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After being away for a week, it's good to be home. I moved to Virginia in the year 2000. I'd gone through some life changing events in Massachusetts and I needed a change...time away. I spent months deciding where I wanted to go and finally decided on Virginia. Honestly, I thought it would be for a year or two, so I could get some distance and perspective. It's been over fifteen years and I love it.
When I moved here I knew TWO people, friends from graduate school. They helped me find a job and a place to live. When I think about those first months, it was hard. I didn't know anyone. I barely knew my way around. I didn't have any money. I was lonely and lost. That struggle helped shape the person I am today and I am grateful for those experiences.
Today I declare Virginia to be my home. I worked hard to find my spot, on my own, and I'm proud of that accomplishment. Blessed with many friends, some of whom are like family. I have a church family too. I've been thinking about the word home. What is home? What does that mean?
Home is love
Home is being seen
Home is knowing that you matter
Home is "I missed you"
Home is Bella snuggles
Home is my yellow bowl of cheerios for breakfast
Home is a hot bath with peppermint bath salts
Home is belonging
I hope your time at home this week is all of these things and more!
Home is all of that, but most of all, home is love. I admire your courage to strike out on your own, Michelle. I'm so glad you found such a wonderful home. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteIt is very special to be able to claim a piece of the planet as that wonderful place called home. You are blest. Thanks for the picture of Bella. She looks well.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you had a wonderful week with your family, but it is always good to return 'home', right? I think home is what we make of it and it is clear that you have found yours. That look on Bella's face confirms this. Happy New Year, friend!
ReplyDeleteHome is definitely where and what you make it -- surrounding yourself with all the comforts and love! Ah, home. Just makes you smile, right? Happy New Year, Michelle! May you continue to be blessed in 2016!
ReplyDeleteGreat post! Home is definitely what you make it and it's different for everyone. I'm glad to hear you're so comfortable in the home you've made for yourself. I'm stopping over from A Slice of Life. :)
ReplyDeleteHome is where your heart is. You have planted your heart in Virginia. Thank you for this beautiful post.
ReplyDeleteWhen we moved to Colorado from all the family in Missouri, it was a huge thing for us, and I remember wondering if we'd made the right choice, but here I am years and years later, like you calling this 'new' place my home. I admire that you took those steps and now are so pleased with the move, Michelle. Tough at first, but you did it. Love that home also includes those little things like that yellow bowl of Cheerios. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteAfter spending time with family, and coming home, I love this post. (And I'm only 70 minutes away from closest family!) Welcome Home! I wish you a lovely 2016! And I look forward to reconnecting with the blogging community. :)
ReplyDeleteYou show me how to be brave. You have made your home yours completely. That means something. As my daughters become adults, they are searching for the meaning of home. While I want it to be in my house with me, I know it must be theirs. Thanks for this reminder.
ReplyDeleteI love your showing that home can be absolutely ANYWHERE you make it!
ReplyDeleteHome is where you make it. And you have worked to make this a home of love. Snuggles to you and Bella.
ReplyDeleteI moved to Oregon temporarily in 1994. Twenty-one years later, I'm still here and it is home. Lucy & I wish you & Bella a very happy 2016!
ReplyDeleteThinking of home always makes me feel nostalgic. Your post is so warm and welcoming and really prompted me to think about all the different homes I've loved and what home means to me. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI love that you think of VA as home! I was born in Fairfax Hospital, grew up in Falls Church and moved all the way to Arlington!! What do you say we try to meet up IN PERSON in VA in 2016?! We seem to have LOTS in common!!! My email is sally.donnelly11@gmail.com Happy New Year!!
ReplyDeleteLove this post, especially that happy pic of Bella at the end. I moved 2 hrs away from my mama when I married, perfect distance right? Only job changes intervened and I moved first to TX (450 miles away) and then the past 18 in WA (more than 2000 miles away). I know what it means to rely on friends and church family. Love that last phrase: "Home is belonging."
ReplyDeleteBella is the cutest! I'm so glad you have found HOME. Happy New Year! Jennifer Sniadecki
ReplyDeleteI love that you finally identified Virginia as your home. That is a HUGE step, Michelle. A monumental one I'm delighted you are sharing with us -- publicly -- today.
ReplyDeleteMay 2016 bring only the best to you, Bella, and the rest of your family!
This post makes me wonder what my own kids would say about the word "home." I know what I want them to say and what I have worked so hard to have them feel...hmm. I may have to ask them. Can't wait to see what your OLW is. I read your fly post but didn't have time to comment. I think fly was perfect for you last year! Have a Happy New Year, Michelle!
ReplyDeleteI think at the time of the refugees we are very fortunate to have a home - a place of belonging, love and comfort. Lovely post from you. Wishing you the best for next year!
ReplyDeleteHome is where your heart is, Michelle. You certainly have found one. May your 2016 journey be filled with valuable memories to strengthen your life.
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