Long story short my parents and I decided I was going to come home as a surprise the weekend of the game, so my parents and I (and my two best friends from home) were the only ones to know that I was coming.
I landed after a beautiful 8-hour flight (I had the whole row to myself on the plane, so I got to make a nest) and got to hurry up and wait for my luggage to come through so I could run into my mom's arms after 6 long months without her. Finally got my luggage, and I tried my best to act casual so as to not draw suspicion from my favs (TSA) as I half walked, half ran toward the International Arrivals Hall and into my mom's arms. After a lot of really gross crying in front of strangers, I was sitting in my car on the way home to see my dad and surprise my brother and Monty. It felt like a dream.
I beat the boys home because they were at one of Monty's basketball games, so my second reunion was with my dog... who did nothing. She wandered up as usual wagging her tail, and after getting one pat on the head from me, turns to my mom to ask for dinner. She tried to ruin my vibe, but it's cool...I know she was internally stoked to see me... deep down.
My dad came in next, and seeing him come in, there are no words it was just awesome. Then we formed our plan of attack, because the boys were in my brother's car 5 minutes behind my dad. I ducked behind the counter and waited for them to walk in while my dad had my phone to capture the moment on video. I can honestly say I shocked the linguistic skill out of them, because all I heard for the next 5 minutes after I surprised them was, "What the hell?" and "Holy shit!" I gave each of them a hug, but it took a second hug from each and a whole lot of staring for it to sink in that I was finally home.
The next day, Friday, I went to visit my high school in the morning to catch up with my old teachers, got a haircut for the first time since I'd left, and then spent time at home with my dad before leaving for Monty's senior night. I surprised my grandparents at the game, and I got to see a ton of my old friends. Then the game began, and I got to see Monty play while sitting with my family in our matching Monty shirts, cheering my head off. In that moment, there was no where in the world I would have rather been.
Saturday, Monty had another game and I repped the Lithuanian flag with pride. After the game, we went to Chick-fil-A, and my tastebuds cried they were so happy to finally have buffalo chicken. Then, I went out to dinner at Sakura (my favorite hibachi grill) and then to Red Lobster to say hi to my old coworkers.
Sunday I got to sleep in and woke up to cinnamon buns (#blessed). I went shopping with my mom and Monty and then returned home to curl up and watch the Superbowl and Downton Abbey.
Monday I woke up early to say goodbye to everyone, spent the morning drinking tea on the couch and packing my suitcase with 42 pounds of food and beverage (yea 42 pounds judge me) and then I was on my way to the airport and on my way back to Madrid.
It was the longest-shortest weekend of my life, but it was 100% worth it to be able to see my family (and eat all the food). It was weird in a way though. Since I talk to my family and close friends every week, after the initial excitement of my being home, it felt like I had never left. I've changed so much, but small town Bel Air, MD has barely changed at all. I'm happy to be back in Madrid, but also eager to see what the future holds for me once my study abroad ends and I return home in 3 months.
