His First Homecoming by Terry Redlin

In this, the fifth painting in "An American Portrait", Terry Redlin captures the lonely, icy stillness of a winter's night and the peaceful, quiet joy of "His First Homecoming". Our young man's new independence has not over-shadowed his deep sense of family. It has only been a few months since he went away to school, but he is lonesome and homesick. As he pulls up to the snow-packed curb, the neighborhood sleeps. The only sound is the crunch of snow beneath his boots and the thump, thump, thump of Buddy's tail on the sidewalk. His arrival is unexpected. The cat patiently sits by the doorstep as our young man reunites with his dog. As he hugs his trusted friend, the steady wag of his tail tells us that Buddy has been waiting to see him, too. The full moon brightens the night sky; and tucked in, under a blanket of fresh snow, his home awaits. Colorfully wrapped packages and a freshly cut evergreen will soon surprise his family. This will be a special holiday season for them all. In this painting we are reminded of the peacefulness, safety, and the comforts of home.