October Adventures

I'm well into my first semester of college, the workload is starting to really pick up, the trees are loosing their leaves and the crisp autumn air is a welcome change from the sweltering campus I encountered almost two months ago. I'm enjoying meeting new people everyday, but also settling into my routines and into new friendships. Its quite a change to be surrounded by so many people, when my world has always been so much smaller. Needless to say I am pretty homesick for familiar faces and places right now. 

At the beginning of October I took a quick trip home to Cleveland to surprise my Grandma on her 75th birthday. I flew in Thursday night, and after a long trip I finally arrived at the airport. My flight got in a few minutes early and I went straight to baggage claim, but before I could get there I spotted my parents, who had just walked into the airport. I flew into their arms, overjoyed. 

Friday morning I went to their house. My mom went in first, and I went out to the backyard to call her. I talked to her like I was at school and then said "Hey Grandma, my mom brought you something. Its out on the back patio, look.....now!" and then I walked into her view. She was so surprised, and so touched. My Grandpa was giddy with his own success at keeping the surprise a secret and at having me home. It was so wonderful to be home and in the arms of the people who I love. My cat was especially pleased to have me home, and was very upset to see me go again. 

The weekend was spent in the company of family, and on sunday I got to go to church and visit with my West Shore family. Monday came again too soon. I didn't get to spend nearly enough time with my Mom, visit as much as I wanted to with my Little Grandma who made the trip up to see me on sunday or finish catching up on my favorite television shows, or even eat all my leftovers before it was time to head back to New York. 

My flight was delayed for a few hours, so I did not get into LaGuardia Airport until nearly 9. I took a shuttle to Grand Central Station and caught one of the last trains on the Metro North. I was so proud of myself for navigating this last leg of my journey. I grabbed the school mini-van back to campus and was met at the gate by my roommate, Eliza. I unpacked for a while, and then collapsed into bed, exhausted. I was home. 

I am homesick, and yet I am home. I harbor a newfound love and pride in my hometown, and yet I can't wait to explore the rest of the world. I am enjoying my new friendships, and yet want nothing more than to share this new chapter of my life with those I hold dear to my heart. I love the challenges each new day here brings, and yet, I long for the routines of home. I don't quite belong at home anymore, and I don't quite belong here yet. So for the meantime, I am still in limbo. But limbo isn't such a bad place to be for now. 

-Katrina