I’M GOING HOME!!!!

Oh my gosh, friends. It is with a joyfully exploding heart, that I can share that I’m finally going home to Ohio to visit my family!

It has been since CHRISTMAS that I’ve seen my family, and thanks to COVID and its resulting restrictions on travel ((hello 10 hour road trip)), I finally am able to leave NYC and visit my people in the heartland.

I know that a lot of you have been praying for me ever since I shared how homesick I’ve been, so I wanted to just say a humongous thank you! Your prayers worked!

And the MOST exciting part, is that a certain gentleman is going to be accompanying me! So that is extra special.

If there’s one thing that COVID has taught me, it’s the importance of the people I care about. I will never EVER take for granted a single moment that I’m together with my family/friends. Because life is short, and fragile, and who’d have EVER thought that a global pandemic would cause us to not be able to see our loved ones for months and months on end.

So, for the next two weeks I’ll be quarantining before flying home for a week! What a sweet, sweet, reunion that will be!

I’ve often thought about — if I could go back and “re-do” quarantine, what I would do? And aside from the obvious: stock piling hand sanitizer and toilet paper, I often wonder if I should have gone home. You see, back in late February/early March, my brother (who is a doctor) and my father (who is right about everything, literally) were both warning me that this is going to get really bad, and that I should fly home before NYC becomes an unrecognizable wasteland. I mean, my dad even predicted the looting and civil unrest. And I, of course, chose to ride it out, thinking it was going to be just a few weeks of hunkering down in my cute little studio apartment. Oh, how wrong I was.

So – would I have gone home to ride out the pandemic in Ohio? Quite honestly, though I would have absolutely loved —LOVED — to be in the company of my parents, and in the comfort of their home, riding the pandemic out in the city independently taught me invaluable lessons. Lessons about my own strength and fortitude, and not to mention, it really allowed for the beautiful blossoming of important relationships in my life. Relationships that were my rock, as we navigated the world burning around us.

And lastly, by navigating the pandemic alone, it forced me to draw on the Lord for my strength. Which, also not having a physical church to attend, made me take my faith life into my own hands. I had to intentionally make time for Jesus, and build worship into my day, relying on Him for comfort and solace, and courage. And boy, did He provide. I think He did a lot of carrying through the storm, whether I realized it or not.

But enough pontificating. It’s time to get freakin’ excited about visiting my family!!!!!!!! Eeeek!

Thank you again for your prayers. Know that you are in mine too!

“This is what the Lord says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life.” Ez 37:5

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152 responses to “I’M GOING HOME!!!!”

  5. I wish safe travels for you, Caralyn, and that your entire family be safe from this terrible virus. Your title had me wonder if you were leaving the big city for Ohio. ❤️🙏🏻😊

    Reply

    • Thank you so much John! I really appreciate that!! Not ready to make the BIG MOVE just yet, but who knows for the future!! Hugs and love xox

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  6. Glad you’re finally going home 🏡 and with a handsome gentleman in toe as well. Please pray for the UK as restrictions get tighter across the four countries, the main restrictions being put on Bars etc

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    • Thank you so much Kenneth! Haha yes! I will definitely be keeping the UK in my prayers!!!! Hugs and love xox

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    • Aw thank you Jenny! I am so so grateful and excited. Yes! Big steps in faith for sure! Hugs and love xox

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    • Thank you so much Sandy!!! You’re right – family time is super precious! Hugs and love xox

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  13. Happy for you. Reading through your post I was just thinking how many people stuck in the city gained encouragement and hope from your tenacity to “stick it out” no matter how isolated and claustrophobic your situation got during the shut down. God had a plan for you and you came through with flying colors.

    Reply

    • Aw thank you Rollie, that really means a lot! And oh my gosh I a so touched. Thank you. God is good and I trust His good plans! Hugs and love xox

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    • Aw thank you so much Mike! We’re coming to your neck of the woods! Grateful for the opportunity to go home!! Hugs and love xox

      Reply

    • Thank you Lee! I can’t wait to breathe that sweet sweet heartland air! Hugs and love xox

      Reply

  18. That’s great news, Im so glad you are getting out of NY. It’s not a safe place and while I am sure you can take care of yourself, until the storm passes you should be with people who care about you the most. Safe travels.

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    • Thank you so much Karac!! I am so grateful to get back home too. Yes – safety first!! Hugs and love xox

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  19. Home is one of the best places in all the world. They know us there! May you find peace, and joy there! May God give you all your desires when you see your beautiful family! 💜🙏🏻

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    • Thank you so much Lisa! I wholeheartedly agree- home is the absolute best place in the world! Thank you! Hugs and love xox

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  20. Enjoy your visit. I’m totally not going to suggest you put all your stuff in a moving van and take it with you… nope. 😉

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    • Thank you so much Matt! I am so incredibly excited!! Hahahaah you’re not the first person in my life to suggest that! Haha Hugs and love xox

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    • Thank you so much my friend!! Yes! I am so grateful for the opportunity to get home and I cannot wait! Next week cannot come soon enough! Have a beautiful weekend! Hugs and love xox

      Reply

  22. I’m very glad to hear that you’re going back to see family! I know how important those relationships are to you. Even sweeter that you boyfriend is going along! I’m sure you’ll post when you make the trip and from Ohio. I will be praying for your safe travels. Have a great weekend!

