Home

When I was little, I used to tell my mom that I was never, ever going to go away to college...that I was going to stay home and commute to school.

Sometimes, I still wish for that.  It is amazing that a place that oftentimes brings me so much anger, frustration, and sadness can be one of the places I least want to leave.

Just today, I was telling an former teacher that even though study abroad was amazing, I've never been one of those people who was made to grow up and move away.  Maybe its because I moved so often when I was little, but I've always known in my heart that, at least for me, there's a value in staying close to home.  You've got family, friends, memories...

Every time I leave home, my heart hurts a little bit.  Even if I'm excited about where I'm going (in this case, to Charleston and then back to my beloved Wake Forest), I cannot help but feel a little twinge as I pack up my room and gather my things that, inevitably, are spread across the house.  I think its because I know that each time I pack up and leave home, it means I'm growing up a little more.  Every time I step out the door, I move a little farther on the life path that takes me away from home.

I mean, I've already come to the realization that my family (Mom, Dad, Laura, me, Matthew, Indigo) will never again all truly live together.  I guess I should have begun that realization process when my sister went to college, but I guess its more real now because she's finally and completely moved out of the house. 

Sure, my house will always be my home, and my family will always be my family.  But, before I know it, I'll have a new home and even a new family.  And, as exciting as that is?  Well, tonight it makes me just a little bit sad.