Sweet Virginia on my Mind

Tomorrow Dan and I are heading HOME. We’re flying back to where we can communicate in English, water is free, and we can chow down on burgers and fries to our heart’s content. The world makes sense again.

We love Germany and all the challenges and joys of being expats. It’s giving us an opportunity to experience a life we’ve always dreamt of. But really, there’s no place like home. For us, that’s Virginia.

I didn’t grow up in Colonial Beach, a sleepy town on the Potomac, but visiting my parents while they lived there was always synonymous with napping and relaxation. The nearest store, a dated Food Lion, was a 20 minute drive. The world operates at a slower, steadier pace there. It’s perfect.

One quiet afternoon I meandered down to the docks along the riverbank. Fishermen set crab pots throughout the riverbed, while boaters, like my parents, enjoy the calm breezes that carry them to the greater Cheasapeake Bay. 

As dusk settles in, the tide strolls by, causing ripples to lazily bump against the pier. Another peaceful summer evening passes as I trudge home. Outside the house, I hear my parents chatter as they prepare dinner. Lightening bugs buzz by while the birds call out their goodnights. 

For me home means normalcy. The joys of European living abound, but the joy of being home is infinite.

Prepare yourselves dear friends and family – Dan and I are returning with an aggressive-hugging vengeance!

Sweet Virginia, how we’ve missed thee!