Random, very random…but well, that is what happens when you have a long drive. And a long drive in the rain, but I am home and thankful to be here. I love home. I love my pajamas. I love my bed. And it was really sweet that my son came running out to meet me to tell me how much he missed me and that it was boring here without me. That made my day! Especially when he carried all my bags in.
While I was driving and reflecting on my weekend away at the conference I couldn’t help but think about the reaction to my name. No matter where I go it is always the same…and it always cracks me up. When people see my name tag and see that it says “Jyl” I always get asked if that is really the way it is spelled. Ummm, yes, it is…I learned how to spell it many many years ago and I think that by now I have it down pat. The next most common question is if it is pronounced as “Jill”. Yes, it is. It is also spelled that way on my birth certificate. It is my legal name and it is the legal spelling. And yes, my parents knew what they were doing. It was the name that my grandmother picked out. I have always been told by her that is was from 15th Century Ireland, a very old name. The funniest reactions come when I go to appts and the receptionists are always afraid to try to pronounce it. It has always been a source of amusement.
Then I started reflecting on how very very lucky I am. I have some really great family and friends and am so thrilled to be back amongst them. I love to travel and see new things, but home…home is where it is at. To be greeted with such enthusiasm and love by every member of my family both human and animal is such a great feeling that can be replaced by no other.
As I neared that place so sacred to me this is what I saw…
Those are the mountains that I call home…and the sign said it all!
