The following week we would spend at my parents.

Things were still "hummin' along" at the brewery and Vermont Tech. It was perhaps time to move on, but I was learning more and more each day. I would give it a few weeks more; or perhaps a month and reevaluate. Samantha was happy with my employment at the brewery and I was getting paid well. At this point, not only had I paid back the line of credit, but I was in the black in my checking account.

Samantha was hard at work at college in Boston. She was excited to meet my parents and at the same time very nervous. I told her she needn't be, but you know how women are. They; at times, want things to be perfect and follow a straight line.

My work week went by quickly and I began my journey to home. Samantha and I drove together, so we had "windshield time" in order to build and strengthen our relationship. The drive was long and arduous in reality, but spending time with Samantha made it palatable. We stopped every hour or so to have a short rest and get some refreshments.

Upon arriving, my parents had a sign at the front door. A banner hung over the door which stated, "Welcome Home, Son and Samantha." It made me feel not only welcome, but loved. They fell in love with Samantha immediately. My father was able to tell from "Day 1 concerning our conversations that Samantha was a perfect fit for me. And during my time to "find myself", she had been a beacon of light; a lighthouse, and an anchor of sorts.

We had a family dinner that Friday night at home. Mom fixed London Broil, a salad, and my favourite; macaroni and cheese. Once again, a simple meal for simple people. I would have the opportunity over the next forty-eight hours to show Samantha my town. While small, she would be impressed. It was not the city she was used to, and she immediately appreciated the beauty of a small town. It had much to offer, and she soaked it up like the rays on a hot summer day.