Drive Home
Part II

As a child, My Mother took us on amazing road trips. Across the country to meet family, & to see historical sights. One of our stops was in Illinois, to see My Grandfather Culotta's Family. We stayed with Grandpa Culotta's Cousin, Dolly. I don't remember a whole lot. I just remember how nice everyone was, family reunion partys, catching fireflys, dealing with humidity, and seeing My first Amish!

2-3 Months Ago, I got a very strong impression that I needed to visit Aunt Dolly. I didn't know why. I just knew it was important. I called My Grandfather & got her information. I looked up the distance between us...and being a 4 hour drive one way, it just didn't seem logical. While mapping out our drive home, from Kentucky. I was beyond thrilled to see we would be driving right through Urbana, Illinois!! So 2 days before we left, I called Aunt Dolly & asked if we could stop by on Sunday Afternoon.

Ironically enough, it was exactly the half ways point!!

As soon as we pulled up, I knew which house it was. Very little had changed in the 16 years, since I had last been there. Aunt Dolly, Jodi & Lois all welcomed us. Everything seemed very familiar to me. Even the Corn being sky high in her backyard. Aunt Dolly, fed us Lunch, of what else but Salami Sandwiches & Cookies!! (just like grandpas) The kids played, & we visited for 3 hours. I was sad we had to leave so fast. I went to the bathroom before we left. And was even surprised I remembered My Mom giving us baths in the tub.

So why was it so important for us to go??
It was Simple.
And only one word comes to mind...

Comfort.

In 16 Years a lot has changed. There isn't a lot of places or things that are still the same. I have always had a difficult time with this. I was so sad to move from California to Boston. I loved Our house in Alta Loma, & just My Life in general. My Parents assured me, that a Home was just a place. And as long as we were all together our New Home would feel like Home. After a few years it eventually did. My Mothers 9 1/2 Year Battle with Cancer came to a end. When she died, it felt extremely Empty and Hallow at Home. Everything was as it was, while she was alive.
Except it was missing one Key thing...

Her.

Alan & I had gotten Married. After 1 1/2 Years we started a Family. It was extremely comforting to me, to think of Coming Home, as the last place my family had been all together. Showing My Children, parts of there Grandmothers life, visiting her Grave, & just seeing things that reminded me of all the happy Memory's. I loved going into her closet, running my fingers over her clothing, taking in the scent, and just being reminded of how she left them last. Home almost felt sacred now. It was where she spent her last moments on earth. My Dad moved to Kentucky with David. I was heartbroken. Because spending time in that House again was going to be nearly impossible. Fast forward to Present time. This was My First Visit to Kentucky. My Dad & Debra were very Welcoming. Even though most of the same Furniture is in the New House. I felt uneasy. It did not feel like home. In fact it felt like a Strangers House. And it took me a little off guard.

When I have the opportunity of visiting my Grandpa Culotta's Home, it has that same sacredness. Perhaps its because My Grandmother spent her last moments on earth in her home. Or because My Aunt Cynthia, does such a wonderful job keeping things as My Grandmother did. Its Comforting to have and to be around things of someone you love.

With all of the chaos of moving to Iowa. Being far away from Family. And discovering somewhere new. I have learned the importance of a Sacred Home. It is so nice to feel Comfort when you least expect it. I love being reminded of My Mother. Home really is where the Heart Is...

We figured out the last time we were here, Mallory was Savannah's age!!
We took a photo on her porch before we left...Jodi holding Savannah, Aunt Dolly, & Lois.

It seems Ideal that the same chair is still on her Porch...
I like to think that My Mother, was sitting on that Chair for these picture.