As we crossed into New York the already lively conversation became even more enthusiastic!!   The anticipation we each have all year is beyond words.  We love the Old Home Place!!  It is full of amazing memories and we love that we are able to make many more.

From almost day one of Vern coming home the kids have told him of New York and the adventures we have.  They have detailed joyous events and tried to explain just how wonderful each year is!  He has listened, no doubt, wondering, with all the hoopla, what it really is like.

What an agonizing thought that the vast majority of orphans who wait, will never share in the memories of a yearly trip to an “Old Home Place” or something like it.. so heartwrenching!

So yesterday, after crossing the state line my heart was overflowing with thankfulness and I was whispering prayers of gratitude to the Lord when I realized, we just needed to play The Thankful Game!

I made up The Thankful Game when Abigail was little and it has turned many a sour day or grumpy car ride into a time of gratefulness.

We really do have so much to be thankful for!  So 30ish years ago I said we were going to play a little game and I would pick a number out and we would go around the car or whatever and each say, depending on the number, how many things we are thankful for.  Some days we say that we cannot repeat anyone else.

If the mood has been grumpy, it’s crazy-wild how gratefulness will turn the sour mood upside down as we reflect on the things we have to be thankful for.

Although the car was not even a tiny bit grumpy, I knew that it would be great fun to play…so I called to the kids, “Hey guys!  We haven’t played the Thankful Game the entire trip….but we need to tell the Lord what we are thankful for!”

The words were barely tumbling out of my mouth when Vernon, who sits right behind me, tugged my shoulder enthusiastically said, “Hey Mom!! Two or Five? Mom!”

It was such a thrill because it was clear that he completely understood what I was saying, he knew all about the Thankful Game and he wanted to play!

Daddy said, “Three!”

And without hesitation Vernon said, “Me go to New York”….and then went on to name two other things he was thankful for.

 I realize that not everyone has the beautiful memory of an Old Home Place in their past.  But for those who do, celebrate and share it with others!

My in-laws welcomed a very broken young woman into their lives just over 40 years ago.  I am so grateful for the memories I made with them over the years.

My father-in-love was the most tenderhearted man I ever knew.  No expectations.  Just easy-going and such a pleasure to be around.  Over the years, he and I were the two who would do dishes together after each meal, I savored the moments over a sink full of dishes and am so thankful they never had a dishwasher – seriously!! We would talk and laugh, enjoying the simplicity of doing dishes, sharing life together.

The first time he asked me if I wanted to go strawberry picking with him, my heart almost exploded.  The memory of him, in his straw hat, is forever etched in my mind.   It became our thing…just he and I off to get a pile of strawberries.

Oh friends, don’t take for granted the love of parents and grandparents because when they are gone, you will only wish for more time together.  That sweet man was such a healing part of my journey to wholeness.

And I love that our son is named after him.

When we finally reached the Home Place and got Vern up into the house, he used his walker and beaming, made his way around the first floor…staring at pictures, asking who was who, clearly soaking it all in.

We can’t help but wish that Vernon Leonard was still alive to meet this Vernon Leonard and if I shut my eyes really tight, I almost can hear my gentle, kindhearted and shy father-in-love chuckling with joy. And because of the honor of having our Vernon named after him, while chuckling he would likely include something like, “I’m about popping the buttons off my vest.”  

My favorite place at the home place – the back veranda! Sipping coffee just never tasted so good!

The barn below is where Vernon would do his woodworking – I can almost hear his saw going.

Ahhh, the memories.

So grateful to be back.