Where to now? But Joe knew the answer to that question long before he set foot again in Australia. His bishop had suggested he take off a month to settle in before returning to parish work. Joe had gratefully accepted. First of all, he needed to visit his parents. He knew how worried they had been about his time in Vietnam. He guessed how much they longed for a visit after such a long absence, but he knew also they would never voice their feelings. Their relief and joy almost came through the phone when he called to tell them he was back in the country and on his way up to them.
“Son, I’ll come down and pick you up!” His father’s voice was breathless.
“No Dad. Truly. I’ve booked a flight – will see you tomorrow.”
When the plane landed at the country airport the following day, Joe was not surprised to see the crowd that awaited him. A sea of faces waving from outside the terminal greeted him as he left the plane. Soon, family and friends surrounded him, hugging, shaking hands. Then followed introductions to the latest additions of the family, a son to Len and daughter – and sister to three brothers – to Don.
“We’ve organized with Fr. Brown for you to baptize this pair next weekend,” Len advised.
As they drove to the homestead, Joe noticed the dryness of the countryside.
“Hasn’t been good,” his father noted. “But we’re all surviving. And good rain is forecast.”
“Always the optimist, Dad,” Joe smiled.
“Now for the surprise.” Mary was hesitant.
“Go on,” John encouraged. “The big surprise, Joe,” he added, looking over to his son.
“Well,” Mary continued, “John and I thought our big home was wasted on just the two of us. So we built a smaller cottage, still on the property, and Len and his family have moved into our old home. Mind you,” she continued, “the move was not without a tear or two. It had been the family home for so long. But your Dad and I are now quite happy in our new little place.”
“And, as you will see,” John added with a grin, “everything from the old family home that would fit in the new home, has been moved over!”
“Well, I need my memories,” Mary added with a smile.
Soon the car stopped in front of a building Joe had never seen before. From the time they turned through the property gates Joe felt the calm of returning to his roots. Now, as he viewed the new building, the feeling softened slightly.
“This is it!” John announced.
“Down to three bedrooms now instead of six, and a modern kitchen.” Joe could tell from the inflection in his mother’s voice that the new house had won her over.
Yes, Joe thought, this has been a good move for the whole family. Once inside, Joe could not restrain a chuckle. “It’s the old place under a new roof,” he laughed.
“Isn’t it that?” His father laughed with him.
“Well,” Mary was on the defensive. “Most of this has so many memories. I couldn’t leave any behind.”
“Of course they needed to come,” Joe answered as he gave his mother a hug.
After being shown around the whole house, Joe agreed it had been a good move.
“And,” he added with a twinkle in his eye, “it wouldn’t be half as good without the furniture and trappings!” They all laughed.
Dinner that night was to be in the old family home – now home to Don and his wife and family. The boys and their wives had left no stone unturned to make this welcome home to Joe as happy and meaningful as possible. How lucky I am! How blessed I’ve been, thought Joe, as he looked around the happy, noisy throng.
Before the call to the dinner table, Joe had been dragged outside by a handful of nieces and nephews to play cricket. The fight began when both sides demanded Joe on their side, only resolved when Joe announced he would play on both sides. Soon they were called to dinner. It was a noisy meal, an extremely happy meal, and, in spite of all the interruptions in its preparation, a very tasty meal.
“Guys! – and dolls!” Joe looked around the crowded room. “This is a time and place always to be remembered. Thanks for everything.”