Yes, Missouri is home for us now, but I was a Kansan from the time I was five months old until Ken and I moved to Missouri two and a half years ago. My dad and brother and sisters still live in Kansas, along with many beloved friends, so when we go back to Kansas, it still—and always—feels like going home.
I grew up on a farm in Rice County, a farmer’s daughter. I still wear that label proudly. Since my mom’s death, my dad lives on a small farm in the country, and even though it’s not the farm I grew up on, it still feels like coming home to spend time at his place. I could sit on Daddy’s porch all day long. So peaceful.
Ken and I got up early each morning to walk the dirt roads. It was Kansas-windy one morning, but the morning this photo was taken, we saw a beautiful sunrise and I made a new friend! (The neighbor’s horse.)
Ken got to spend time with his brothers and I got to spend time with my sisters. Such a joy.
We also got to get together with my dear Club Deb friends (and their hubbies!) in Wichita. It had been almost two and a half years since all six of us gals had been together. SO wonderful to hug their necks and catch up on each others’ news. We’ve been together through so many seasons of life. Just love these friends.
We’re back home in Missouri now and we do love our life here, close to our daughters and their families. But I’ll always love a trip back to Kansas. And it will always feel like going home.
Latest posts by Deborah Raney (see all)
- Happy Mother’s Day! - May 11, 2025
- Research Trip - April 28, 2025
- He is Risen! - April 20, 2025
Such beautiful photos. I’m so glad you were able to spend time with those you love.
Thanks, Rebecca. It was a really special time.
Wonderful photos and commentary about your trip home! You are so fortunate to still have your father. So happy you were able to take this trip. Thank you for this pist. You always cheer me up! Blessings to you and your family.
“You always cheer me up!” That is SUCH a sweet thing to say, Betty. And I’m so delighted to hear it since that is my #1 goal for my posts on this blog. Thank you for always being such an encouraging voice here! We all appreciate you!
Beautiful photos! How fun to make a new “friend” on your trip home. I always think of home as being where my mom is. Her location has changed within the same town I grew up in, but it’s still home. She might be moving south in the next year or so with my brother and so that will no doubt become home to me as well. It’s funny… I’ve lived in my house for almost 12 years and when someone asks me if I’m “home” I always have to stop and think because home to me means something different than my physical location.
I totally understand that, Joy! And that’s a good way to think about home, I think, given that this world is NOT our home except for the short time we’re on earth. Our eternal home is much more what we should dwell on. (Still, I’m awfully grateful God has given me such warm and lovely earthly homes.)
What lovely pictures! When you live in a state that you didn’t grow up in (like I do) your home state always retains a special piece of your heart. 🙂
So true, Becky. Even so, I’m surprised how quickly I’ve warmed to Missouri, despite my Kansas roots.
What a delightful post, Deb (and wonderful photos too – – that horse is beautiful!). How special spending time with family and friends, and seeing your home state again.
I remember when you used to post about your Club Deb friends, so I’m glad you were able to see them again! 🙂
Since I’ve never lived anywhere except Georgia (and always in the same general area of the state), the thoughts of moving to another state seem exciting to me—until I start thinking about all the packing up, LOL. 😉
Thanks for sharing with us!
Oh, I hear you on the packing, Patti Jo! I hope to never have to pack again! I think we’re in our forever home (until the nursing home. 🙂 )
Those pictures are gorgeous. Kansas sounds like a nice place to call home.
It was the best! Still love it. (The wind, not so much!) A great place to raise kids and come home to.
I enjoyed the visit with you and the lovely photos!
Thanks, Linda! So glad you enjoyed it!