Hello honey we're home!

About 30 years ago our parents decided to move across country and leave the family behind. It really was that simple. A phone call to inform us and within months the family home had been sold, childhood and high school rememberances tossed out and off they moved to the American desert, never looking back.

In the years which have since transpired I have raised two children by myself after a brutally protracted divorce, gone back to school and received a third degree, my BSN. My daughter has married and has three lovely children, a great husband and a home in upper NYS. My son has graduated from school and after spending several years abroad is now buying his first home. We've moved on. Without my parents around to use for emotional support, for a sounding board or to see how we have grown and changed.

Now they have returned for a visit having driven once again across country, a car stuffed full of their worldy possessions. They are now in their 80's and eager to share stories and offload tools, glassware and sporting goods to our generation. No matter that we have no memories of these items acquired out West, long after their move. No matter that their lives over the last 30 years have only been shared in phone calls and irregularly scheduled visits. Tomorrow my father will meet his great grandchildren for the first time and I wonder ....

do they understand?