How it feels to be home after 7 months

Sitting in my swivel chair as I look into our back yard, it seems surreal that we have not been in our home for 7 months. I ask myself, “Have we really been to all of those places, connecting with all those wonderful diverse individuals?” Then I look at the huge map where we inserted the map pins last night, glance back through our newsletters, and I am overcome with emotion. Having been on the road with our year long journey, Gay Into Straight America, we have now “come home,” if only for a few days, to speak at PRIDE in Bellingham, WA.

Last night as we witnessed a beautiful sunset at the beach, five minutes from our home, Roby and I looked at one another, feeling a profound sense of connection. As we stood on this beach before we left, I snapped my fingers and said to her, “That’s how quick it will be until we are again standing on this beach. Let’s experience and be present to each moment on this journey.”

We worked all afternoon in the back yard, pulling eight 33 gallons bags of weeds. Today, the front yard! I realize how working in the yard and engaging with people keep me present to the moment. Both energize and empower me. When I don’t see the weeds, they don’t bother me or overwhelm me. They are like differences that separate us. Once I notice them, however, I want to get rid of them. When I see the weeds in the context of our beautiful yard, I can enjoy the process. When I simply listen and hear another’s story, the differences that separate us magically disappear, and allow me to experience their uniqueness.

As we hung the sculpture, called Deep Peace by the artist, representing the essence of our journey, Roby commented that we should call it Namaste. Indeed, the light in us honors the light in each of you on this journey with us.

-- Dotti