This week has been an adventure to say the least as I am on my way to Sioux Falls, SD after being in Shokapee, MN. A long drive in Minnesota and South Dakota with tall trees and small towns made me think a lot about where home is for me. I see all these abandoned farm houses with all this history from the hinges that hold the front door to the crumbling steps. There was a family that lived there once and who made numerous memories from childhood to adulthood.
Home is…I remember when I was little I had a sleepover with some wonderful friends. We stayed up late and rented the movie “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” and then danced all night. My sister was the judge as of course we came up with routines. Looking back it was one of my favorite sleepovers at my house in Bottineau and to this day that movie is an all time favorite.
I have thought about this quite often when it comes to the word “Home” as growing up I had a home in Bottineau, North Dakota. I had two homes in Bottineau and pretty much lived there from my baby years through Freshman year in college with a one year stint at age three in Fargo, ND. I considered the house on Simrall Blvd. across from the High School home along with the town itself. I think growing up I always envisioned my parents living there when I got older and when my sister and I got our own families we would get to go “Home” for the holidays. I would be able to show my child where I played legos and where I laid my head to rest at night. My mind is constantly running with thoughts and even at a young age this was my reality. I believe I thought this was the way of the world as my parents each were able to go “Home” until in their 50s and 60s and I was able to share in their own childhoods. I was able to see where they played hide and seek and I was able to rest my head where they use to at night. It wasn’t just about the house but also places and good friends in the town that made it “Home” as I have so many wonderful memories. I remember having balloon fights and shooting baskets at Tommy Turtle park. I remember the sound of the “Starting Gun” going off at our track meets and the laughter and friendships that were made at the track meet camps. However, things changed after my Freshman year in college…
Home is…I remember the first weekend I was able to come home when I was a Freshman in college as I didn’t have a car so rode back with some friends. The car ride seemed longer than four hours as I wanted to be home to be able to sit in my room and play music without interruptions. I was so excited to get back to see all my hometown friends and go to the high school football game and then of course go to the local Pizza Inn for the best pizza.
I no longer have a childhood home to go to. My in-laws still live in Bottineau so I am able to show Jocey the sites of the town and show her that across the street was my “Home” when I was little. Of course, now having my own family I am trying to create a “Home” for my little, a safe place where she can make memories and hold those close. I have also learned that home is not a place it is a feeling you get when you are surrounded by the ones you love.
Home is…The day we packed up and moved from Bottineau was a very bittersweet day as I knew it was best for my family but felt like I was leaving everything I cherished behind as I would never be able to set foot in the house again. Closing my suitcase with my favorite things that would never find a place again and would be packed away for good. I remember riding with my sister as we drove away as I couldn’t bear riding with my parents as I knew it would be hard on them as that is where they raised their baby girls. It was one of those defining moments in my life.
Home for me now is the small moments such as looking at my little girl while she is sleeping the night away with no worries in the world. I do miss my “Home” as I sit and remember while the tears flow down my cheeks. I will always have the memories and thank you to those that were a part of it. If you still have your childhood home, I hope you are able to go and enjoy every minute, the sites, the smells, and the sounds….take it all in and cherish it.
I am home……………Today I was able to arrive back in the town I now call home and as I pulled up in the drive way I sat and stared as in disbelief that this was my “Home” where I was going to raise my baby girl. I never take my home for granted as you never know what life will throw at you. Even when I opened the door it still smelled like we just moved in and that smell never gets old.
Country music has been my go to on these longer trips as it brings me back to the simpler times. Here are some of my new favorites, I hope you enjoy:
It’s one of those moments, that’s got your name written all over it.
And you know that if I had just one wish it’d be that you didn’t have to miss this
You should be here.
And you know that if I had just one wish it’d be that you didn’t have to miss this
You should be here.
I know it won’t always be like this
Life could change as quick as a kiss
It’s not over yet and I already miss
Today
Life could change as quick as a kiss
It’s not over yet and I already miss
Today
You’re always gonna fly away, just because you know you can
You’re never gonna learn there’s no such place as Neverland
You don’t understand
You’ll never grow up
You’re never gonna learn there’s no such place as Neverland
You don’t understand
You’ll never grow up
I’ll always be a fan of ol’ stray dogs and guitars playin’
One room churches, back road walks and front porch swingin’
Sunset skies, bonfire nights, I love the simple things
That’s how I’ll always be
One room churches, back road walks and front porch swingin’
Sunset skies, bonfire nights, I love the simple things
That’s how I’ll always be
Until Next Time……………..
Traveling With Jo 