November 29, 2014. Ridgeland, Mississippi. Home Again.

Molly is a talker. She spent the flights home describing to Christina what she was going to do when she arrived at her home. This week was a bit of a marvel for Molly. She loved every aspect of every day, from swimming from 9:00 to the cocktail parties in our suite. She especially enjoyed getting her own drinks from the swim up bar. And she was outspoken about how much she was enjoying the week. But it was a marvel listening her describe her return home. First she was going to lie on her bed and hug each stuffed animal. Then she was going to walk around the whole house to be sure everything is still in place. Her list was endless. We all love the feeling of returning home after a vacation, but we no longer get excited. Listening to Molly as I eavesdropped from across the isle, I was reminded how special returning home really is. Her joy was consuming. On the way home from the airport, Molly was asking about decorating the house for Christmas. Christina was not specific. As we drove up into the driveway, Molly exclaimed "There is a Christmas tree in our living room". We laughed and thought she was making a joke. But there really was a Christmas tree in the living room. In their absence, Christina's Mother had purchased and installed a tree, all ready to be decorated. It was the best Welcome Home gift anyone ever had. Everyone was thrilled with the tree and thrilled to be home, especially Molly.