HOMEWARD? KEEP THE DREAM ALIVE WITH KINDNESS

Homeward bound is the life goal, the journey that starts new every day.

Who wants to go home? You’re home now, but it doesn’t feel right? If it doesn’t feel like home, then it’s not home.

Being confused is normal. Home means something different to everyone.

For instance:

One idea of home is the place with loved ones present. Except the loved ones have passed and won’t be walking through that door anytime soon.

That’s a problem with a big old hole right in the middle. What’s the solution?

Missing important people in your life is a reminder of who they were. Keep their spirit alive by sharing what made them special to you.

Wear a favorite color, cook a favorite meal, visit their favorite places.

The sad part of missing them turns into the joy they brought. The joy is still around even if they’re not. Finding joy is the map of homeward bound

Pay It Forward Unless

This is where the idea of homeward bound takes a turn. Families can be complicated. We still miss them even if mom and dad were rotten to the core.

Would you miss your dad if he ran a dog fighting ring? Miss momma if she was in identity thief?

Somebody would miss them, but with a big scoop of forgiveness.

A crusty old man in town used to walk around with his sour face screwed into permanent displeasure. I saw him around, then met him when my dog ran off.

The old man had a Lost Dog sign near his house so I knocked on the door. Turns out my dog was in their back yard chained to a stake. Ten other dogs were chained to a fence on either side of the yard.

Pitbulls. I’d read The Feast of Snakes by Harry Crews. It gave a rundown on how dogs are bred to fight to the death. They learn by practicing. My dog was up for a test by the looks of things.

I don’t think anyone misses that guy.

= = =

I heard about a woman in prison for identity theft. Her dad explained it like this:

She met a dashing rich man who made her feel special. He was a little older and from another country.

She didn’t know what he did for a living until everything fell apart. He was a big player in an international identity theft ring. She was his girlfriend, then his fall guy.

With the police on the way, he explained what he needed her to do and say. She did it and said it. If she didn’t take the fall, her boyfriend said his associates would visit her friends and family and she’d never see them again.

Not exactly a threat, but it sounds bad.

And that’s how I found myself in the Coffee Creek Correctional Facility parking lot responding to a speaker on a pole asking me to, “State your business.”

I didn’t say I was looking for a way to be homeward bound.

Neither did the woman’s dad who had trouble remembering her name.

Memories Of Homeward Bound

I think of the people I’ve met who could have been a little better.

The old man with the dog farm was also a senior Olympic walker. As a competitive athlete he stood out. As a pet owner he was pathetic. His wife was part of his plan, too.

The man with a daughter in prison seemed like a guy with a loose connection to his kids. He might be a guy who doesn’t know his kids’ names, or if they exist. One of those guys.

We are all on a homeward bound journey of yearning and longing for a place that doesn’t show up on any maps.

Use the good part of remembering who we’ve shared the journey with. Other people might need a little light shined for them. Help them take a good step.

You didn’t get where you are by yourself. Share some of the experiences that made you a better person.

I’d like to hear about it. Leave a good one in comments.