Fond Farewell

March is already upon me in full force, so I am finishing the final details for my first camping trip of the year.  This is becoming a ritual as the month usually brings about my first outing in to God's country...nature.  Reflecting on where I camped about this time last year, I remember staying in my maternal Grandmother's house in Austin prior to taking off to the state park.  Not realizing my mother and her siblings would sell the house a few months later, this would be the last time I would ever set foot in the house.  This place holds very fond memories of Thanksgiving dinners and exchanging gifts at Christmas with family.  Through all the wonderful memories, my grandmother and her home acted as an anchor and an oasis in the Austin area, always drawing me to seek refuge and solace in her home.  One final act, prior to dropping the key in the mailbox never to become one with this "home" again, was to watch the movie A River Runs Through.  Was this coincidence or a subconscious symbolic act?  As the man reflected upon his life at the end of the movie, I was unaware of the finality of my stay over the course of the previous few days.  Upon leaving for the state park, I left a part of me in the house.  It is with a great treasure chest of memories I finally bid my warmest and fondest farewell to one of my childhood homes.  I love you Grandmother!  Thank you for always having a home for me to come to in time of need and want.

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