Summary

The author shares a heartfelt account of a recent visit to their son in Georgia, reflecting on the emotional journey and the comfort of returning home to Roatan.

Abstract

The author details a challenging yet rewarding trip to the USA, specifically Georgia, to visit their son and his family. Despite the early morning preparations, travel hiccups, and the emotional toll of reuniting after three years, the visit was filled with joy and relaxation. The author cherishes the time spent with family, including new pets, and appreciates the beauty of their son's remodeled country home. The trip concludes with bittersweet goodbyes and a return to Roatan, where the author feels both sadness for the distance from loved ones and contentment in their Caribbean home. The narrative is interspersed with personal diary entries and photographs, offering a glimpse into the author's life and the deep connections they share with their family.

Opinions

The author finds immense value in the trip, emphasizing it was "so worth it!" despite the travel difficulties.
The author expresses a deep emotional bond with their family, particularly noting the heartwarming reunion with their son.
The author is touched by the magical touches added to their son's home and the rescued animals, showing an appreciation for the simple pleasures and the love put into creating a welcoming environment.
The author is honest about their struggle with farewells, revealing the emotional impact of saying goodbye to family.
The author holds a dual sentiment upon returning home, feeling both a sense of loss for the separation from family and a sense of peace in their own space.
The author recommends a restaurant in Miami, "Catch of the Day," suggesting it is an excellent dining choice for those visiting the area.

Our American Adventure: Part 3 — Us, the USA, and Epic Enchantments

My Diary: August 17, 2023

Author’s middle son, Evan, with Jake, and his wife, Paula, with Finn

Getting to these kids at their home in Dalton, Georgia, was a tough trip, but it was so worth it!

Just to give you an idea, here’s my diary entry for that day:

8/9/2023 (I was up since 1:30 AM) 3:00 AM — got ready and packed up 4:00 AM- on the road to the airport – It was crazy. The suitcase weighed 53#. Had to remove toilet paper, a hearing aid charger, and Mike’s sandals. These all went to my backpack, except for the toilet paper. Some lucky dude at the airport now owns 3 very soft rolls of Charmin. – Mike’s online boarding pass didn’t come up, so I had to board the plane alone, and he caught up after a paper ticket was added. – Plane change in Charlotte (long walk). – Waited a long time for luggage in Chattanooga; Mike finally found it somewhere else. – Evan and Paula met us at the airport. – Brunch with Josselyn (a mutual friend), Evan & Paula at a new restaurant called BBB. – On to E&P’s beautiful home (an hour’s drive from the airport). I got reacquainted with Finn. Met Jake and Betty (new strays they rescued). – I was unbelievably tired. Had a PB&J sandwich and went to bed at 7:00. Had leg cramps all night long but slept really well in between!

It had been three years since I’d last hugged this handsome middle son of mine. My heart was in my throat much of the time.

Evan and Paula bought a wonderful country home on a couple of Georgia acres. Over the past year, they have remodeled the home and added magical touches to the wooded areas.

We had two laid-back, relaxing days at their home. Exactly what we needed. I fell in love with their rescued six-month-old puppy they named Jake. I’m glad for the time with Evan and Paula. And Finn, Jake, and Betty (another rescue still awaiting her forever home).

Too soon, we had to be driven the hour back to the Chattanooga airport. While I love early mornings, I do not enjoy them getting ready to fly.

Two planes and one layover later, we were back in West Palm Beach. Quick goodbyes and hugs at Bill’s and Tim’s homes.

Author’s photo- Grandson helping with the luggage

Author’s photo- Granddaughter wants to play us one more song before we leave

My poor, broken heart. This was a tough day for me to get through. Goodbyes are not my strong point. “See you later” takes nothing out of the empty sting of that final hug. I don’t tell you this for pity- after all, moving away was intentional. I’m just being transparent. Honest.

We then motored on to Miami. You already know how I feel about that drive! But the good news is we found an excellent place to eat. If you find yourself hungry in Miami, Florida, seek out the Catch of the Day. Guaranteed to please! We enjoyed comfort food: New England Clam Chowder and Seafood Fettucine.

After checking into the Hampton Inn, we returned our rental car to the airport and shuttled back to the hotel for a quick sleep.

The next day, Sunday, August 13th, we boarded our final flight home. Our plane departed at 12:30 PM. We arrived at the Roatan airport at 12:48 PM.

Immigration and Customs were swift and easily passed through. Our Petsitter, Marti Garcia, met us for the 90-minute drive home.

Home.

I’ve heard that “home is where your heart is.” I’m pretty sure I left pieces of mine in Florida and Georgia.

I feel sad.

And I feel content. Yes, I miss my people. I hope to see them again soon. Hug them. Hold their hands. Bake bread together. Tell each other stories, catch up on things, and even meet a new baby soon!

But Roatan truly is Home for this last leg of our earthly journey.

Author’s photo of their Roatan front yard: The Caribbean Sea

Thank you for reading and following along on our Journey. Your comments are always welcome- either here on this blog post or by email at [email protected].