In this sacrosanct space, we have often discussed the meaning of “home”: how it’s more than just its physical attributes; how it becomes a place where memories are created; and how it’s the space where you find (or should find) comfort and peace - a respite from the outside world.
But we all have our homes away from home too - places that give you that same feeling of comfort.
For my mother, her home away from home was the Chicago Botanic Gardens. No matter the season, she would savor the ever-changing curated flora in its array of gardens, the peace of the space, and the unwired serenity it offered. She often wandered there alone, deep in her thoughts and inhaling the beauty of the space.
But what she loved most was sharing her time there with those she loved - her family, especially her children and grandchildren. Without a set agenda, we would wander and gaze while we chatted and laughed, with the grandchildren running in all directions, exploring.
Although the exact site will forever remain a family secret, during each visit we would hide pennies and an occasional nickel or dime at a special spot deep within the gardens’ confines. Decades later, many of those coins remain exactly where we placed them, now treasured mementos of our cherished times together and a loving invitation to continue this tradition for years to come.
After she passed away 25 years ago, our family dedicated a commemorative stone in her honor in her favorite spot - the Japanese garden, immediately to the left when you cross the footbridge onto the island. It warms my heart each time someone sends me a screenshot of that stone, always evoking memories of my mother and the times we shared there. I often go there to contemplate and remember.
As central as this “home away from home” has been to my family, nothing could elevate its meaning more than my dear niece Gabrielle’s wedding which will take place at the Chicago Botanic Gardens tomorrow. With countless wedding venues available both locally, nationally, and even abroad, Gabrielle and her fiancé, Michael (a really really great guy!), took no time in zeroing in on our family’s home away from home as the launching point for their life together.
So with the cherished memories of my mother - and with the winds of family moments past propelling our hopes and dreams for the generations that follow, we return, we gather, we dance, and we celebrate Gabrielle and Michael in our sacred spot - all within the loving embracing moonlight of my mother Jacky’s spirit, the revered matriarch of our family.
I can’t wait to be home.
Have a great weekend!
Best,
Brad
