These Streets

Essex, UK

At approximately 6.05am, Sunday the 8th of October, a stranger passed through passport control at London Heathrow. After 359days away, I returned back to England.

Dad hadn't arrived yet as I landed 20minutes early, so as a novelty, I went and met him. So good to finally see the old man, we had a long hug and then set about the leisurely drive around the M25 to a place I call home.

I walked in through the back of the house, noticing that the grass seemed way greener than it ever had before - the plants in bloom as if it were late Spring rather than Autumn, as normal as it would be making this walk, my home since day 1, felt extremely different. I walked in and mum stepped off the staircase. A minute or so later - we actually spoke to each other after a long hard hug.

The house seemed smaller than it ever felt before, and the next shock was awaiting me in my room. For 12months, I lived out of one 85litre black backpack, suddenly, I realised how much stuff I actually own - I can't even begin to describe what a feeling this was.

Next up my sister and neice came running up to No.57. As I saw Megan for the first time, she didn't say a word until I did - I guess apprehensive that her Uncle Luke might not in fact be, her Unkle Luke. With Megan now up on my right shoulder, I gave her and Sian a long embrace. She'll thank me for writing this, but Sian wiped away a tear or two before we could carry on...

Megan, Sian and myself took a little mid morning trip over to Wat Tyler Park, a nature preserve not to far from home and spent the time drinking tea, and playing on the kids playground.

With Sunday Roast came Grandma. She wasn't too sure when I was due back, so we left it a surprise to find me sat in my usual place at the end of the Sunday dinner table. "Oooh" she remarked seconds after she'd sat down, before I gave her the customary greeting.

Not too many people knew I was back in England, so I'd take great delight in surprising everyone I knew in the next few days. As well as getting a whole bunch of stuff organised, some long overdue catch up sessions with good friends took up most of my evenings this week, finally culminating in a great trip into London with Claire to see an amazing Paolo Nutini in concert.

Nearly a week on, and I'd come to realise what home is. Not so much the bricks and mortar that I'd stomped around since 1979, but my good family and friends - for whom I'm so grateful to have.