I went for a Sunday drive last night, literally. Out for ice cream. Delivering a few graduation gifts. Running a few errands. Along the way, I couldn't help but notice how beautiful my hometown is. Perhaps I was so keenly aware of it in the aftermath of the destruction left by the Joplin tornado. Maybe it was because my architect husband was with me, and he pointed out all the interesting buildings that continue to spring up around our neighborhood. Kansas City is richly blessed with a great architectural community. Maybe it was because I worked in the garden earlier in the day, and the bouquet of hydrangeas from the yard had been recently arranged in my favorite room (the kitchen). Despite a less than ideal spring, Kansas City has four seasons that deliver amazing landscapes and the flowers now blooming are glorious. The aroma from the orange tree on my patio offers simple pleasures that I am most grateful for.
When I hear in the news about the number of people around the world who have left their homelands because of political strife, economic necessity or environmental disasters, I can only wonder what that must be like. How sad it must be to miss the familiar comforts of home! How fortunate I am to live in a beautiful city that feels safe and has so much to offer. I know it is not a perfect place, but it is home to me and I love it.
