I’m on the “L.I. double-R” into the city. Running since 1844, New Yorkers climb aboard in the thousands to take the Long Island Railroad every morning into Manhattan from places like Patchogue, Massapequa, Islip & Babylon. Mine was the 6:37 train. I’ll get into Penn Station a little after 8.
Admiring the lush green from the backwards-facing train car, I reflect on Thalia’s statement last night before she went to bed. In tears, “I wanna go home” creeps out between dramatic gasps for air. She explained how at first she was crying because Jaden hit her in the head, mad after thinking Thalia stole one of his blankets. Then, after a classic Jaden apology and an “I love you” from her little brother, she began to feel sad about missing San Gabriel, school, church, friends...
I did my best to console and describe that home is not limited by house. After some level of success I let Arlene close the deal, as Moms can uniquely do. After a good snuggle session, the girls ended up planning our first visit back to California, complete with stops at all the places Thalia was missing: that’s genius-level parenting.
Maybe its just like me on the LI Double R, seeing creation’s finest through pane glass. We’re going 80 miles an hour when the dew drops & nestled, cascading streams of liquid peace are crying for hours of quality time. 3 days before we left LA I got a speeding ticket on my way to Old Town Pasadena. I was going 46 in a 30 on Colorado Blvd. Arlene & I had plenty of time...no rush to return a cable I didn’t need from Apple. Ironic that I was in the middle of a Jonah-like prayer in the belly of my leviathon-like Toyota Rav-4, pouring my heart out about submission to God’s plan, the move, our marriage. Guess I didn’t notice how my foot kept descending as my soul ascended, how the physical pressure increased as the emotional pressure decreased. Alleviation, acceleration, concentration, exultation.
Regardless of self-reflexive, rear-facing thoughts on stretched-out allegories, this train is still moving. It makes its stops but only for a moment. My only exit is at the end of the line. My ticket is 1-way and it’s paid in full. I’ll see you there.
Posts
yet another wonderful story. Wow John I have to say, you're a compelling and fascinating writer! I wish I can write like this :)
ReplyDeleteAwww tell Thalia and Jaden we love them - I miss their hugs at church too. :) I'm sure that with your combined 'genius-level parenting' they'll be able to adapt quickly. ;) Hope you're both getting your needs met as well. I bet the brothers and sisters out there are pretty awesome!! We look forward to seeing you guys there or here - whichever comes first! ;P
PS: Hello Arlene, I miss you so much! <3
Wow... That was...
ReplyDeleteWow...
When you say that home is so much more than just the place, I know exactly what you mean, and yet in my heart I can't help but agree with Thalia... I wonder if God meant for us to get so attached and sentimental, or if it's a result if the fall... I wonder if he feels sentimental about the temple mount or that one bush in the desert... Maybe....