H is for HE'S HOME!

“Man wanted a home, a place for warmth, or comfort, first of physical warmth, then the warmth of the affections.”
  Henry David Thoreau, Walden 

When Lorne and I reconnected in 2008, it was like a homecoming.  We were both a bit lost and lonely, and we needed each other desperately.  So we made a home together.  However, we both expected perfection and didn't understand our roles.  Even though we were in love again after several decades, it didn't work.  So we parted ways for a while.

“Now they return home, their bones bruised and their spirit slightly broken, but they’re still alive, and they will be well sometime soon.”

Hannah Nikka Bryan, Soldier's Descent

Separately and together, we worked on ourselves.  We learned humility while accepting our faults and worked on changing them.  We also learned what our individual strengths and weaknesses are and learned to accept them in both ourselves and each other.  We learned that life does not have to be particularly exciting each and every day; we learned to revel in the quiet moments when a simple look or touch can make the other feel the love.  We learned that we didn't "need" each other, but we "loved" each other warts and all.

“I wonder if it will be—can be—any more beautiful than this,’ murmured Anne, looking around her with the loving, enraptured eyes of those to whom ‘home’ must always be the loveliest spot in the world, no matter what fairer lands may lie under alien stars.”
  L.M. Montgomery, Anne of the Island 

I love to travel the world (not that I've been everywhere) and Lorne had not been off the North America continent.  But we did end up in England last summer - he to work for the Olympics and I to travel and visit friends.  He accepted my ability to help him in his new experience while I was thrilled to introduce him to good friends and show him some sights.

 “After all," Anne had said to Marilla once, "I believe the nicest and sweetest days are not those on which anything very splendid or wonderful or exciting happens but just those that bring simple little pleasures, following one another softly, like pearls slipping off a string.”

 L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Avonlea

When we came home, we knew for sure we wanted to be together forever, and we never forget to tell each other how much we love each other.  I don't know how much time we have but we are making a home together and making every day count.

“What I love most about my home is who I share it with.”
  Tad Carpenter 

When I thought I might lose him to a second cancer, I starting snapping photos of him any chance I had.  Sometimes, he knew I was taking his picture, but most of the time he didn't.  I remember thinking "I have to keep this memory alive just in case..."  We've been through hell a few times and we might need to go through it again, but for now we are happy to be home together. So this week, I am sharing that he is home from the hospital and what home means to me - my hero.