My First Time Back Home

Every day back home was like a new set of gifts from God. It was really that amazing and wonderful.

Wed evening I was home from the airport in time (due to the miracles described in my previous blog entry) to sit in my recliner in my living room with my best friend beside me and my cat purring in my lap as I watched the early evening news. I remember thinking to myself, "Man this is great!" Kim and I went for a short walk around the neighborhood then we ate a dinner of one of my favorite foods, pork chops! What a wonderful way to come home!

Thursday I had scheduled back-to-back appointments with various folks, including a routine MD visit. One of the people in that schedule, Emma, didn't know I was coming. I entered the activity room in her nursing home, holding my finger to my lips so that the staff wouldn't ruin the surprise. Emma looked up from her wheelchair, and just stared at me. I didn't think even think she was breathing. Then she broke out in laughter and we hugged like we hadn't seen each other in years. We had a great visit together. Also on Thurs. I visited with Cindy Johnson (the director of my church's mission dept.) and Susan Glasscock (an elder in my church and more importantly a mentor in my life). I was able to mentally and emotionally download with these 2 special friends, sharing the good and bad, and ask for advise regarding specific challenges. I told them my plans for dealing with those challenges to see if they had other suggestions. I left that meeting feeling very encouraged and affirmed. They whole heartedly agreed with my plans and had a special prayer for me before all was said and done.

Friday, only minutes after getting out of bed, I become sick to my stomach and things quickly became ugly. Luckily I had not scheduled that day with too much, and one friend still ventured over that evening for dinner and a movie (although it a few days until my appetite really returned). In hindsight, if I hadn't been ill, I probably wouldn't never slowed down to rest or sit still for more than a few minutes, so in a strange sort of way I guess it was good to be sick, and it kept me from gorging on all the wonderful foods that I have missed.

Don't worry, I'm not going to write about every day, but thought I'd hit a few highlights.

Sat evening my sisters planned a get together with just us sisters and cousins- about 8 in total, at a Mexican restaurant. Mmmmm! I love Mexican and this type of food is not common here, contrary to popular belief. I got to see my newest cousin, Isaiah. So handsome! And near the top of my memories is the hugs that were exchanged that night, particularly with my sisters.

Speaking of hugs, I'd have to say that hugs were very near the top of my list on this trip. I had so many great hugs....not just the standard "hello" hug , but warm, genuine, "man I missed you!" hug. Oh, and the phone calls! Really great conversations. And my small group did a speacial fondu meal for me (luckily my appetite had returned!) and I really enjoyed the evening.

My 1st Sunday home was probably the day I was looking forward to the most....and it was all that I hoped it would be. It was so good to worship, I mean really worship, in English again. And so good to see so many friends and reconnect. I even had one friend and her husband who basically drove all the way from South Carolina just to say hello and exchange hugs. Wow! Then, the big moment....going "home" to finally see my family and to have one of our traditional Sunday Skalsky lunches. Those hugs were extra extra extra rich. After mom's special pot roast and mashed potatoes (my mouth is watering by just remembering it) the kids and I got to play. It was really hot outside, so we horsed around inside. We played chase....around and around we went thru the living room, into the kitchen, then thru the dining room, and back full circle to the living room. At times I didn't know if I was the chaser or the chasee. They squealed and laughed with delight. Then when I didn't think mom could handle one more minute of this chaos, we collapsed on the living floor and wrestled. Yep....this memory is definitely near the top. Just messing with the kids. Later on in the week I went back down (about 45 min) to Prince George twice to join my family as we cheered on Forrest as he played soccer. On another day "My Princes" Haley (the 4yr old niece) and her mom (my sister) met Kim and I at the zoo for a day of fun. My time absolutely flew by.

I left Virginia healthy, happy, and in tears with sadness. I don't know if saying those dreaded good-byes will ever get any better. But after so many days of great memories, how could I at least not be thankful? My mom and dad took me to the airport about 2+ hr away in Washington DC so that I could use a much cheaper airline. And then finally the last good-byes were over, and I gulped hard and tried to breath slowly and deeply. And to be honest, I'm already looking forward to my next trip home, how could I not after such a wonderful visit?

I'm sorry that I didn't see too many of you. I actually saw more of you than I thought I would. It just seems so impossible. And I can't make any promises about future visits home, particularly over the holidays. Who knows, maybe we can get together or at least talk by phone. But please know in my heart, that you are so special to me, and I couldn't make it without you.