A Visit Home

I’m currently back in my home state of Indiana, visiting with family. My husband is PCSing to Korea next month, (you can read more about that here), and we decided a visit home was incredibly overdue. So far, we get to come back to the Midwest about once a year, so it’s always nice to get away from the hustle and bustle of installation living every now and again.

It’s been a good change to come home during the summer. We normally visit around the holidays. It’s rare that I’m here for warm weather, along with family reunions and certain events that only happen during the summer time. I got to go to a Major League Baseball game for the first time with my parents, sisters, and uncles. The Chicago Cubs and  Chicago White Sox played a good game, and it was a fun change of scenery, especially since I normally don’t stick around in Chicago any longer than to drive through it. Plus, I was able to spend a more extended period of time with my uncles, which doesn’t happen very often anymore.

I also got the chance to go to my brother-in-law’s high school graduation party and a family reunion. I’ve been missing out on family reunions for a few years now, so it’s great to have gone to one. It was very nice to see my cousins also. It has been even harder to visit with them because they live a few hours away, and when I’m able to come for a visit, I don’t always have the time to make it there to see them.

I’m reminded of how much life I sometimes miss out on when I’m far away from family members, so it’s special to reengage in those moments and interact with one another.

Another fun thing I’ve gotten to experience are summer thunderstorms. Even though the Pacific Northwest is notorious for the amount of rain it gets, thunder and lightning storms are a true rarity, in my experience.The first days I was in town there were thunderstorms. It was so different to see heavy rain and lightning again. I never thought I would miss seeing things like bad weather, but I guess when you don’t see it for a few years it kind of becomes a novelty.

Visits always seem to have somber notes. They go by much too fast, and this time, there is another long separation on the horizon, inching its way closer and closer. Though I don’t look forward to it, I’m anxious for it to start so it can work on ending. I’m happy I was able to visit my family this year, and I was able to spend some quality time with them.

I hope all of you reading get the chance to be with your families whenever the opportunity arises. It’s very special to go home!

What are some things you get to do when you go home for a visit? Are there any unique geographical situations in your hometown that makes living at your duty station different? Sound off in the comments below!