Epi-blogue

I didn't expect there would be more. I thought that our story had ended when we stepped through the jetway gate where (unfortunately!) the biggest transition there was the physical change from 'alert' to 'exhausted'. 

But that was before the 27 hour return from Japan finally found us back at Fernwood Circle shortly before midnight on the same day we left Tokyo. (Funny how that works!) Even in the darkness, we could see that the story wasn't quite over. We would spend the next week discovering an abundance of homecoming surprises. 

First there were the  banners...Welcome Home! Welcome Home! Welcome Home! Across the doorway, between the posts, even in the house! Then the flowers on the porch, a six-pack of Chris's favorite beer, a box of fresh oranges. Wouldn't that seem more than enough? 

We entered a perfectly cleaned house to find more fresh flowers and a countertop overflowing with our favorite foods and fresh fruit - plenty to stave off a dreaded trip to the grocery store the next morning.  Isn't that thoughtful?! The light of day revealed a collection of potted herbs, a miniature decorative torii cleverly hidden among the basil.

And then!  The Welcome-Homers themselves! This past week has been a happy, hazy blur of visitors, eager to assure us that we don't look one bit tired and that things here look 'great' despite the apparent explosion of boxes and luggage in our once 'perfectly cleaned' house. We have loved it all and it has been great to catch up!

Patrick's kindergarten friends give him
his own personal welcome back

We are truly blessed. We know this! Surprised and humbled, too. Our transition from Japan to the U.S. has been so gentle and kind, with all the care of a newborn being passed from one set of hands to another. Our hearts are yet again full of gratitude - not only for those who kindly sent us on our way, but for all those who made our return through the torii gate a memorable and special end to this story. Thank you for this!