Home

I am driving in the car with my sister Melissa and her husband Kyle. I am sitting in the back seat of their van, with their dog Shay. Many smells have permeated the car, but the worst so far has been Shay’s gas. It really is intoxicating. But…I’ll take it any day, because I am headed back to Richmond, to my home.

This will be my first time home since I’ve come here to JMU. I don’t think I could be more excited. I’m almost curious to see how it will feel. Despite the close relationships I have with both of my parents, I have talked to them very little. I have this nervous, excited feeling you get when you haven’t seen someone in a very long time.

My parents and I have always been really close. My mom was a stay-at-home mom and we are best friends. She does everything she can for me and she is really like my home base. I feel safe and comfort whenever I am in her company. My dad is also my best friend. He always wants to hear everything I say, and is always excited about my life and what I am learning. He is so wise, and I could talk, and listen, to him for hours. I have missed my parents more than I ever thought I could.

Autumn is the best time in our house. I guess it’s because my mom puts so much time into decorating the house. I can picture my house right now. It makes me so excited. I walk up the sidewalk greeted by a large autumn wreath on the red front door. Stepping in to the house I am hit with the strong smell of my home. It is not a bad smell, its not a fragrant smell, its just a good smell…and I cannot wait to smell it. I see orange, brown, and tan Yankee candles in burning in every room. Passing the kitchen I am hit with the aroma of some amazing recipe my mom is cooking.

This weekend is going to be so fun. In about thirty minutes I have “girl’s night” with my mom and three sisters. Tomorrow we have a baby shower for my sister Melissa. It will be a great weekend. My family is home to me. And being brought back home, after a long time away, simply, makes a large smile spread across my face.