My Old Kentucky Home, Far Away.

I was fortunate enough to be able to study abroad in college.  My father once made me a bet that if I didn't drink, smoke, or get into trouble with the law by the time I was 21, he would buy me a Rolex. Instead of the watch,  I took the money so that I could go to Ireland.  One of my favorite parts of studying abroad did not actually take place in the classroom.  I loved going to the local bars in the areas we were "studying".  Funny I know, considering I don't drink.  In my opinion, the local bars are some of the best places to find out about a different culture.  I would eat the food (much better in Ireland than people say), drink the overpriced Coke with only two ice cubes, and talk with all the local people.  Seriously, you could buy a beer cheaper than you could buy a Coke.  It was where I did the most learning, and I tried to be a good ambassador for the state of Kentucky and 'Merica.  When the locals found out I was from KY, they wanted to talk about either  1)Ali 2) KFC, or 3)horse racing.  I was happy to oblige them in any and all topics.  I love the state of KY, and I always enjoy talking about it with people who are not from here.  One of the best local routines in almost every bar was at some point someone would play the song O Danny Boy.  I was interested in this song because it was one of two Irish songs I really knew. The other song being Molly Malone.

O Danny Boy was an important song to my Irish grandmother,  a song she used to sing to my dad when he was little.  I never knew why because I never got the chance to ask her.  However, I always loved the melancholy lyrics and tune.  My girls love it as well.  So much so, it made Reagan say "I love this song, it makes me think of you when you're (me) dead."  I think I know what she meant...I think.  Anyway, when this song came on in the bar, everyone would stand along and sing.  This was very similar to what we do with our National Anthem or Sweet Caroline at a ball game.  I asked one local about the song and his response was very telling.  He told me the that most people who have never left Ireland don't care much for the song.  However, he said that once you leave the beauty of Ireland behind, along with loved ones, the song takes on a whole new meaning.  Then the song means much more to you.  Interesting.

Life for us in Chicago has been a big adjustment.  I find myself talking about Kentucky (and UK) all the time.  I don't mean to be obnoxious about it, although I am sure that I am.  I don't ever mean to imply that my state is better than anyone else's.  It is all just simply about pride and love.  I find myself missing my old front porch swing, the smells of spring time in Kentucky.  I miss sitting on the porch during a rain storm. I miss the farms and old plantation homes.  I miss it being hot first thing in the morning.  I miss the look of the Bluegrass, the feel, the magnolia trees, the beauty that truly is this great state.  I miss UK and all the Kentucky fans.  It has been well documented that I sing My Old Kentucky Home all the time.  That song has taken on a new meaning to me, almost the true meaning, since I have left.

My Old Kentucky Home is actually a very sad slave song.  The versus after the traditional version are extremely heartfelt.  While I certainly would never compare my fantastic journey to that of a slaves in Kentucky 170 years ago, there is something we both can relate to.  We both can relate to missing our homes/loved ones in Kentucky.  Life is about changing, nothing ever stays the same.  I get that.  Being back here this week really makes me realize how great of a state this is and a city Lexington is.  If home is where the heart is, my home will always be Kentucky.

To top it off, we are fortunate this week to be staying with Callie and also hanging out with Brooke Ward.  Brooke and Austin just had their first baby.  I remember meeting Brooke when she was in her third year at UK.  Now she is married with a baby boy.  Callie owns her own house, is a full time nurse, and we trust our kids with her completely.  Everything really does change. They have grown up with us.  While I have to work here every day, it is so nice to be surrounded by people we love so much.  It feels so comfortable, so warm.  We miss them as much as you can possibly miss anything.  You don't realize how much you miss someone until they are no longer part of your daily lives.  This weekend will be special because my parents will come down (with Uncle Patrick) and Brooke's parents will come up.  With them, Brooke, Austin, Baby Brayden, and Callie, we will all be together.  I couldn't imagine better folks to celebrate Hadley's first birthday with.  Today, Brooke Ward left her phone over at the house.  When Austin called the phone to tell me to bring her phone later, I noticed that her wallpaper on the phone was a picture of Brooke W., Austin, Brooke, and me.  That meant more to me than you can imagine.  I know we will soon be replaced by pictures of her new son, and we should be.  However, it felt so comforting to know that she had that picture of us.  Every time she used her phone, she saw the four of us at Rupp Arena.  Thanks Brooke, its nice to know you thought of us in that way.  My family loves you, your husband, your son, your extended family, and Callie, more than you could every know.

This time last year I would have never imagined we would be in Chicago.  It has been a hell of a ride, and we have made some great new friends.  No matter where life takes us, I will always miss and love my Kentucky home.  I am blessed and proud to have been born and raised a Kentuckian.  Leaving Saturday will be so hard.  I will have to say goodbye to almost everyone that I love.  Some I will see soon, some I don't know when I will see again.  Please know that wherever we travel we take you with us in our hearts. The sun truly shines bright here in Kentucky.