“If we are always arriving and departing, it is also true that we are eternally anchored. One’s destination is never a place but rather a new way of looking at things.” – Henry Miller
Heading back to Miami was a surreal experience. We’ve always considered this home, and In the eleven years that we’ve lived away from Miami (this time around), we’ve visited regularly. But driving into the city was something we’d not done in a really long time. And it’s hard to believe that we are going to “live” here again for the next couple of months.
As we drove in from the west, I started to feel a mix of excitement and sadness. Excitement at the prospect of seeing many friends and family once again and coming back to this familiar place where we spent our youth, went to high school and college, and got married. Sadness in remembering that both Hector’s father and my father and stepmother are gone and so won’t be here to greet us and that this place that we have so many memories of has changed and will never be the same as it was. And the two of us have also changed over the years. These changes are always a part of coming home.
We enter the city and I joke about how flat it is. Definitely no mountains. But we have the ocean. Then we encounter a few of the crazy drivers. It seems that there are more crazy drivers every time we come here. But they can be pretty entertaining with their creativity and gumption. And then we see the trees and especially fruit groves, and, in fact, our campsite is in a fruit grove. And here in the middle of winter, there is still lots of green.
We are most excited about seeing our friends and family. One of the things that has changed on this journey is that we have more time and don’t have to be constantly rushing around and so can meet with people at their convenience. At the same time we are able to stay out of their way when they are busy, since we have our own space on Island Girl.
Now Christmas has arrived and we’ve already spent fun times with friends and family; celebrating December birthdays, hosting dinners in Island Girl and going to holiday gatherings.
We’ve had a great opportunity to spend time with the nieces and nephews and other members of the next generation, many of which are now adults. This next generation never ceases to amaze me. They are a great combination of smart, funny, creative, athletic, thoughtful, wise, savvy and, yes, complicated people and we are very much enjoying them.
One of the greatest gifts we’ve received this season and along our journey has been to spend more time with people we love and we are very grateful for that.
It’s 15 degrees here in Denver and I finally took the time to read your blog. A little jealous of you being in warm Fla. What a wonderful experiance you two are having and we’ve really enjoyed reading about you travels. Brenda your writing skills are exceptional as are Hectors phots. Hector I didn’t realize you had such skills.(Just kidding) For us its nice to know that we had a part in helping you dream of being a fulltiners a reality by doing the interior of Island Girl. Be safe and God Bless
Bob & Donna
15 degrees, ouch! We’re definitely enjoying the warm weather – thanks for your nice comments! The interior of Island Girl looks great, we’re enjoying her very much. Glad you’re reading our blog, we’re having a lot of fun blogging. Happy New Year to both of you.
Beautiful! Merry Christmas, you two! And Angel girl, too! Love, Rebecca
Thanks for the Christmas card. I just got caught up on your blog and was so touched by your re-entry to Miami. I hope your journey continues to bring you new adventures and treasured memories. I miss seeing you.
Happy New Year. Much love, Joyce
Thanks, Joyce. The drive to Florida was like a step back in time. We are very much enjoying the time with family and friends. Miss you too. Happy New Year. Hug, Brenda
Where’s the next stop?
We’re not going too far, will be in Ft. Lauderdale for a month – Hector’s sister is there and I have a niece and her family there and we’ll be staying in a great park. Then, two weeks deep in the Everglades and a month in Key West. The ultimate Florida experience. I know it’s far in advance, but we may stop in Denver on the way to the West coast in the late fall, depends on weather. Take care, Brenda
Sounds wonderful. If you do come back to Denver please let me know. I am sure many people will want to see you. I’ll be one of them.