there's no place like home

"there's no place like home" was the theme of what I said when getting up in front of my Grandfather's funeral to say a few things. During the visiting hours, a few of us stood up and talked...memories about Grandpa. 

Throughout my life, Grandpa was known for saying this-"there's no place like home". He hated to leave his home. Even before Gramma passed, he'd prefer to be at home but he would come to the lake to spend weekends with us and now looking back-wow how tough that was for him especially since my Gramma was in a wheelchair suffering from MS. But with a kind smile on her face and a heart of gold. "She took the expressway to heaven", said my Aunt Diann while giving the eulogy today. 

So, I moved around quite a bit after college; Chicago, Boston and then Cincinnati. Loving all of the new adventures.....and when I would stop by Grandpa's house when I was home I'd ask him about his visits up north or to Atlanta to see Aunt Diann or what not, and his usual reply was, "there's no place like home". 

It wasn't until after my parents passed and then recently while on our trip to Europe that I found this to be so true and finally understood what my Grandfather meant. There is truly no place like home-comfort, stability, warmth and love. I'd give anything to go "home" these days. To be hugged and loved without being judged and to have that feeling again when your parents are so proud of something you've done. The unconditional love you get when you're at home is just priceless. It's something I miss everyday. I want to share Elle with my Parents and Grandparents, who've known me all of my life. 

We had a fabulous time on our European trip- truly days I will never forget but it's funny there would be moments where I was homesick. Homesick to phone Mom and Dad to tell them about what we saw for the day, homesick to hold my Daughter and homesick just to be home. 

I thanked my Grandfather for saying something so simple to me repeatedly and now that he is gone I hold that saying so near and dear to my heart and Grandpa, I couldn't agree with you more, "there's no place like home....12th street for you and Meyer Avenue for me". But I pray that now my Parents, you and Grams are sitting around up there, happy and relaxed and saying out loud, "there's no place like THIS home......".  Well, you're home for good now Grandpa...........give them the biggest hug for me would ya? 

These last two days brought back terrible memories and it made it very difficult to celebrate the 90 years my Grandfather lived. But I know he understands.........I needed them here for this.

Thank you again to my family and friends for being there for us........flowers, bringing food, calling, emails....thank you. As sad as this post makes me, I had to uplift it somewhat with pictures of Elle. She brightens our days and lots of friends and family got to hold her these last few days. (Aunt Christina, Auntie Ray, Uncle Josh and great Aunt Kim...just to name a few...)