There's no place like home...

My parents are finally, thankfully, back in their house. Lightning struck their house and caused an attic fire in early June. They've lived in a hotel ever since. After much frustration, delay, and a massive test of patience, they are finally back home. It's not the same home they left and still needs some finish work, but it is their home nonetheless. Their own space. Their own bed. Their own bathroom. They've gotten through this ordeal with the help of my brother and his girlfriend, other family members, and wonderful family friends. I am so thankful they've had all these wonderful people. I constantly send my positive thoughts and vibes, but I am too far away to be of any real help at all.

Far-flung families are pretty common these days. My family members are not as spread out as many others. Still, there are times that I wish everyone were just a skip away. With my parents facing all those boxes and boxes of unpacking, it would be nice if I could just pop over and help out awhile. When my brother and his girlfriend have a cookout/party, it would be great to pop over and have a beer with them. When my older daughter has a bad week, it would be great to pop over and give her a real hug. For the most part, I'm used to having some of those I love farther away. But...there are still those times that I miss them. There will be more of this separation to come in the future, so I'll keep working on it.