A stormy night.. after a day of sun, then clouds, then sun again.. very changeable, as it seems to be so much of the time here. And then the rain came… but somehow, although its pace was hard and fierce, it seemed peaceful and right to me. I am protected by this place.. this home, that stands strong against the storms. It was built out of love.. and it is very strong. After years of being in one place and then another.. all wonderful places, wonderful homes, I am finally really home. In each place there were good friends who brought sunshine and laughter and understanding. And for that I am truly thankful. But in this place, I feel the heartbeat of who I truly am and where I was always meant to be. For here.. I am needed. Here I am loved. Here I wake in the morning and know that I can make a difference. Here, I know that my love pours into precious hearts that welcome my special words and influence. Here I know that my efforts and labors of love are never wasted.. And that is a good, good feeling. Perhaps we are called to where we need to be.. to the place where we belong. And if that is so…then this is that place. The place where I belong.

~ Carole Carter – words and photograph