Time to Come Home
Originally Posted on Oct 15, 2023
Twas the night before the finale of When Calls the Heart Season 10
I tried writing a funny blog “If the Horses of Hope Valley Could Talk” and it was terrible.
No really, it was bad. I won't embarrass myself (or the horses).
I created a chart with the 4 S’s of a Secure Attachment but then got stuck.
I went to bed feeling like I’d failed my Heartie friends and myself.
I had so much to say, but I just couldn’t find the right words.
I woke up before 5 am with words pouring out.
So this will be a little messy and raw.
My first conscious thought was are you
Running away from or running to something?
I thought about how Lucas loved Elizabeth
The word “cherished” came to mind
The kisses on the head and the hand for his lady
The pedestal he placed her on
The woman he wanted to be worthy of
And then I thought about a Greek love that I didn’t put in Part 2 of my last blog
I skipped it.
I couldn’t figure out how it fit and then it hit me
How ironic that was
Philantia or Self Love
The most challenging and foundational to all other types
The healthy necessary work of loving one’s self
Makes it possible to give and RECEIVE love from other people
It’s a sense of one’s purpose
And it helps you to balance your love of self with love of others
Elizabeth
Saving the town is not the only thing that matters.
You matter
Teaching is your calling
Hope Valley is your home
From Season 1 through Season 11
Be honest with yourself.
Lucas
Making a home with this woman
Pinning all your hopes and dreams on her
Is not balanced. It’s co-dependent.
It leaves you anxious like in Season 8
Watching from the sidelines
Or wanting in the beginning of Season 9
To be worthy of her
You are worthy of love without having to prove a thing
Elizabeth ran to Lucas not just because he was safe
But because she didn’t want to feel so exposed
She saw herself as fragile
Breakable too
She still does
That’s her biggest fear
That’s why she can’t
She doesn’t know if she’d survive it
Again
I think back to an early conversation Elizabeth had with Nathan
In the schoolhouse
About Allie protecting herself
Pushing people away so she doesn’t get hurt
Again
Nathan’s long considering look, they weren’t just talking about Allie
So what do you suggest he asked
Keep doing what you’re doing
And he has
For 5 whole seasons
Think about the storyline with Allie in S8 and S9
Her growing feelings for Robert and her fears
Nathan teaching her to ride and to get back on when she fell off
That heartfelt moment when he stopped to tell her he understood, he really did
And last season on the therapy swing when she called him Dad for the first time
What was his advice again about a relationship with Robert?
Focus on being friends for now
Another Heartie online talked about how
Elizabeth and Nathan have orbited each other for years
There’s always been a strong pull like magnets
Even when it was too early
And she was too scared
I have to leave now or I won’t be able to
Don’t Go
Stay
Even after the Fort Clay Secret was revealed
Elizabeth stood with Allie
Waiting to hear the results of the inquiry
Smiling with her heart in her eyes as
Allie ran to Nathan
He tossed his hat away and caught her
Smiling at Elizabeth over her shoulder
Know when I saw that same look from her again?
After the hostage situation
With Nathan downplaying the danger
Not knowing of Elizabeth’s panic
Allie throws herself into his arms again
Welcoming him home
Elizabeth looks on from across the street
Held back by the ring on her finger
Forcing down emotions that will no longer stay away
Her heart in her throat
The relief clear on her face
Running away from it all didn’t work
She’s tougher than she thinks
Maybe that’s why she’s wearing pants
Waiting at the log
Loving yourself well is not holding back in fear
It’s doing what you’re most afraid to do
That’s always been the epic story
The primary story being told
Jack was forced to Hope Valley by her father but chose to stay
Don’t rewrite Jack and Elizabeth’s love either
They didn’t have a relationship built just on dinners and candles
They got into the ring
They fought for love
They pushed each other
Went toe to toe
They argued and apologized
They chose each other again and again
You don’t choose a person just once
You choose them everyday
Carpe Diem is saying
that even knowing what could happen
And I do
I choose today
and everyday I get
With you
“Be safe” doesn’t just mean “I love you”
It’s wanting the other person to be happy
To be whole
Even if it’s without you
But what they really mean by “Be safe”
Is Come Home
To me
Not just to Hope Valley
But to me
Our everyday, right here, right now life
Surrounded by friends and family
Because there’s no place
You or I
Would rather be
My hope for the finale
Is a calm choice
as funny as that sounds
Not running to or away
An openness of heart and soul
Vulnerability
Apology
Repair
And a long hug
Many years in the making
A durable epic love that can’t be denied
That will stand up to anything
Because they are a team
A family
Blended but still fully themselves
Broken but healing
Stronger together than apart
For however long it lasts
Will Elizabeth finally say
There’s nothing wrong with you
You’re actually quite good at this
Please don’t give up on love
On me
On us
You are that kind of guy
My kind of guy
I chose you
You’ve seen me at my best and my worst
I’ve been happy and I’ve been mad
I’ve been confident and confused
I’ve been surprised and very sad
I’ve been pushy and closed off
I’ve been right and so wrong
But you stayed
Patient
Always
Could they ride off together
This time
Heads thrown back in joy
Racing to something
Together?
How did the other Elizabeth reply to Mr. Darcy in Pride and Prejudice
When he wanted to know what she recommended to encourage love
If not poetry that put paint to it?
Dancing
Here's to tonight.
Open Hands
Expecting to be Surprised
Grateful for what we Get