HOME!

When I last posted I was sleeping over in the Florence airport...but I can happily tell you that I am now posting from my very own bedroom at home!

This weekend was probably the most stressful three days I have ever experienced.  Sleeping over the airport was just the beginning of the journey home.  All three of my new flights were delayed AND in order to get on them....I had to throw out more than half of my belongings to even be allowed to check my bag.  Not only that, but the weight limits changed with the airlines I was flying with, so both times I had to adjust the weight of my bag.  I was charged 150 in euro to get my luggage checked on my final flights home.  That was AFTER being forced to throw out 9 kilos worth of clothes, books and shoes.  They wouldn't let me donate it.  They made me throw it all away.

It's just stuff.

But it still sucked.  I was pulled aside for not one, but two random security checks...watched my stuff be rifled through, my laptop be opened, I got felt up by some security guards.  Flight after flight delayed...waiting and waiting alone in airports.  Between exhaustion and frustration and helplessness....I couldn't even cry like I wanted to.  I just had to wait.

Once in a while I would meet some really amazing strangers though.  I really think they were angels.  Always when I needed a friend the most....someone kind and caring would show up.  I don't believe any of that is coincidence.

It was not fun.  But I would do it all again.  Home has never felt so wonderful.  I feel like I can breathe easy again just being near my family.  And I have some serious cuddle time to make up for with my puppy dog.

I just wanted to say thank you to every single person who sent prayers or positive energy.  YOU brought me home.  I was one of the lucky ones.  I made it out of Europe just in time.  It's all because of you guys.  The power of collective thought, energy and prayer is a very real thing to me.  Thank you so much for thinking of me.  I am honored to have such a beautiful network of family, friends...wonderful, thoughtful people.

I love you so much.  So blessed to be home :)

Have a beautiful holiday and a happy new year.  Buon Natale <3

Love, Hayden