Friday, December 21, 2007

Tennessee Welcomes You!

When I see that large road sign on I-24 East bound, I know I am exactly seventy-three miles and one hour away from 5009 Stillwood Drive.

This July, it will be five and a half years since the Volunteer State has been my place of permanent residence, two of the years in a barren, mid-western wasteland called, "Kansas." But that drought is about to end.

Late yesterday afternoon it looked as if we were headed to Winston-Salem, North Carolina and Wake Forrest for Liz's Neurology Residency and another three years of a semi-nomadic lifestyle. A phone call from Vanderbilt University at 5:00 p.m. changed all of that, as Liz was deservingly offered a spot in their prestigious program. She has earned any opportunities and accolades she receives. We are very, very proud of her.

As of this morning, it's official.....We're coming home!!!

It may only be temporary, but I have wanted to be back with friends and family so badly for so long that our newly minted plans seem surreal in the best way imaginable. My daughters will get a chance to grow up around family, and that is an asset that does not have an estimable value.

The brilliant fall colors, nights around the fire, and time with family isn't just for vacations anymore, they're a way of life. A good one; and in my opinion, a superior one to that of the impersonal and self-absorbed rat race of the foreign territories.

Pour some Jack, light a cigar, and play some Rocky Top, Fellas, because this Tennessee boy is coming home!

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Congrats Liz and Cameron! So glad you guys are going to be back here. We will look forward to spending some time with you. Come visit at Concord Road sometime! Allison

Nicole said...

We are soooo excited! And remember, Spring Hill is a great place to live!!!

Anonymous said...

RETURN OF THE KING

Taft said...

Yay for you coming back home!

Get the bullet proof vest and come my way every now and then....I can get you an appointment with the Commercial Appeal newspaper staff.

But in the celebration, abstain from playing "Rockytop"....you are a winner...not a loser!

Martha said...

Congrats on being homeward bound. Nashville stills captivates my heart and calls me home. Enjoy Enjoy! I am thrilled for you and for all your girls! Congrats to Liz who has worked so hard to be a blessing to mamas like me who have little ones in need of medical help. Vandy sounds amazing! YAY!M

Nate said...

Welcome home brother. It's been too long.