Need a Lift?

Some days you will feel homesick. You will feel guilty about being homesick because you live in paradise. The guilt doesn't help.

You moved to an island with two seasons: Summer and Winter. The only discernible change in your weather: it's raining more and it's getting cooler at night. Thank God it's 71 at night.

You will miss Husker season. The way all the cars in Nebraska head toward Lincoln every Saturday. The hush that falls over the state during the four hours the Sea of Red cheers on their Huskers.

On the mainland, your friends will get out their sweaters and jeans. Your wardrobe will not change. Here, fashion is not a thing. It's too hot. Everyone dresses for comfort. In a way, it's wonderful.

Why didn't you realize you'd miss the seasons? You should have seen this coming. You should have known it would hurt.

You didn't miss Summer, of course. You moved to the land of perpetual summer. You didn't miss Winter. But, you do miss Spring and Fall. Back home, Spring and Fall were the best seasons.

Fall is Husker Saturdays, changing leaves, sweaters, and bonfires. Fall is the first snow. Fall is harvest. Fall is a pickup truck full of labradors and men wearing orange vests and camouflage. Fall was your annual BYOP (bring your own pumpkin) party with Hocus Pocus playing.

Spring is green grass peaking out of the last winter snow in April. Spring is my Mom's garden full of daffodils, tulips, crocus, and peonies. Spring is finally being able to walk outside without ice.

Sometimes when you're homesick, the universe will send you a little glimpse of home. No matter how small that may be. Today, it's the tow truck that crossed the Pacific all the way from New Hampton, Iowa.