its own character and I know love lives there. It always has and it still does. If I close my eyes, I can still see all those scenes from my growing up years.
As much as I enjoyed that, I had to get back home. You know, something just draws you back home.
If you will recall, last summer, one of my toilets got incontinent and wasn’t wearing its Depends . You can imagine the results. Practically half of my house had more than an inch of standing water one evening when I got home and unlocked the door.
ServPro came in to dry up all the water.
I had an uneventful and smooth insurance claim process.
I’ve lived in my house since I was nine years old and other than general repairs, it has never had any major renovations.
That is, until now. I was on track to get the repairs done before Christmas of last year.
But then, that huzzy Helene came storming through these parts.
After that, just try finding a contractor or doing any renovations of any kind.
I actually tried out one or two before settling on The Barnard Company and Hodges Plumbing. I couldn’t have asked for any folks better to work with or anyone who is more professional and does quality work.
I had 42 year old carpet removed. Ditto for the tub/shower and vanities. Parts of it got a fresh coat of paint and new fixtures and vanities. All of it got new flooring.
My doctors have said for years I should remove all the carpet from my house and go with something that is better for my allergies and sinuses.
I can finally check that off this list.
After that, my brother’s friend, Cindy, gave my whole house the deep cleaning it has needed for at least 20 years.
Last week, I officially moved back home.
Some things are taking some getting use to. First, there is the feel of the floor. It’s just different than carpet. Second, the ticking of the clock is gone because I need to get a new one. Third, the drip, drip, drip of the leaky faucet in the bathroom lavatory is gone. Thank goodness!
I still miss the mirrors in my bathrooms. I still reach in the opposite directions for the remote control and for the towel rack.
But, the brightness and newness are so refreshing.
Home. How often do we take for granted the blessings of a home?
Home is the welcome comfort and the gentle hug of a place of belonging, contentment and peace. There truly is no place like home.
It is always a blessing, for which to give thanks.
Home is where the heart is and my heart is there now. Again.
