Luuuucy, I'm Home

Stardate 10.31.2026

There's no place like home.

My Lawrence assignment came to an end yesterday. After several demanding days helping a new location welcome its members, it was time to pack up, return the rental car, and head home.

The previous day had been especially busy. We spent the day signing up 301 new members, keeping everyone moving, and helping the new location get off to a strong start. It was a nonstop day, and I was ready for some rest.

A colleague made my hotel checkout especially memorable. She had picked up a copy of the Lawrence Journal-World hot off the press and dropped it off for me. We had made the front page!

The headline read, "It's Finally Here."

The cover photograph was a drone shot from above, showing a full parking lot at the new location. What a wonderful image of the community's response!

I read the article during the drive home. It was a special reminder of the people who worked together to bring the new location to life. I'm grateful I had the opportunity to be part of the team.

There was another kindness waiting for me. My rental car location approved my request to waive the one-way drop-off fee. That allowed me to return the vehicle in Lawrence and ride home with my wife in her car. She drove while I caught up on some much-needed sleep.

Coming home also meant taking care of something special.

Our daughter had given me a personalized license plate for Lucy. She checked the availability and discovered that Luuuucy was available. Yes, that's Lucy with four U's!

I made a quick visit to the motor vehicle department and picked up the personal plates. Lucy now has a new identity, courtesy of a thoughtful gift from our daughter.

Today's title is a little tribute to Lucille Ball and the television classic I Love Lucy.

Luuuucy, I'm Home!

This morning, I'll be driving Luuuucy to cardio tennis. It's good to be home and back in familiar routines.

Psalm 121:8 (NIV) reminds me:

"The LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore."

Thank you, Jesus, for safe travels, thoughtful people, family, and the many blessings tucked into an ordinary day.

I'm home. And I'm grateful.

Join me here:

https://substack.com/@michaelmulliganlivelong

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Captain's Addendum

Bones: "Spock, I believe our Captain has finally returned to familiar territory."

Spock: "Indeed, Doctor. Although the vehicle appears to have acquired an unusually large number of vowels."

Bones: "Four U's? I suppose that's one way to make a homecoming memorable."

Sometimes the best parts of a journey are the people who help us along the way. Today, I'm grateful for family, colleagues, and the simple blessing of coming home.

Live long and prosper.