I'm back again for a 5-minute Friday link-up with The Gypsy Mama. This week's topic is home...so, it's 8:27--Ready, set, GO!
The definition of "home" to me has greatly changed over the past 9 years. I lived in the same house my entire life until I went to college--1998 (good grief). When I say "went to" I mean like 20 minutes away. I lived on campus, but HOME was never far away. If I was sick, needed to wash clothes for free, or just wanted a home-cooked meal, I still had that luxury. I even moved back into my old HOME after graduating college for about a year before I got married.
Yes, I got married...to a MARINE. At age 22 I left the comfort of my HOMEtown (in southwestern Virginia) and all that went along with it (to move to New England--hello culture shock). HOME had to take on a whole new meaning. I remember my minister talking to us before we got married telling me that HOME would have to be wherever Buzz's career took us--not the comforts of my childhood dwelling. I didn't know how that could be.
I was HOMEsick for a few years but then I managed to love my new life away from what used to be the only place I considered HOME. I made a new HOME that could move--with my husband. After those few years, Buzz started deploying again. So my HOME, which I was able to finally define as the place where my family lives, had to be redefined again. But I had a beautiful daughter to remind me that HOME truly is where the heart is. And we made our HOME by ourselves, away from most friends and all family. It was lonely. But the military family came out in full force and we made our definition of HOME different again--it was right there waiting for Buzz to come home--and my daughter and I were the perfect team.
I have lived in 5 states and 10 dwellings since my marriage in December 2002. HOME is where we make it. But my original HOME will always be a part of my life. Recently, my daughter told me that she has 2 HOMEs: The one we live in AND her grandma and granddaddy's house (i.e. my parents' house where I lived until marriage). I love it when things come full circle.
And it's 8:32...so I must stop. :)
For a great song and previous post on my thoughts of home, check out My home (has no walls).
And check out the other posts at 5 Minute Fridays!
What a great post Beth. I love the full circle moments and the courage you have to follow your husband's career with grace and make new homes all over the country. Saying thank you is not enough to capture for your family's sacrifice for our country and freedom.
ReplyDeletelisa