May 17-26, 2010
Just over 5 months ago the chatter began. The message was swept up by the wind and word reached many across the Great Pond. “They are coming,” it said. The time lapse of their absence would come to an end. By the time their feet would touch American soil again, over three and a half years had passed.
The last time they were here, it was just the two of them. Well, that is only partially true, as they were expecting their first child to come in a few short months. And she did come. Their family of two turned into three on British soil. Two years later, the number of members turned into four. Meanwhile, only a few of the American relatives were able to come and meet the new members with more meeting the first child than both the first and second.
Thus when word was heard of their return to American soil many responded. With Michigan as the rendezvous point, people from Chicago, Florida, Virginia, and Tennessee came to see them. Michigan was always the place they came to as the one full American blood of their small family was born and raised there.
I, being the only Tennessee representative, drove the 11 and half hour drive to meet them, ready to tag along to all the places they went; for the people that were gathering to see them I knew as well. After all, the returning American was my one and only sister.
The weather could not have been better which made the time pass in an even more enjoyable fashion. Birthday parties could be held outside. The washing of my car could be a fun event for my niece and me. Trips to the beach could happen multiply times.
The visit came and went at a rapid, but slow pace. Just as we were all getting used to being around each other, the time to part ways arrived. The length of time before their next trip to America will linger in the air until that great wind catches it and carries their message over to our awaiting ears. Until then, I can look through the pile of pictures that captured the long anticipated moments and smile.
