Most of you that know me, call me a workaholic. I live and breathe real estate and very seldom take a break from it. However, last week I managed to take a few days off and go back to Iowa and see my family. Yes, I love Texas and the old adage" I got here as fast as I could", certainly holds true for me. I love these blistering hot summer days, and the lack of snow in the winter, BUT somehow going back to my hometown just seems to put everything into perspective for me.
I come from a small town in the Southeastern corner of Iowa, named Keokuk. I went to high school in the neighboring Missouri town of Kahoka and trust me when I say that this world and that world are soooo different you can't even imagine. Yet somehow, I consider them both home in my heart. The slow pace of the Mississippi river town of Keokuk makes me think of days gone by, when the only care I had was to make sure my chores were done as a child and to make sure I had gas money as a teenager. While I was there I took the time to help my Mom cut the grass and sitting on that riding lawn mower I had time to think back to the days of growing up with my sisters. I could still see the young ghosts of my sisters and I throwing the softball around in the yard, and the memories of many picnics and adventures in the nearby woods crowded my mind. A trip to the National Cemetery to visit my Father's grave brought back painful memories of a day that will forever remain as vivid as a beautiful sunset. Those painful memories soon turned to tears of joy as I remembered my Father and all the fun things that we did. Even a painful loss could be outweighed by wonderful memories. Time spent with my sisters reminded me that no matter how old I get, I can still be a giggling girl, up to no good, when my sisters are around.
My stay was extended (unfortunately) by the death of my Uncle. He had been fighting cancer for some time and I felt extremely fortunate to have had the chance to visit him at home before he passed away. While at his funeral, the pastor reminded us all that no matter what we do, where we are, or who we are with, that our family is our legacy. That thought really hit hard as I hugged my nephew during the service. Goodbyes were painful for me as I hugged my Mom and sisters.
The long drive back to Fort Worth gave me time to think over all the things that had happened during my visit. As I recalled the words of the pastor I realized why both Fort Worth and Keokuk were both home to me. I could leave and never return but memories of my family would always be there, just as memories of my life in Fort Worth would always remain with me. Our family is our legacy and I've been fortunate to have a great family and legacy even if they are 800 miles apart. So as I got back to work this week, I reminded myself that the pace of life can be a little slower and it's ok to take time to sit in the swing and just enjoy talking with my husband and watching my own little sunshine as he plays.