I just had several days in South Williamsport, PA. I am always analyzing things from an emotional/spiritual place. Reviewing my trip and trying to figure out what it is about this place that has such a hold on me a few things surfaced.

When I get to the point in the trip when I see the above pictured sign, my heart begins to get excited. When I finally drive into South Williamsport, I drive through neighborhoods past my brother’s home, past several others and my first stop has always been 215 E. Central. There were times mom was waiting at the door, other times I had to get her out of bed on our arrival but the response was always the same. Big hugs, squeals of excitement and a real sense someone was elated to see me. This trip was no different in that I stopped at 215 first. I knocked on the back door and some guy answered. I said, it just felt weird coming to town and not stopping here first. He said, who are you? I told him the story, mom’s house, I live in FL, etc. He said come back anytime!

One of the things I love about South Williamsport is I am known there, at least almost everyone has heard of our family. Either through mom’s six decade long tax business, or through my sister, or brother or extended families. Though I’ve not lived there since 1979, there are still people there who know me or our family.

When I boil it all down, it is the sense of the familiar, of having a life-long connection to people and places and having people be happy to see me when I arrive, celebrated! I believe our hearts long for those things, at least mine does.

It was a great trip. Fun to see family and friends. Fun to see we still all enjoy going out together even without mom, though she is never far from the conversation. I’m thankful for the ability to enjoy it all.

blessings,

Scott