Hiraeth (n.)

 Hiraeth (n.)

 

Hiraeth is the name for a homesickness for a home you can’t return to, or that never was. It’s a Welsh word, but the feeling is quite familiar to me—and probably to others as well. Growing up with our parents, we often heard stories of how life on the farm was when Dad was a boy. And then we traveled over those same trails up to the hills above the farm and down in the gulleys cut by the creek. Mom told stories about her brother Tracy and how it was a necessity for him to play football against the Indian boys who were on the other teams. Any boy bigger than a post had to be on the team, it seems. And then they went into the service as soon as WWII broke out. Tracy just happened to go into the Navy, and he made it home eventually. Granddad Kennedy was in the oil field and was determined that Tracy go to college to learn how to work with his head instead of his hands. Guess that worked out ok. Anyway, the stories took us to far off places that Sterling might have seen after Vietnam, but hiraeth did not hit me until we went to Scotland. It felt like home for some reason. Now, with dogs and hens, my home is here on this ol’ hill where we reared children and lived out our lives. Praise God for keeping me settled down here in Texas.

 

According to a brief glance at the weather forecast, we might have some warmer weather soon. It’s really hard to believe that it will happen, but stranger things do happen than a warm front in the end of January or first part of February.

 

Saw a post on FB today that about made me sick. The person who made the post is supposed to be a minister. The list of disgusting things he said made me realize again that God hears our words. Have a feeling that my mouth might need to be washed out by my mom’s standards, but would certainly not want to be held accountable for the things coming from that man. Never, EVER, lie about anyone. God knows the truth. Telling lies makes a person the offspring of Satan, the father of lies.

 

Had a wonderful visit with my daughter-in-law today. That hardly ever happens, but it made my day so much brighter. Told her that the turnips and ribs did not get sent home with Lance, but the next time he comes, will be sure to get more turnips! Think maybe that was a gagging sound in the background. Giggling. But some folks feel that way about Brussels sprouts! Think the son-in-law feels that way about ALL of that kind of veggies. Poor folks just don’t know how good those things are!! Now have to remember to cook some for the grandsons if they ever make it home again. Even Rachel might try just a bite.

 

Sent the little dog house home with Lance and the CATS have decided it is theirs. Pretty sure that Codi will prove them to be mistaken. That house is perfect for a momma dog nesting. Tracy noticed that the zipper on the thing just KEEPS going. It totally unzips from one end to the other! Easy to wash!

 

Let us remember to give glory to the God who heals and loves us no matter where we are or in what manner we live. His mercy is always there.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.