feeling homesick...

but not for my official home in Durham, NC or some of my temporary homes in Boone or Pittsboro, I am feeling homesick for Grayson Highlands State Park (photos). As I sat perusing my dad's blog I could not help but feel a pang of longing for those lush grassy fields dotted with dark green rhododendron bushes the size of full grown oaks. I long for the steep hikes littered with fresh mountain blueberries followed by scrambles up a rock face in order to see miles of precious, cared for land. Passing by people traveling through entire states and trail towns, making their way on the epic journey from Maine to Georgia. I makes me sick to know that our Maisy has had her last hike through the woods, her last romp through the chilly mountain streams and tried her best at spooking the wild ponies ("Stupid horse!") This place has been a small paradise for our family for over a decade. We have been lucky enough to share it with so many people who are close to our hearts, Grandpa Routh and Grandma Thelma, the Little Browns, Milton and Jessica, the Springs, the Carters, Ildar and Patrick, and countless others. We have been blessed to find a place that brings to life so much of the beauty, tranquility and community God has given us on Earth. We have been fortunate to be able to call it a second home.