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Thursday, September 10, 2009

Home Is...

I've lived in Indiana for almost four years now. I haven't lived in Detroit for almost five. But when I talk about "home," it's Motown I'm referring to.

Part of the reason, of course, is that my family is still there. All of my family. My parents still own the house I grew up in. When we stay with them, I still sleep in my old room. I drive the same roads, shop at (most) of the same stores, even eat at the same places.

It's all comfortingly familiar.

My oldest and best friends all live in Detroit too. Sure, I've made friends here, but none of those relationships go as deep, or have as firm a grip on my heart. I cherish every hour I get to spend with these special women.

But "home" is more than that.

It's the sound of a familiar DJ's voice on the radio.

It's the snap of cold that brings a flush to my face when I let my dog out at night.

It's bouncing through the potholes that litter the roads like land mines.

It's seeing more shiny new cars than a town as depressed as this one should be able to handle.

It's the exhaustion that comes after spending a day with all my nearest and dearest...

And the flash of anger that surfaces when someone I love irritates the heck out of me.

It's spending an hour chatting with my mom...

And two or three more at the mall.

I'm not always my best self while at home, but I am my real self. And that? Is what makes home, home. No matter how long I'm gone, I'll always miss it. Part of me will always wish I could go back - to stay.

But let's face it. That's not likely to happen anytime soon. And come February? Southern Indiana is a much nicer (and warmer) place to be.

3 comments:

  1. Home is really a state of mind. Our wonderful lil' spot in Bloomington is my home and I wouldn't want anything else except maybe a maid. Sure going back to MI is great, but the house I grew up in is no longer my home, it's my parent's home that is really nice to visit. I have wonderful memories and also not so fond memories living there, but it's not where my future is at. It has changed as we have.

    I'm glad we moved here even if I have listen to people make fun of our island city surrounded by a sea of corn, but at least it's not Detroit where I would have to explain that I don't have to wear a bullet proof vest to work.

    We are own family unit living our lives the best be can and that seems very real to me.

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  2. That's my hub reminding me how good I have it...no worries, all. I was just waxing nostalgic last night.

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  3. I'm just going to pretend you live here. :)

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