The last time I was there, it didn’t look like home.
They tell me it still doesn’t look like home, even now. And it never will.
The neighborhoods have been replaced with construction sites and the homes with upgraded, more modern houses. The highschool that I attended no longer exists, and the sign in front of the old parking lot shows a picture of a building I will never recognize. Gone is the low, sprawling building that held so many of my cornerstone memories. In its place will be a three story tower with a basement where people can take shelter.
Just in case.
There is no grocery store. No restaurant. No bar and grill where we can gather with our friends for a night while everyone is back in town for the holidays.
Physically, visually, my hometown was wiped from the face of the Earth last spring.
And yet, today, we get on a plane to go home.
We’ll sit with my mother and my brothers and their new families, in a house that has no place in my childhood. And we’ll laugh and tell stories and eat over sized black olives drowned in french onion dip in the exact same way that we have since the three of us were babies.
We’ll gather with his parents and his siblings, our niece and our nephew, in his brother’s home instead of his parents – who are still homeless. We won’t give his dad tools or his mom paintings to hang on a wall, but we’ll share pictures and videos of their grandchildren with them. Out kids will play with their cousins and save up new memories to carry them into the next year.
And still, without a local bar and grill, we’ll be with our friends. We’ll sleep in their guest beds and drink beer in their garages. We’ll pile their children with our children into playrooms and bunk beds and swap war stories about parenting and marriage who used to be the bigger whore back in the day.
And there is where we’ll find home.
Not in the buildings that were wiped away, or even in the homes that are deeply missed and mourned for. But in the people. In the memories and the relationships. In the circles where you can breathe more easily than you have in months because there, here, is where you are known.
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Posted in Friends and Family
I’m honestly and completely surprised that there’s still any town to go back to. With so much of the available work being out of the area, I really thought that everybody would have just picked up and left.
I’m glad you’re going to get to spend the rest of 2008 with all of them.
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Wow. That is amazing devastation for a town…families to survive.
But home really is where the heart is, isn’t it?
Have a Merry Christmas Britt.
Smooches.
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To me, THAT is what the holidays are about.
Safe Traveling…
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Friends and family, right? How many times are we re-taught that THIS is what’s important?
Merry, Happy, and good health and happiness to you and yours.
xo
b.
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Even though it won’t be what you remember at least you’ve got the important part… the people closest to you to go back to… because home is where the heart(s) is…
/mushy sentimental holiday stuff
Don’t forget you’re only allowed 4 ounces of fluids in clear plastic for the flight or the Floridian TSA will toss you like a salad. Not fun. Seriously.
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But the most important parts are still there — friends and family. Have a fabulous time.
PS. I want to call you “Norm” now, because you’re going to a place where everyone knows your name.
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Family, that’s what matters. Even when the buildings no longer exits, your family will be there for and with you.
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home. 100% the people and the memories. not the physical place. GREAT post, love.
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Great post Britt. Home is where the heart is. My mom and dad are finally in their house and the town sure does look different. Have a great time and I hope you packed some warm clothes!
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The part you have to play in forming those new memories is such an important one. They need your strength. Wishing you and all your loved ones a wonderful Christmas!
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well said, dear britt. home is all of those incredible people, not a building. i am thrilled that you will have the gift of them this christmas.
don’t forget to hug your momma extra tight for me. take her my love, k?
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(((Britt))
Have a safe trip, and make new, good memories. I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas together. Stay strong, kid.
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Merry Christmas. xo
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Wow… I didn’t know about all that. It must have been really difficult to be so far away from it all. I hope you’re not too shocked by what you find.
Have a safe journey, Britt. Merry Christmas to you, Jared, Devin, and Emma.
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Isn’t that the reason for the season, anyway?!
Have a great, safe trip – and a fantastic Christmas!
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Beautiful. Happy holidays, love.
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Wow, you know, that is what the holidays are about. Being with those you love. I hope you have a great trip!
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Dangit, I was hoping for a blog entry where I could post a witty and funny comment.
Not the place or time.
Instead, I’ll try to be encouraging. And sappy.
I love your love for your family.
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Beautifully written. You’re so talented, and you’ve wisdom beyond your years.
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Hi! Thank you for this post. Actually, I’m not very familiar with this topic but after reading your post, it’s clear now! Keep up the good posts like this. Take care!
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i wish you a wonderful holiday, truly.
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Thanks for the update. Enjoy your days with your family.
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I’m sure you are already there – but it’s going to be unbelievably cold – so don’t forget the winter coats, hats and mittens!
Have a great time with your family and friends and have fun making new memories, someday you will look back and play “remember when”… and all that heartache will seem like so long ago.
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!
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Beautiful post. Simply that.
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Have a safe trip!!
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Merry Christmas!! I hope you all have a great time back home with all that people you love
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Home is in your heart.
God love ya doll.
I hope you have a brilliant and wonderful Christmas. Enjoy Blessings, love, laughter, family and hopefully a bit of Christmas magic.
Thanks for inspiring me, making me laugh and even making me thing occasionally.
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wow. That is incredible.
Hope you have a good holiday.
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Fucking beautiful.
Merry Christmas, Britt.
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Wow, that is devastating to look at, but your post was heartwarming to read. Take away the trauma, and it sounds like any other holiday, but when you realize what has occurred, it makes it even more amazing to read.
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Happy New Year, sweet pea.
I hope 2009 is fabulous for you and your entire family.
xo
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I agree that no matter what you are still going home because as you mentioned you will be with friends and family and that is what home is all about. Have fun! Happy New Year.
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Happy New Year Britt!
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Wow, I had no idea. I am so sorry but so glad that you are able to see the good in all of it.
Have a happy New Year and enjoy your family and friends.
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I’m so proud of the way you talk about such a devastating thing when I know it rips you apart with pain. I hope you had a wonderful Christmas with your families. Happy New Year, Britt! MUAH!
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So true and such a perfect sentiment.
Happy New Year, Britt.
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Happy New Year to you and may you be blessed beyond your wildest dreams in 2009!
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