30 August, 2006 | Leave a Comment
I’m getting ready to head to the airport in Philadelphia — my flight to London leaves this evening. I’m rather terrified of flying and the current state of alert doesn’t help, but right now I’m only feeling slightly anxious. I just want to get back to London, then Paris and on with life. Still, if you’re so inclined, please think happy thoughts for me today.
On Monday when I was in New York, I went to Battery Park to view the Statue of Liberty. It’s been ages since I’ve seen her in person. I intended to take a few snaps and leave, but as I looked at the Statue of Liberty — the ultimate iconic symbol of everything that is good about America — it hit me that I’ve travelled the country from coast to coast over the past five weeks, from Los Angeles to New York and places in-between. This was not by design — I simply wanted to visit my friends and family and this is where that path took me. But it’s been a trip — and I mean that in many different ways.
The first half of 2006 was difficult for me in many ways, due to some personal issues. I had planned to stay in London for the summer but then at the last minute decided to go home for a visit. Sometimes those split-second decisions are the best ones. I hoped that seeing my family and friends would rejuvenate me. And now that the trip is over, I can tell you that I’ve never felt more loved. I don’t know what I’ve done to deserve such treatment, but it’s meant the world to me.
My parents are remarkable people. They went out of their way to take care of me and make sure I had a good time. My whole family has been patient with me and looked out for my well-being and nurtured me. My friends William and Drew welcomed me into their home, going above and beyond what any friends could be expected to do. My friends J and T hosted me in their home as well, my friend Anita took the train up from DC to see me and my friend S flew to New York to meet up with me for a few days. My homecoming actually meant something to the people in my life and I won’t soon forget that.
I also had interesting conversations with both my grandmothers — one of them in person, one by telephone. While they both worried about me moving so far away, they also encouraged me to go. My dad’s mother told me that she wished she’d had the kinds of opportunities I’m having to see the world and experience new cultures. Very few women of her generation had the opportunity to pack up and move to Paris or even do anything besides get married young and have kids. This made me think about my current circumstances in a new way.
With all of these people in my life, I sometimes wonder why I’m moving to a country where I know virtually no one. In many ways it doesn’t make sense. But perhaps I’m going because all of these relationships have nurtured my confidence and my sense of adventurousness. I have the support of many people who care about me and the value of this cannot be underestimated. I will carry the memories of this summer with me for a long time. Thanks everyone. Big hug.
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Lillie Says:
August 30th, 2006 at 4:29 pmHave a safe journey, my friend!
