“When we get a chance, I want to go visit my hometown with you all.”
My father used to say this all the time. Whenever he said that, my sister and I would always answer indifferently,
“Okay. Let’s go some day.”
It took a long time for “that some day” to come. After getting married, I visited my father regularly, but I couldn’t afford to take him to his hometown. My father’s physical disability also played a part.
As each year went by, he missed his hometown more and more.
“I need to go there before I die. I miss my sister . . .”
My father’s sad eyes seemed to be telling me that I shouldn’t delay any longer. I felt so bad that I had been putting it off with many excuses, knowing how eager he was to visit his hometown. I said to him, holding his hand tightly,
“I’m sorry, Father. I should have taken you there sooner. No matter what, let’s make a trip there this summer.”
My sister and I decided to take days off work at the same time and made a plan for the trip.
The day to head to Naju, my father’s hometown, finally came. As my brother-in-law was driving, my father couldn’t hide his excitement just like a little kid. My father’s excitement made me happy, too.
After four hours of driving, we arrived in Naju. I don’t know why it took us so long when it’s not even that far.
“Sister, I’m here!”
Upon arriving at our aunt’s house, my father shouted with excitement.
“Oh, you are here!”
An elderly lady, who looks just like my father, came out of the house, running.
“Sister!”
My father must have forgotten that his leg hurts. He threw his cane to the ground and ran to his sister. The two hugged each other and couldn’t contain their excitement.
“What took you so long to come? Come more often!”
“I’m going to come often from now on.”
The two held hands and exchanged greetings for a long time.
At my aunt’s house, my father had the happiest smile I’d ever seen.
That made me realize what a hometown means. A place one always misses and wants to visit. A place where one meets their brothers and sisters to soothe their longing.
We miss our home where we will be with our Heavenly Father and Mother as well as our heavenly brothers and sisters. Just thinking of that place brings overflowing joy to my heart.
I dream of the day when I will go back to my heavenly home and soothe my longing. With a happy smile!