A dear friend recently reminded me of the importance of “home.” Whether we’re 13 or 50 years old, we all need that safe haven we know we can always return to. Probably why I duct taped a large sign stating “Do Not Give Away!” on my childhood swing – An old 70’s style wicker swing that my dad hung from the ceiling in my bedroom. It was my refuge when I was your age. I would snuggle up with a blanket and it would gently rock my worries away.
For years living and traveling abroad, my heart would ache for the comforts of home – A place where I belonged. I created a myriad of rituals to transform any space into my “home” space. I would stay at the same hotel when traveling through a particular city, frequented the same restaurants until the servers knew my name, and nearly cried when a local merchant I used to say good morning to everyday for over a year finally smiled and greeted me with “Bom Dia!”
Thousands of miles away in my little flat, I created “home” with one of my most comforting teenage memories of eating pizza and watching Sixteen Candles.
My friend and her 14-year old daughter moved to Germany after her divorce. And while this teenager has been bravely building a new life in a foreign country, her heart broke when she learned that her father moved and she could no longer return to visit her childhood home. The security of home is like a safety net that gives us the confidence to explore. Without it, we might question where we land in this wide world.
Over the years, I’ve learned that “home” can be many things. It’s the cozy retreat I naturally create in any home, flat, or hotel I’m in… It’s knowing my sister has got my back no matter where my crazy adventures take me… And it’s feeling wrapped up and protected in my husband’s arms…
I know you’re missing home. The security of your loving father’s physical presence… and the peace that envelopes your life with us.
We get it. Your loyalties are with mom right now.
