Going Home
Monday, August 9, 2010 at 5:24AM Bob here. It's been a while since I've written much on the blog. I somehow lost my voice after I returned from working in Los Angeles in April -- not sure why. I've left most of the heavy-blog-lifting to Brenna lately. I would shoot and edit video and post photos, but the writing... nothing seemed to come.
Today is our last full day of travel and tomorrow we return to Los Angeles. I felt like if I didn't put my thoughts down here, right now, I'd regret it later.
I've been so fortunate this year. The time I've had with my family, the things we've seen and done, and the people we've met -- it's all been a gift. I'm trying to balance the feeling of, "It's over now," with, "What's next?" What will the next chapter be? I mean - after the inevitable whirlwind of re-entry, buying cars, finding a place to live, figuring out the new routine (again) and reconnecting with friends. We've done some variation on this theme nearly a dozen times this past year. That's the easy part.
My greatest fear is forgetting what I've learned this year. To take time to be with my family, to experience life with them. I know, now, that I don't have to quit my job and leave everything behind to be able to share life together. But, it's not something I was very good at before we left. To stop and have a conversation with a stranger, to appreciate the differences and find the commonalities. To be able to breath deep and face the uncertainties and know that everything will be all right -- whatever all right looks like. To be able to change plans, when plans A, B & C don't pan out, and walk away feeling like plan D was the best of all.
I think in a word, it all comes down to buoyancy. I've had it all year. Whatever we faced, I was able to bounce back, be in the moment and enjoy the day (mostly). I don't want to lose it. I'm going to try hard.
Bob Redpath | 13 Comments | Email Article | Stumble, Digg, etc. | in Peru, essays | tagged going home, travel bouyancy
Reader Comments (13)
Excellent lessons learned!
Be the Buoyancy! :)
Alright! Sounds like we'll see more of Bob at the picnic table....
Welcome back
I'll miss these blogs and vicarious journeys - I especially related to Scotland and Peru where you rekindled memories of my travels - welcome back to LA - and remember - you can make some of those cultural connections here in this most heterogeneous city. Looking forward to seeing you at UUCSC.
Brenna, my wife and I have followed your trek since the beginning and have enjoyed it thoroughly. Having travelled extensively ourselves, we can only feel ever so slightly sorry for you at this point. Not because you have come to the end of your journey (please enjoy your homecoming) - but because in three weeks you will be dying for more.
Well, on a selfish note, can't wait for you guys to be back! But, wow, what a beautiful blog...all of them. And what amazing gifts to come away with. And I thought I was jealous of you guys BEFORE!!
oxox
Bob -
I think that you have learned the lesson that ALL of us try to remember every day - BE THANKFUL FOR WHAT WE HAVE and SIEZE EVERY MOMENT TO SMILE, LAUGH, LOVE & BE LOVED!!! As a person living in the rat race, it is SO HARD to take time to "smell the roses" so-to-speak. To talk to that person that smiles at you, even though you might ... god-forbid... be a minute late to where you are going....to take time to NOTICE the sunrise and the sunset, the beauty of the skyline, the flowers on the side of the road we are whizzing past, the sun in the sky with the beautiful clouds around it .... To LOVE our friends and families and make sure that they know we do ... to appreciate and embrace the world and love around us. These are all skills that we bring into this life, and sometimes lose along the way. If we are lucky, we re-acquire them and let them take us back to the place where we can appreciate the true meaning of life. That is the BEAUTY of Europe and other countries in my opinion... Time moves at a different pace there. We just have to remember that we CAN make it move at a different pace in our lives too, if we care enough to do so! I am so proud of all of you for making this journey, and so inspired by all the lessons you have passed on to us through the year. I have loved following my dear family, and cannot wait to get the skinny in person. I LOVE that you all had the courage to do this, and that you changed all of your lives in the best of ways.
I LOVE ALL OF YOU SOOO!!! I can't wait to see you!
LIVE - LOVE - LAUGH - GROOVE!!! : )
Cynthia
Bob,
When we talked the last time you were at the studio, you said I was one of the people that inspired you to take the journey. Well, by finishing you trek you've inspired me. I've loved reading your blog and I hope you continue with another voyage into uncertainty!
Brenna,
I have absolutely loved getting "to know" your wonderful family! Your husband, Bob, reminds me so much of your father!!!
Your children are delightful- - - -what more can I say? You- - - -well, you write so well! I feel as if I have been with you on this wonderful and exciting journey!!!
Pat Brooks
Selmer, TN
Hey Brenna, up for teaching a social studies class at WISH on Cultures Around the World??? :)
Can't wait to see you and the kids!
Bob, If an object in water is buoyant I believe it would be "bobbing" : ) Can't wait to see you guys again and continuing to hear of your adventures!
Thank you for your many teachings.
Gunga Gulunga (in the highest),
...Lama...
Redpath family-
Welcome back to the USA. I have to tell you...I am not sure my mornings will be the same. I get up, make my coffee and read yours and Maya Frost's blog. It has been a wonderful way to start most mornings (sometimes you did not blog for a little while)!
So, as a family who has done the re-entry thing....good luck. You are not the same people who left. Be patient with those who do not understand.
I wonder how many of us you have inspired to 'live' our lives. I mean really live them. How many of us are in the works of making major changes because you helped us think outside the box?
Thank you for sharing your journey. For those of us who were unable to travel this year....it was so nice to wake up to your blog!
Kind Regards!