Home: 375 Days Later

For the first time in 375 days and over 100 different beds, I have finally made it home and fallen asleep in a bed that I once slept in before. That’s the final count of days, 375 days from the day I left my house in Baraga on September 8th, 2006 to returning here tonight. Of course there are several changes. I know longer have MY bedroom. Since I left the walls and floor have all changed. It has turned into the office and guest bedroom. And the huge pine tree next to the driveway is gone now. Dusty, one of our beloved cats of 12 years, passed away a few weeks ago. And my mom even had to label the cupboards so I would know where to find dishes and the cereal. It’s home! And it feels the same as when I left. Although I am only one year older than when I left, I feel about ten years older. As for change, change becomes much more evident.

In addition to over 100 beds, there has also been over 100 showers that I have never used in my life. Finally, tonight I used a familiar shower. I didn’t have to figure out dials to find the perfect temperature and my towel was the closet one to the shower like always.

At times it was a long 375 days, particularly right in the middle of the trip. I remember talking to my good friend Stephanie online after she got home from a long day of work. Well everyone has that familiar feeling after a long day of work and arriving back home, so Stephanie said, “Ahh, home sweet home!” After 375 days I finally had that feeling again.

I MADE IT! I MADE IT HOME! This is the official end of the trip. From Baraga to Baraga in 375 days I have crammed more things into a year than what I thought was possible. This was truly a year of living every day to the fullest.

The Hometown Invasion Tour
September 8, 2006 to September 17, 2007