RETURNING HOME--

Sometimes one's life makes an unexpected turn, even when it's not your choice. And sometimes that means returning to the area you called home for over four decades.  I left the Twin Cities for many reasons, but mostly because I fell in love.  I thought about the huge change I was making, and I realized that it meant leaving my family and friends behind and starting over in a new city.  It was a big risk I knew, but also an exciting new adventure.  I learned about a part of the country I had never even visited before. I discovered that the people of Nebraska, although much more conservative than Minnesota, are mostly warm and friendly and very accepting of a newcomer.  Finding a new job was scary at age 67, but I found one I truly enjoyed--working with the young children of immigrants.  While their parents were learning English, my co-worker and I were marveling at how we connected with these bright, happy, enthusiastic, and sometimes challenging kids.  I miss them a lot!  On my last day with them, I received hugs and sweet, loving gifts from several parents.  One of the parents took a picture of me with some of the kids and the other parents.  I couldn't hold back the tears.  I loved this job, the young kids I shared part of the day with, the parents, and my co-worker.  No one could have had a better person to work with.  We put a lot of energy into what we did, and it was worth every ounce of it. Kids matter--A LOT! I will always remember the wonderful people I worked with and the kind, loving, parents who trusted us with their children.  Over the holidays the parents made beautiful handmade cards for us with personal messages of thanks.  Both my co-worker and I were moved to tears.

My time in Nebraska was not long--in fact, less than six months.  I anticipated that it would be a lifetime, but that was not to be.  I'm still sad and heartbroken at times, and I guess that's natural since I've only been back home 17 days.  I'm happy to see my daughter and grandson again and live with them until I can get some semblance of order in my life.

I'm not sure if I would make the same decision about moving again.  To be honest, I rather doubt it, but I've always been somewhat of a risk taker.  I'm still a strong believer in the power of love and commitment, and I hope that one day I'll discover that again. But whatever direction my life takes, I can't think of a better place to live than the Twin Cities.  Yes, it gets cold in the winter, but if you love natural beauty and friendly people, progressive ideas, and diversity, it's a wonderful place to live.  RETURNING HOME--it has a different ring to it now!