Wade Long, Homesick Man

When I left Cleveland for LA four years ago, I left behind the familiarities of the city which bore and bred me for the literal greener pastures of La-la land.

I loved my hometown. The rock hall, the convenience of family, and since I've been gone and exposed to a culture where some seem to feel a sense of entitlement to well... everything, I've grown to respect the blue-collar, tough-nosed work ethic that Cleveland has.

I was prepared for differences. Changes. Delays. Relationship strains.

But I was not your average fly-by-night, leave without a plan, and blindly shoot-for-the-stars dream-chaser. I was destined for success. The reputation of my work preceded my arrival.  A formality or two, and I would be the latest, greatest success story inspiring millions.

Then - ONE mishap. Not even my own. Just one circumstance in the life of a colleague, then a minor delay or two coupled by what I'll just refer to as some lapses in vision by some, a dropped ball here or there, and there I was - quickly - back at square one.

Next, were the acrobatics. The balancing act of maintaining present survival with not losing focus of bigger and brighter things.  Time somehow began to fly by in a struggling economy.  And with further circumstances beyond my control, I've looked up in recent days to what I wasn't prepared for.

Homesickness.

Now before the I-Told-You-So Chorale begins vocalizing, allow me a disclaimer:  I don't miss being at home full time (and for the record, LA is my "home" now ;). But yesterday was my fifth Thanksgiving away, without a single visit back in between.


The first Thanksgiving away was fine.  I had just moved 3 weeks prior. It was expected I'd be away for some time, so there was actually a sense of heroism in being the one away following his dreams.  The second year was a little trying.  After all, I was supposed to be in a much better situation by then.  Years 3 and 4 were tough - but after all, it was crazy to think it wouldn't take some time to get the ball rolling, right?

But yesterday and the few days prior was a wake up call for me. There have been births I've missed, surgeries, laughter, and most certainly... holidays. There was this stand I had taken; to not return until my career was in full throttle, until I had enough time and money to make my return all I had hoped and dreamed it would be.

But my scope has become altered just a bit. I'm fully dedicated to reaching every height in success - and more - that I've set out for. And I'm thoroughly convinced that an older and wiser me has what it takes to make it happen. But someday and someday SOON, and perhaps far before all my dreams have come to pass, amidst the smiles and warmth I've missed as the city itself a championship from a major pro sports team, my feet will grace the place which helped shape the man I am today, even if it is for just a day or two.