Going home

Happy day y'all!!

I need to share "going home" with you and how I got there yesterday. What a trip it has been.

It actually started last Tuesday when my mom had surgery in Memphis. My parents actually live in AR, but the specialist was in Memphis so that is where you go. That worked out good for me because they were that much closer to me. I'm in TN. So I thought it would work out good.

So, the surgery was Tuesday and my family and I had decided that with my brother and dad being there on Tuesday that I would wait and come on Thursday. Mom said things like...."I won't even remember you being there. It will be crowded with everyone just staring at me asleep. And, blah blah blah."

Ok, so I thought I was fine with coming on Thursday to see her for myself and with my own two little eyes.

Thursday morning came and I was so excited to hop in the car and get the kiddos to school and off I would be. However, the phone rang at 7:05 Thursday morning and the plans changed.

Mom: "Fran? Hey, it's me, mom. Guess what? I am going home this morning!"

Fran: freaking out and trying to remain calm and not cry...."WHAT???????!!!!!!!!!!" Ok, that's great mom. I'll check in with you later this afternoon." I was not happy.

At that point, I hung up the phone and just wanted to die! I missed the surgery. I missed the hospital stay. I missed it. Missed it. Missed it. Missed it.

Needless to say, this was so much harder on me than I ever imagined. I had been a bundle of nerves for weeks and then the whole thing came and went without me being there for my mom.

So, what's a daughter to do?? You head West over the weekend. This is what you do...you head home to see them.

And, that's exactly what I did. I didn't care if we just stared at one another or talked for hours and hours. I WAS GOING TO ARKANSAS!!!

I packed myself, my Bible study CD's, my fav music, and of course my camera and hit the road.




Is this cheesy or what?? I was a little excited. The grin is real.

Once I got to Memphis, I had to take a picture of St. Jude. You have no idea how special that place is to me. I wish I could have stopped to see my friends, the Reams, when I came back through. I pray for you all the time Chandler. Keep fighting kiddo!!!

Yeah baby...crossing the mighty Mississippi and headin into Arkansas!!

In Northeast Arkansas we grow cotton. It's "pickin time" so I was glad to capture the snow before they go make our cute tshirts and stuff.

This is a shot of my High School football field and athletic building. It was our 20 yr reunion this weekend and I missed it. :(

Here I am pulling into the driveway of "home." I can't tell you how excited I was to see mom. And, did I tell you it was a TOTAL SURPRISE!!!!

This is the church where I grew up and was married. Oh, the memories that flooded my mind today.

This is actually where I met my hubs. Believe it or not, I was on a treadmill and he asked who I was.....the rest is history.

My food for the trip home. NASTY huh?? At the time it was good. :)

I had listened to the final session of "Stepping Up" on my way home and I looked at these clouds as my steps up with God for the rest of my life. The journey is far from over even if Bible study ends this week.

The last time God showed me a cross in the sky like this something big was on the horizon. Hmmmm....I think He and I are about to engage in a very special journey together. I'm so very excited.

Are you wondering about the pictures of me and my mom??? Didn't take any. She would have killed me!!! She looks fabulous, but not her best so I'll keep those pictures in my heart forever!!

The picture of seeing her face as I surprised her walking in the house was PRICELESS!!!

I love you mom. More than you'll ever know. "Going home" was a beautiful time and I'm thankful for all the good and the bad throughout the years. It only draws us closer to each other and to Jesus.

After I beat myself up over not being there for my mom on Tuesday, I was there for her. It just looked differently than I wanted.

Jesus and family are truly all that matters. Spend some quality time with both today.

Hugs and blessings....