A Great Big Welcome Home

Words and pictures cannot describe the warmth that we felt as we walked into the door of our beloved home on the Great South Bay after our winter away. True, the thermostat had been turned up by Grace's mom in anticipation of our return. But this was a different kind of warmth.

Unbeknownst to us, there was a swarm of friendly elves that broke into our home the evening before our return. By the time they were done, there were streamers, balloons, welcome home signs strung throughout the house. I'm not talking about a couple. I mean all over. The upstairs bedrooms, the stairs, the dining room, the kitchen, family room, balcony and front walk. As if that weren't enough, Grace said she would try to scrounge up some lunch - perhaps some Ramen noodles from the pantry. Instead, she found in the fridge container after container of fresh made food - crab cakes, coconut shrimp, eggplant and zucchini lasagna and salads. All ready for heating and eating. There were home-made brownies and cookies and drinks. Instead of Ramen noodles, we had a feast!

The mail had been culled and cleaned of all junk mail by Grace's mom and Head Elf Norma. The food had been delivered by Jimmy and Laura Soque-Kennedy, the decorations baked goodies had been provided by Kathryn and Patty Sacca, Dina, Hannah, Eleanor, Lucie and Claire Cunniffe.

For most people, this alone would be overwhelming - which it was for Grace and I. But it wasn't enough for our friends and family. That evening turned into a St. Patricks Day celebration with Booma and Pop Lessing, Jimmy and Laura, and Grace's parents delivering Corn Beef and Cabbage. The following evening was a birthday party and welcome home party at the Cunniffes' complete with our favorite local pizza - a delicacy for us after all of that wholesome seafood in the islands. This was a great chance to catch up with Ray and Maryellen Gluchowski and the girls, the Cunniffes and Saccas. As the Cunniffes have three girls the same age as ours, this alone would be 'exciting'. When you add in Ray and Maryellen's two girls, and Kathryn Sacca - it gets interesting fast! Exactly the way we like it.


Lucy and Lindsay get back to business.



Friday, we registered the girls for school and officially closed up 'Tide Pool Academy'. We were asked by the district office to bring papers to the girls' elementary school. When we arrived, we were greeted warmly by the principal and staff. Principal Glen Eschbach had been very supportive of our adventure by designing a winter curriculum and was excited to bring the girls to their classrooms for a visit. He peeked his head into Mrs. Thompson's classroom announcing a surprise visitor. As he lead Lexie into the doorway, the roar was deafening and the girls in the classroom charged her. An Australian rugby team could not have produced the Scrum that literally pushed Lexie out into the hallway. It is safe to say that we probably broke the learning momentum that Mrs. Thompson had been building since lunch, but as always, she supported us to the last minute and invited Lexie to stay for the remainder of the day. The reception at Jillian's classroom was different, but no less poignant. The scene was repeated with Mr. Eschbach saying he had a surprise visit at Ms. Camenzulli's classroom. This time all the kids gentley came up to Jillian - boys and girls - and gave her soft hugs so as not to break her. They handled her like china - which is probably appropriate as she is the petite one in the classroom. For some reason, she tends to be friends with the bigger girls in her class, who now carefully surrounded her like the secret service, protecting her from harm. A warm hug from Ms. Camenzulli was enough to make me cry, but I held back. (All of my friends know I am a big sap when it comes to my girls)

The day after our return, Friday morning, Grace was off to the office to see patients. On Monday, I was back at my desk, bushwacking through e-mails and calling my compadres at work.

We settled back into the spacious comfort of our home!