    Reply

    • Thank you Jeff! I am SO SO SO excited to get back home. And yes! I can’t wait for for him to meet my “peeps” 🙂 absolutely. Thank you for the prayers! Have an awesome weekend! Hugs to you and your girls! Xox

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  24. Awwww….my heart is leaping for joy! I’m so happy for you and your family! God is so good to us, all the time. How perfectly beautiful it is that you see Him in your journey and how even the difficult times are transformed for our good?
    I’m tickled to death for you!
    Great be celebratory HUGS 💕

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    • Thank you so much Laura! My heart is leaping for joy too!!! Amen – God is so good!!! Receiving those celebratory hugs with a huge grin on my face! Thank you friend! Hugs and love xox

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  27. Yay!! Very happy for you! And enjoy your family to the fullest! Finally, through it all, you’ve grown spiritually and have become wiser, depending on the ”Eternal Wise One” who lives forever and ever, amen!! 🙏

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    • Thank you so much!! I am over the moon! Amen to that – very grateful to God for this opportunity! Hugs and love xox

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  28. I am happy for you that you will go home and will pray you stay there 🙂
    I think we need more info about this gentlemen who will go with you. We need to know he is good enough for you 🙂

    Reply

    • Aw thank you so much!! Hahah you’re too funny. I know you’ll approve! He’s a great man! Hugs and love xox

      Reply

  32. Enjoy your family. If we were your parents we would not want you to leave. The hard part for us as grandparents is seeing our kids(now with kids of their own) make scary choices and still loving and supporting them. Be blessed!

    Reply

    • Thank you so much Pete! I am so so excited to see them. You’re right – it’s been such a scary time. Hugs and love xox

      Reply

  33. Wonderful! So glad Father answered so quickly. 🙂 Will be praying for a safe trip there and back. Let us know how everyone is doing. Hope you have a great time! 🙂

    Reply

    • Thank you so much Kenneth! I appreciate your prayers! I absolutely will! Hugs and love xox

      Reply

  34. When I saw that first photo I thought, “I know where she is!”. The second photo confirmed it. That’s a great hike and a lovely place. Years ago we did faith based Trust walks up there. It’s breath taking.
    You look happy Caralyn, from deep within your being. <3
    Enjoy him, and enjoy home.

    Reply

    • The m you so much Teri! Yes! Bear Mountain was absolutely beautiful! I want to go back!! Oh wow sounds like an incredible time! Yes! Hugs and love xox

      Reply

    • Hi Tama’! Aw thank you so much! Yes! I am so so excited for them all to meet! Have a wonderful weekend! Hugs and love xox

      Reply

  36. I’m delighted for you, my friend. To be cut off from your family due to no fault of yours must have been extremely tough.
    But hey, the wait is over. 🥳🥳🥳🥳
    Do travel safely to and fro.
    Have a most enjoyable, rewarding and memorable experience in this journey. 🌹🌹

    Reply

    • Aw thank you so much my friend! Yes! I am so excited! The wait is over!!! Hugs and love xox

      Reply

  41. I’m happy for you that you’re going to spend time with your family! It’s been nearly a year . . . wow.
    Lovely photos! x

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    • thank you so much Lesley! Yes! I am so incredibly excited. A year is far far too long! Hugs and love xox

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    • Thank you so much! You’re right about that! God is always in control! we can trust that! Hugs and love xox

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  43. Well Caralyn, I’m sure being a doctor, your brother would know more about the truth of Covid and how dangerous it is. So far 3 of my colleagues at work have gotten the virus and for the most part, didn’t even show or have any symptoms; not even a slight fever. But one can never be too careful.

    Yeah, being with family is a saving grace during the lock down. I’m fortunate that I had my family with me here and in the same house. I guess a benefit of living together. The only one missing was my dad and I’ve not seen him in a year. But I know he’s fine. We talk and I’m confident God watches over his children.

    With everything that has happened in NYC over this year, Yeah, I’m sure your brother and dad will be bringing the “I told you so” comments; and you may have a couple of regrets.. But I can think of at least one certain someone who is happy that you didn’t heed their advice. Am I right?.. #Congratulations

    Have a great trip home.

