Or so the Cornhusker fight song goes! Now Nebraska is probably not on most people’s bucket list of places to visit, but it’s home to me and that’s why I keep going back. I just returned from my fifth trip home to Nebraska in 12 months, definitely a record since moving to Florida 16 years ago. This trip combined so many life events into one ten-day span; it made me reel with emotion. So when considering how to put this into a blog, I thought I would just share some precious “snapshots” and my related reflections on what home means to me…

My first morning in town, our family gathered at my dear Aunt Marge’s graveside to lay her to rest before attending her memorial service. The sun was shining as her eight grandsons served as pallbearers and moved her casket into place. My mind traveled back to ten months ago when my three sons served as pallbearers for their beloved Uncle Ty. As my cousin Steve opened it up for family members to pray, my father’s prayer touched me deeply. He had known Marge longer than any of us, friends since he married the second “Smith sister” in 1957. Her first husband, Don Peterson, was one of his closest friends, as well as his business partner and mentor in real estate. I remember how hard he took his sudden death from the plane accident over 30 years ago. As we started heading to our cars, my nephew Tyler and his new bride were heading over to visit my mom’s grave. My daughter and I joined them and placed a red rose from her sister’s casket on her marker. Three of the four Smith sisters are now together at home in heaven.

We gathered at the Fremont Golf Club following the memorial service. It was my Aunt Marge’s wish that a luncheon be held there for her friends. My Aunt Marge defined hospitality, and she would not have wanted paper plates and plastic tableware for her funeral lunch! The Fremont Golf Club is a special part of my family history. My brother and I spent many summers at the pool (the diving boards still look the same).  My children and their cousins remember grandma taking them to the same pool, and getting to buy treats at the concession stand during the hourly “rest break”.  My dad’s retirement party was held here the year before my mom passed away.  It’s no surprise how much I missed my mom this day, seeing so many of the friends her and Marge shared, and remembering all the happy times at this place.

Aunt Marge lived the past 45 years on Lake Ventura in Fremont.  Her home has been the extended family’s gathering place every Easter, 4th of July, and Christmas for as long as I can remember. The 4th of July was always one of Aunt Marge’s favorite holidays, given her deep love of God and country. Her gooey baked beans and delicious southern potato salad defined comfort food at this holiday. So it was bittersweet this year as we carried on all of her 4th of July traditions without her physical presence. From the impressive Lake Ventura fireworks to making my obligatory trip around the lake on one ski, it was so wonderful to be back home for the 4th after a 16-year absence. This may be our final 4th at the lake, so I relished every moment and really gave thanks in my heart for the wonderful memoires I have. As I held my little grandniece Violet on our boat ride, I didn’t want it to end.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A road trip ensued the next day to the state next door, Missouri, as my son and I drove to meet our newest member of the family, Parker Darr! Born exactly one month ago on June 4th, he was ready to meet his Nana and Uncle Spencer. As I could have predicted, Parker stole my heart, and the hours spent rocking him and playing with him flew by too quickly. He is one blessed little guy, with a mother and father that are so devoted to his care. With the year I’ve had, this by far tops the “happy” chart in my heart. Thank you Jesus the gift of grandchildren! I pray I can live up to the high standard my own mother set as a grandmother.

Another special part of being home was visiting The Hope Center for Kids that my brother founded 17 years ago. This summer my daughter Ali has been on staff, working with the young children. It was so fun to have her introduce me to the little girls she has been serving! I am always filled with sisterly pride as I walk through the halls and see the many faces that Hope is impacting. As I sat in the Executive Director’s office, which used to be my brother’s office, I pondered whether I would ever be called back home to help carry his vision in some capacity? It would certainly be an honor.

Friday night brought the final celebration of my nephew Tyler and Jaclyn’s wedding festivities! We attended their destination wedding in Cancun the prior month, but now it was time to throw a party back home for their friends. Terri’s dear friends beautifully decorated the venue and after some toasting, the dancing began. It was so wonderful to see the bride and groom enjoying the many friends and family that gathered to honor their union. I’m so incredibly grateful to God that He provided both a joyous celebration in Cancun, followed by a fun night back in Omaha to celebrate this union.

My final night in Nebraska amazingly enough was the night of my 40 year class reunion. I thought I would go and probably chat with people for an hour or two. Four hours later I finally was heading out the door, after visiting with many classmates, some that dated back to Kindergarten at Clarmar School! It’s so funny how 40 years erases all of the cliques and hierarchies found in high school. I know we all were grateful to gather and reminisce about being the bicentennial class of 1976 from Fremont High and the friendships forged during those years!

A most precious and sacred part of my time back home, was visiting Ty and Terri’s graveside at Evergreen Cemetery. The beautiful headstone is now in place, and as I sat on the ground before it, I had myself a “Forest Gump and Jenny” session and told them how incredibly proud they would be of each of their four children. The tears flowed, and the reality still seems hard to grasp, and I would give anything to be sitting at their kitchen table, instead of in front of their headstone. How I miss them, the warmth of their friendship, their unconditional love and support.

And now I’ve been back “home” in Florida for the week, and with it comes the reality of challenges I’m facing in my new single life. As I walked into my townhome with my suitcase last Sunday night, I was overcome with emotion. I don’t like coming home to an empty house.

In my little home church this morning, the subject of home came up. And my pastor’s wife made the statement, “I want Jesus to be at home in me…” Then driving home the Bethel song “Home” came on, and these lyrics caught my attention:

I’ve made for you a home
A place where love can grow and be found
Draw to me Jesus
I’ve made my heart a home
My love is Jesus
My love is You alone

And tears filled my eyes as God assured me that I WILL always have a home with Him. I must do my part to make my heart a home to His love, and He will provide the strength and comfort I need. I know it sounds so simple. But after the emotions of my trip home, it’s a message I needed to grasp.