"Good bye, old thing!" I think as I pat my sweet, sweet pup on the head as I pack up to leave. Tears well up as I hug my mom and dad for the last time this trip. Home. I'm leaving again soon, and it aches. My brain isn't working right as I think of how much I will miss these moments, and all I want to do is stay.

I know it all sounds a little silly because I'll be back again so, so soon, but I can't help but be dramatic. I am a homebody, and I love my tribe. I love the quiet sunshine in the morning before any one else is up. I love the sound of my dog's paws clicking on the tile. I love the smell of home cooking and the sound of my parent's chatter in the kitchen. I love being two yards away from my brother. I love the sound our gas stove makes as it heats up the kettle. I love the sound of a train whistle late at night. I love the sight of the Mississippi River as I cross over the bridge on my way home. I love the journey home. I love home, and I cannot help it.

I guess we find new homes throughout life. We find home in friendship, love, work, and all of that mushy stuff. I think it's powerful though, to find a home away from home. Although, we all wander away from the nest at some point or another, we always find our way back to a home. Everyone deserves that chance.

So as I leave home for a little while again, I'm fighting to take in all of the things I love and opening my heart up to other pieces of home.

Until next time,

Meg, the homebody