Of all the places I've been and all the places I will visit, there is still no place like home (ok I stole that line!). But it's true. I consider Charlotte my home now, this is where I intend to settle and put down my roots, but Oswego will always be HOME. As boring as it has become, as shabby as it looks, it holds fond memories and of course, my family still resides there.
My most recent trip home was one where I began to see it through new eyes and almost had a lump in my throat when I thought of the way things used to be. Showing my boyfriend around, I felt embarrassed that this was where I grew up. I found myself continually saying "It never used to be like this". It's like finding your childhood teddy bear as an adult. Wow, teddy really does look that bad! I wouldn't trade where I grew up for the world however. There is nothing like growing up next door to your aunts, uncles, cousins, and both sets of grandparents. My family is tight like no other and we have each other's back no matter how long it's been since we've seen each other, but I digress.
I think my open-mind, and my travels have made me appreciate home all the more. I would never move back but I see it for what it is now, but the Oswego I hold in my heart is the one of yesteryear. I don't necessarily enjoy returning, it looks duller and duller with each trip and I swear the people I see are paused in time when I leave because I always find them in the same places when I return. But it's home. and I know that I will always be welcome there.
I haven't forgotten my gratefulness project! I am grateful for growing up in a small town!
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