Looking toward the Hub

This past fall a (new) good friend offered to marry Brandi and I as we traveled to Terlingua to share our vows with each other, our families, and close friends. As Sharron prepared, she asked for a favorite author or two of each of ours so she could find a quote to use at the ceremony.

There are few things that will make you question your reading than to be marrying a professional writer and being asked who your favorite author is. I read a ton, but have had very few authors who are my go-to when looking for inspiration. I’m also horrible with specifics. I remember general themes, but things like names don’t stick with me. Since I drew a blank on inspiring writers, I went with my gut: Terry Pratchett.

Regardless of the where I’ve been in life the past handful of years after discovering him, I’ve reached for Terry Pratchett’s books as my release of the previous day’s activities. It’s been the thing that lets the energy expended or pent up during the day relax into a soothing sleep. His humor and view on the world is calming.

I told Sharron that Pratchett was my favorite author, not expecting her to find much of anything. His humor is great, I knew that. But something that would fit in a wedding? That’s a different story.

The day before the wedding, we arrived and she told us what she had found:

Why do you go away? So that you can come back. So that you can see the place you came from with new eyes and extra colors. And the people there see you differently, too. Coming back to where you started is not the same as never leaving.

Emphasis mine.

Having just left Austin, having just left my family and friends, having grown up as a rolling stone, and having returned to a place dear to my heart for this special occassion, this quote carried special meaning for me.

It’s been with me ever since, and even more so this last 24 hours. #RIPTerryPratchett