Home is where…
By Mark Lane Submitted to Corner Post
Into a group of guys that gets together weekly, a new face showed up one morning. We welcomed him and asked him to tell a little about himself, and then we introduced ourselves in turn to him. When mentioning where he was from, he listed twelve towns in six states. One of the regulars in our group who’s now retired mentioned that he’s lived in just three houses throughout his whole life. The newcomer then clarified that the twelve towns and six states were before he graduated high school. He added that college and early work years add three more towns and two more states. In all, he said, I’ve probably lived in two dozen houses, apartments or dorms. The guy’s not yet 30!
Conversation moved on to other topics, but his introduction, and a bit more conversation with him later, got me thinking about “home.” Not once did he use that word. Instead, it was a house, apartment or dorm, “an address” or “a place we landed for a while.” As strange and sad as such a nomadic life would be to some of us, it’s a thrilling adventure for others. And to those who yearn for new, different opportunities, being planted in one spot for more than a few years may feel stifling. But is one better than the other?
For those who do not feel bound to an address or building, it’s no more permanent than an investment in the stock market. When a more suitable property becomes available or when the sale of the current residence is profitable enough, you sell and move. Why stay in a place that may be feeling too small, too big or less convenient than another? It’s as simple as that.
On the other hand, I can’t imagine never putting down roots at a location (or two) that I can point to and call “home.” Even when my mind wanders to happy times in wonderful places I’ve visited, it still goes back to that place of contentment and fond memories of family and friends there. How does one put a dollar value on that?
In the end, it is a matter without a single correct answer. And eventually, each of us will make at least one more move, and someone else will occupy the space we’re in now. Hopefully, it will a blessing to the new occupants. For our part, we’ll have a new, eternal home.
