From Pines To Palms

Basically North Florida is South Georgia with a beach. Beaches and Palm Trees are a game changer! I just returned from a quick turn-a-round to check on my parents. Mary and Homer look great for nearly 85, their bodies would not agree. Their issues are very common for older people,it is just not common for us kids to realize it. We think we understand, until you see their day to day hardships of just getting bathed and feed. Honestly, it takes them longer, but they are still getting it done. Both look so cute, frail but precious. Weary, worn and worthy! It was great to just visit and see my brothers also. HOWEVER.....forever it is my home state and things are very different down there. I can not go home,( and its not the home I grew up in) and not wish to see every person I know, or visit my stomping grounds. I go to see my parents, period. It does pull at my heart, it has been like this for years. I want to see so many people and there is never any time. So while I am visiting with my family, I think about you all, and so many memories. This visit mom decided to talk about every boy that I ever dated since Kirby!! I looked over at my daughter, Emma and asked, " Are you enjoying this?" ( I knew she was eating it up!! All her moms heart throbs and maybe not so hot ones!)This went on, IN DETAIL, for hours.... Mom and I had a great time, Dad even chimed in!! about how he liked all my beaus! There is a warm feeling in visiting your past, and having your parents enjoy your growing up as much as yourself. ( dad did stop us when we started to discuss my starting my period, and cramps!!!) The sky looks different down south ( you notice I don't think Georgia is south! It is a beach thing)The smells, are extremely different, salt water and paper mills.Humidity that drips off every cell in your body. ( there are no good hair in Florida) No clothes, No shoes, No common sense! It never changes, and that is not always a good thing.( Jacksonville is seeing some growth and I do see it) (but..there remains so many things that need to be changed!!) ( the good Old Boy mentality for one)I love Florida sooooo much, it touches my heart. My brother, Tommy was sitting in the kitchen, yelling to us some news, "Orangutan is loose in Busch Gardens!" And I thought....that is the news? I laughed for hours. You see Florida is my flying monkey, my stories, my home and no one tends to the animals!!! The circus runs year round, and its free. We parade our crazy, and let it wear a crown!! We march to a different drummer and he damn sure has a drink in his hand!!! I drove through Starbucks and this cute fella was hanging WAY OUT the drive through window, screaming, " This humidity is killing my face, and do you love Jesus?"then he continued, " I am not suppose to say that, but do you?" Laughing very hard, I said, " Yes I do, and can I have an iced Latte, Praise the lord!" My home town is special, moss covered secrets and a rhythm few know. I feel lucky, that I can call it mine.