I am a stranger in a town I once thought was a slice of heaven on earth. Going back to Runović in Imotski was surreal and humbling.
As I pull up to my grandparents house I am struck with the reality that their is no one waiting for me.
All that waits is a house filled with memories.
“A person’s worth is measured by the worth of what he values” – Marcus Aurelius
The moment I walked into the house, my heart was filled with joy. Even though their is no one living in the house, it still has the imprint of family.
I turned on the radio, opened all the windows, grabbed a broom, cracked open a beer and strarted freshening up.
I could hear their laughter as I struggled to kill a few spiders. I could smell them as I dusted off their shoes, and straightened the pictures hanging on the walls.
I was happy being alone with the memories of my grandparents. I finally felt like I was home.
“Nowhere can a man find a quieter or more untroubled retreat than in his own soul” -Marcus Aurelius, Meditations
The rest of the day I spent with family and friends. I got to play Balote (Bocce Ball) with the guys in the hills.
It was fun hanging out with my cousin, my brother-in-law and all the guys, but I had other places to go and people to see.
I was nervous heading into town.
The last time I went into town alone, was when my grandfather passed away. I didn’t want to relive that experience.
It was time to make new memories.
“Look back over the past, with its changing empires that rose and fell, and you can forsee the future too.” – Marcus Aurelius
As evening drew, I made one final stop.
The Bago’s house.
These people are incredible. Although we may not be related, to me they are family.
They have always been a so loving, kind and funny.
I couldn’t think of a better group of people to end my day with.
I did something bold by allowing life to suprise me.
I came away more grateful for the acts of kindness people unconditionally give.
Life is fleeting, but it doesn’t have to be somber.
I may not have my grandparents waiting for me when I go home, but I still have a home to go back to. And that is priceless.
HUMPDAY SPACE 
Send me a message on my Facebook message page so I can share what I’ve learned so far
Hi Maramara we communcicated during the summer about Irwin Grygienc, my Uncle, and his plane that was shot down during World War II in Imotski in Red Lake. You had stated that your were going to see if you could find out any more information during your trip home. I look forward to your communication and any information that your may have come across. Thank you LuAnne