Wade Long, Traveling Man

When I left Cleveland for LA some near five years ago with $11 to my name and a can of change my mother gave me I was certain I'd be back within a few months to visit.  I had this elaborate plan I've mentioned before to take over the world as I knew it. I was going to fly my whole family out that next Christmas, rent out a floor at the Hilton, and have a time we'd never forget! So when I visited home for the very first time this past week, flying coach on my first ever plane ride it was a tad different than the reunion I'd once imagined.

There was the flight, that scared me to the point of a near panic attack. (I'm getting better at handling my time in the airways, by grace.)  An unexpected five hour layover in Dallas proved to be an angering ordeal in and of itself.

My entrance into my Mother's home at midnight was met with her tears, followed by her laughter, followed by what seemed to be her laughing at her own indecision, whether to cry or to laugh. It was a great moment; one which made the discomfort of the trip more than well worth it!

The next few days were filled with catching up with great family and friends, pouring as much as I could into their lives with the limited time that I had. After all, I had been gently warned a few times before leaving LA that this trip to Cleveland was a ministry visit.

Finally came the day I was most there for.

It was Mother's Day.  A day we would celebrate my mom for just being the wonderful her that she is,  along with observing her birthday which was the day after.

I looked at my mother.  Relaxed.  Serene.  My mission was accomplished. I could return to LA now with a clear conscience.

Two days later it was time to come home.  I had held myself completely together until then (on the outside, at least).  Then came the tears.  I cried as I shouted words of encouragement to my mother. Then she cried, and I held her for a moment.  Next, Mom told me to go on so that I didn't miss my flight.

I believe God showed up through the radio on the way to the airport, as every infamous "goodbye" song from every movie ever seemed to come on. Laughter once again caused tears to subside.  I then cried once more as I said my goodbyes to my brother who had dropped me off.

An hour later I boarded my plane, a different man. A changed man. Wade Long, a traveling man.