Jordan's Home!

I see him as he comes out of the doors at SeaTac, full beard, long hair, laughing with his buddies. Basil and I get out of the car, big hugs, "Hi Ma!" introductions. Basil sniffs him, but is more concerned with all the smells of the millions of people who have been here before us. Once in the car however he realizes  just who this is and tail wagging, gives him a proper homecoming. Jordan's home!


I have never been away from any of my kids for four months, not seeing him was hard, but harder still was the limited ability to communicate, waiting for him to call home every few weeks or catching him on Facebook for a few minutes, as they had limited internet access, run by a generator. In today's world I am use to keeping in touch almost daily, I am spoiled and missed him so much. It is good to see him sitting next to me in the car! He looks good, healthy, and happy to see me and his dog. Jordan's home! 


I am full of questions and he is full of stories. Stories about bears and 12-foot moose, rabbits and foxes. Stories about the weather the boats, his small yellow school bus and the four wheeler he drove in the village hauling gallons and gallons of propane and supplies for camp. Stories about the river and the camp, the clients and how it never really got dark. Stories about the natives and the way they live, their isolated small village, their traditions, their poverty and  the friendships he developed  with them. Stories about the crew and how they worked hard, had fun and of the relationships he formed with them, their love for fishing bonding them all. And of course fish stories, lots of fish stories! Jordan's home! 

He tells me how strange it was flying into Seattle, all the lights and the people. Traffic is a bit overwhelming for him, he has not watched TV, surfed the internet or used his cell phone for four months. He talks that first day on the phone with Brandon and his dad, but no one else. He has spent the last couple of days slowly catching up some with email, mostly school related I think, trying to reconnect with the world some, but mostly staying connected to the guys he just left, missing some of the isolation I think. He went  into Issaquah to Creekside, to visit with the guys in the shop and tell them about his trip. But for the most part, he has spent the last couple of days snuggling with his dog, and talking about what he will do next. Plans for fishing trips, visiting his new friends in North and South Carolina, Montana, Idaho, more fishing adventures. Jordan's home! 

Alaska West Fishing Lodge

He asks for  tacos, guacamole, chips, and a beer for dinner the first night and homemade pizza and a beer the next. Tonight we will venture out for Thai food. He needs a haircut and maybe some new clothes as he lost some weight. He plans on heading back to Bellingham on Monday, heading back to his boat, lining things up to defend his thesis, excited to see Brandon and Courtney, but for now Jordan's home! And I am loving it!