Haiti - The Love of Home

Haiti - The Love of Home - 11 April 2010

After 35 days in country, I arrived home from Haiti to the warm, open arms of my loving wife Christy and three of the four best kids in the world; Jonas, William, and Lauren Thursday night. Ironically, my return to Oregon 08 April 10, was the 24th birthday of Number One of four, Ricky, who welcomed me home in spirit from Rockland, Maine where he is a fisher of lob-sta’.

It is very, very good to be home – to a welcoming house with cats and a dog, a soft bed, and the sweet, sweet sounds of family; Jonas singing songs of KISS, William whistling, Lauren reading aloud, Christy calling my name – not in vain of course!

After makin’ up for some of the lost 35 days away, my first order of business Friday was to eat, eat, eat – first a breakfast of fresh eggs, home fries, toast along with brewed coffee; next came lunch, a large Greek salad tossed crisp with real feta, followed by Mexican for dinner. In between meals was Starbucks – Oh thank you Starbucks!!!

Also on my return menu was a blustery weekend of baseball and softball; Jonas played Friday and Saturday night; Saturday morning was softball with Lauren, while William played his team from last year – The Red Sox – Saturday afternoon.

Then it was Saturday date night with my lovely wife Christy – to the St. Ignatius School Benefit Auction – where my companion shined, the food was wonderful, and lots and lots of money was spent by people who just move decimals in life.

Sunday was lazy, sunny day with nothing to do but snuggle with Christy and the kids – and of course eat some more!

It’s been a grand homecoming. Lots of love, good cheer, and warm wishes from friends and family alike. It is indeed very, very good to be home – until when next I leave – as it is these memories that will carry me home yet again.

NOTE - Additional Haiti blog entries about such subjects as KITES and SOCCER BALLS for Haiti’s kids, The UN, Friends, The Way Forward, as well as My Return, will be posted in the coming days. Thanks to all for your love and support.