Home is Where the Heart Is

"Home is where your history begins. Home is where they catch you when you fall" Such a classic, true, memorable quote from 'Where the Heart Is'.

Last night, landing at SFO, I just felt it- I felt home. Somewhere between the moist air (something the wonderful land of Boulder lacks) the city lights, the embracing hugs and love felt from my family as I walked in the front door, somewhere between the newly painted walls and now multiple guestrooms in a house that used to not feel big enough- somewhere between it all- is my home.

Unfortunately we lost a member of the clan today. Mister, the 16 year old cat who never left my bed, listened to my every moment of tears and laughter, and always curled up by the window to soak in the sun, was put to sleep. It had been a long battle for years- something I never had to witness. When I left for college, Mister was fine. Sure he was old but he was my favorite (which is a lot to say because I don't like domestic animals...) and somewhere between me leaving and not seeing him everyday, he lost everything from 13 pounds to his wild spirit. Saying goodbye to Mister was like saying goodbye to childhood memories and honestly a friend (again surprising I know).

In lighter news, home has still been amazing. It's been less than 24 hours but I've done so many of my favorite things. Beginning with the 8:30am wake up call, something to start me off with a smile, I proceeded to take my 3 mile walk around town with Silas, stopped at Starbucks and now that Silas takes 1st place in being the wealthiest sibling, he bought me an iced coffee, went to the movies with my parents (The Boy With Stripped Pajamas- go see it, truly an amazing story), ventured to rush hour in Costco where we bought $420 worth of wine (my dad claims that number just shows up everywhere... secretly I know he misses those San Rafael moments), and returned home- starving, opening the freezer and found multiple bags of frozen vegetables (my parents know me too well) and made an excellent dinner of veggies, thai sauce, and heck I threw in some tomato soup.

I can't imagine the next week being anything less than today. Yes we had a tragedy but as a family we can pull through anything. That's what I love most about home- it's my safe haven, my oasis, my everything. Now if the rest of my siblings can hurry up, 9 Jeffrey Court will fully be complete.