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There’s No Place Like Home

August 2, 2015 • mvstoller

#MALAT

“There’s no place like home” (Dorothy, Wizard of Oz, 1939)

Waking up this morning in my own bed did feel heavenly, I cannot lie. But as I reflect on this residency I feel blessed and proud. Like Dorothy, I met an amazing cast of characters on my journey and each played a part in making this residency a success.

They made me laugh till I cried, motivated me when I was low, and hugged me when I missed my kids a little too much. Like Dorothy’s friends, I could not have survived without my brain, heart and a little courage. I used my brain in ways I never have before, and now words like epistemology, phenomenology, and hermeneutics (almost) roll off my tounge. I know I will feel much more comfortable at parties with this new vocabulary in my back pocket.

My heart broke a little leaving my girls but their words of encouragement and showing them it is never to late to fulfill a dream is priceless. I also left a small piece of my heart at Royal Roads, its beauty was unmatched and the runs I took in the forest were grounding and mindful. It was truly a magical place. And even though the trees didn’t throw apples at me, the certainly did talk to me. I was most definitely glad that I had courage or I don’t think I would have made it through. I reminded myself that I can dig deep when necessary and do things that I am not inherently comfortable doing.

I tried to figure out who would be my Wicked Witch of the West on this journey which was difficult because there wasn’t anyone I didn’t like. What was cruel and mean and latched on and didn’t let go until you did what it asked? And then it hit me, like a house falling on me in a tornado! APA!

Wicked APA

Like Dorothy, I have been changed. Thank you to all of you who were a part of it.

I look to the next two years as years of continued growth and transformation.

 

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