I am not shipwrecked; I have arrived

 I left this city in June of 2002 and when I settle into my new apartment here in June of 2012 it will mark the end of an incredible odyssey. 

Ten years of living and loving, learning and longing have given me perspectives I never dreamed of the first fifty years of my life.  I always thought adventures were for the young, but I tacked mine onto the end of my life and I'm glad it worked out that way.

All those romantic notions I had at eighteen were still here, but by fifty they were supported by a tried and true foundation.  I didn't know it, but I was strong!  Strong enough to weather the ups and downs of notions that really can't support you for very long, but shouldn't be missed altogether.

It's fun to stand of top of the mountain, even if just for a second, knowing that when you plummet, or slide, or jump, or get pushed, off -- all will still be well.  Not only that, but there will eventually be other mountains to climb and they will be full of all sorts of wonderful surprises.  Dragons and caves, treasure and magical waters abound for those seeking them!

I was thrown back up on this shore, a ragged and worn out traveler, one year ago today and had no idea where I was.   I didn't recognize this place as home.  I thought home was a place, but home is the look in someone's eyes, the feeling that all is well, a sense of belonging to something good and solid and bigger than myself.

I am home.