Mom came back from China. As I type she’s about 45 minutes away from me in San Francisco, yet here I sit. I didn’t go see her. Feeling kind of guilty, but her plane came in so early (8:30 is early for me! Considering I’d have to get 4 kids up and OUT by 7:30), she wouldn’t be there long, and there’s no telling whether or not she’d be delayed. I was figuring chances were pretty good she’d be delayed, coming all the way from CHINA. So I’m here. She’s there. She did call, though, and it was wonderful to hear her voice. And I think I heard something in her voice. Accomplishment, self-appreciation, pride, some of the sassiness that girls get when they spend a lot of time together (she went with 2 good friends), whatever it is, she sounded different. I know she was scared to go, but she says she’s SO glad she did. I think it changed her somehow, time will tell the extent of it.

My mom. She’s always lived in the same state, within 45 minutes of her mom, except for a few months spent going to college in Hawaii. She hasn’t done a ton of traveling. I think this was huge. She’s nearly 60 and I think this has been a long time coming. My dad. He missed her. My brother says he’s been moping around the house all month. Listless, mentally off in his own world. He called me recently and told me how lonely he is without her. I’ve always admired the way my dad loves my mom. It’s kind of cute to see how lost he is without her.

I’m hoping I’ll be there in a few weeks so I can see all the pics, hear all the stories, witness first-hand this new woman back from China, hold baby Emily and take a million pictures of her, go to the family reunion, eat some Kaysville Corn (fresh from Dad’s garden), and of course fit in some scrap-related activities while I’m there. Welcome back, Mom. Can’t wait to see you.