    Reply

    • Thank you friend, yes, i am so grateful to be going home! you definitely were fourtunate to be with loved ones during quarantine. i’ll be keeping your dad in my prayers! hahah i think they’ll hold off on the i told you so’s — and maybe just come back with a firmer voice come the second go around that i fear is on deck for this winter. yes! hahah thank you for stopping by! Hugs and love xox

      Reply

  44. I am so happy for you. What joyous relief you must be feeling. May all kinds of wonder come your way now that you are able to travel to your loved ones.
    I’ve experienced a little of what you are surely feeling – after 8 months our family was able to travel from England to visit us to help celebrate (disjointedly!) my 70th. Seeing our sons and four grandchildren again was magic.
    Enjoy every moment and try to put the madness way in the back of your mind. Have a safe journey; savour the beauty of our world. Blessings be with you. X

    Reply

    • aw thank you so much Marilyn! Yes – joyous relief to say the least! oh wow that is so wonderful that you were able to reunite! Hugs and love xox

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      • You have a safe trip! And well done for surviving NYC – and still helping others with your strength and resilience. BTW – just copied another two of your recipes to delight our taste buds with! Thank you for your foodie delights. XX

      • Thank you again!! Oh that’s awesome! I hope you enjoy them! Which two are you trying out!?

    • thank you so much Ted! haha you’re right about that – dads are always right on the money! Hugs and love xox

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  48. So glad you are able to visit your family. The touch and hug of family members is so important. I talked with the manager of the senior adult center we’re my parents are located and she talked about the importance of family. She spoke about how quickly some of the residents have worsened in their illness since the start of the shut down.

    Funny, my special lady friend and I are in Ohio this week celebrating family.

    Enjoy

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    • Thank you so much Steve! Oh I hope you have a great time in Ohio! It is such a beautiful place. Especially during this time of year. And if you’re around Cincinnati, it’s octoberfest right now! Hugs and love xox

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  49. Too often we get so busy living our own version of life, sometimes it takes dramatic events, to stop us in our rush and give us time to allow God to show us what we have already have, so we can appreciate it more, by letting go and letting God take control

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    • Thanks so much Graham for sharing your thoughts on this. You’re right – God has definitely used Covid to show us our blessings!! Hugs and love xox

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  53. Not sure if you’re headed through the Columbus area or not, but if you are and want to check out the project that God has had Lindsey and I working on at the urban farm, send us a note! Safe travels.

    Harrison & Lindsey (Omnisye)

    Reply

    • Oh that sounds amazing! Thanks for the invite – What a cool operation! Unfortunately we’ll be south in Cincy, but next time!! Hugs and love xox

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  55. So happy for you, this is wonderful news!! For what it’s worth, I think you did the right thing staying in New York. You didn’t take the easier, cosier option and you learned valuable lessons along the way, making you an even wiser and stronger person than you already were, pre-Covid.
    My life gets a little hectic with little ones and other responsibilities and so I don’t get a lot of time to sit and read all your posts. Or when I do its a quick read with sadly no time to write a reply but when I do get the chance to read your posts, I always enjoy hearing what you have to say. Thank you and have a safe trip when it comes around. 🙂

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    • Thank you so much for this encouragement Kara. And gosh you’re kind to say that! I can only imagine the juggling act you’ve got! Praying for you!! Hugs and love xox

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  57. Do very happy for you and your family to be together. My wife and I are also traveling to Midwest (Iowa), home, to visit my family. May God bless your trip, and your time.

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    • Aw thank you friend! Oh that’s so exciting! Safe travels! With be praying for you two! Hugs and love xox

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  58. Great news about your trip! The dad in me says “Drive safe, have fun, and enjoy your family”. We never know how our choices will affect our lives. Trust in the Lord. He’ll bless you, guide you, and watch over you (and your “certain gentleman”).

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    • Thank you so much David! You’re so right – I have total trust in His protection!! Hugs and love xox

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    • Awww thank you so much Jall! Yes – we’ve all endured quite the trial with Covid, that’s for sure! Hugs and love xox

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    • thank you so much!!! oh my gosh that is such an amazing compliment! i’m so glad! have a wonderful afternoon! Hugs and love xox

      Reply

  69. I read through your post and some outstanding things just jumped out at me. I will pull a few over.

    “If there’s one thing that COVID has taught me, it’s the importance of the people I care about. I will never EVER take for granted a single moment that I’m together with my family/friends. Because life is short, and fragile…”

    “So – would I have gone home to ride out the pandemic in Ohio?… riding the pandemic out in the city independently taught me invaluable lessons…it really allowed for the beautiful blossoming of important relationships in my life.”

    Just yesterday, I read a post by Danielle Davis titled, “Missed Connections,” – it is just about the importance of family and friends in our lives. So have fun spending time with the most important part of your life – family and friends.

    The referenced Danielle Davis write up can be read here – https://worklifefeed.com/2020/11/06/how-family-and-friends-disconnections-impacts-life/

    Reply

    • Aw thank you so much – so glad this resonated with you! Thanks for the article recco! Hugs and love xox

      Reply

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