Another big sinking in moment
was coming ‘home’ to Scotland after our first trip to Warsaw. Three
times before in my life, I had sadly left Scotland to go home to the US, but
this was the first time I was leaving mainland Europe to return ‘home’ to the
UK. It all became very real to me during our drive to pick up the dogs from the
kennel. We were home. And home was Aberdeen.
And then today, after postponing
for 4 months, I had my first hair appointment. I just trimmed a bit off the bottom
and shaped my fringe (bangs) around my face. And it hit me all over again: I’m
just living my life, doing completely ordinary things. I could be absolutely
anywhere. But I’m not just anywhere. I am home. And home is Aberdeen.
And then
last night I had the biggest aha moment of all when I started having a major freak
out over how long my October trip to the States was going to last. I originally
planned for 3 weeks of 'home leave', but was starting to question if that was too much time. I
started worrying about being away from Scotland for so long. I worried that I would
feel too homesick. Which made me realize that my sense of ‘home’ has really changed a lot
over the past four months.
Any other transplants ever have those surreal moments?
"Hold on to me as we go, as we roll down this unfamiliar road. And although this wave is stringing us along, just know you're not alone, 'cause I'm gonna make this place your home". Phillip Phillips, 'Home'
I have these moments all the time! First when I was living in Switzerland, and now here in Germany. I hope it doesn't ever go away - it really makes me appreciate how many amazing opportunities I've been given in life.
ReplyDeleteAs much as I love seeing family and friends in the US, I am always ready to come 'home'. Though they say Home is Where The Heart Is; I say home is were my hubby, doggy and bed is :-)
ReplyDeleteI agree with Jillian; home is were my hubby, puppy, and bed is! Well said...aren't Jills smart?
ReplyDeleteAlthough I haven't been transplanted across an ocean, California may as well be an entirely separate country from Texas for all the differences. However, after just one week away, when we touched down in LAX and drove the 90minutes to Bakersfield, I felt such relief to be "home"
I have never lived abroad..(though I dream the dream), but I have moved many times within the US. This was a touching post and I do believe home is where you lay your head and holds your heart. I love the Phillip Phillips song and find it esp fitting.
ReplyDeleteIt amazing how the seemingly "little" things define our home feeling... things as simple as a hair dresser, a doctor (esp "female docs" ), dentist the local handy man... these things mean a lot.
I felt that way many times when I lived in Scotland. There were no ordinary experiences in that other non-US country I lived in....twice.
ReplyDeleteEvery time I think about us possibly leaving Aberdeen, I throw a fit and tell Ram we simply cannot move back to the US. I truly feel at home here and I'm loving every minute of this experience!
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