There have been glimmers of light all along since we made the move to Emporia -- two years ago come summer! I like the location of our house and the way I can get to most all the important places in town on foot or bike (not that I always do, but I can). Our most immediate neighbors are very nice and have good kids. My writer friend, Cheryl, of course. It was nice having an aquaintance before I got here and now I have a friend. I like the size of the town, for the most part, and the friendliness of the people, in general. I like that there is a university here and a decent public library.
None-the-less, I've probably spent way too much time focusing on what Emporia doesn't have. As much as I've tried to focus on being here and in the moment, I won't deny that longing for elsewhere hasn't plagued my experience... just a bit... from time to time.
Tonight, however, I finally found the glimmers looking more like big old rays of sunshine. The kids and I went to a monthly 4-H meeting. I found myself feeling completely relaxed and comfortable. I knew people and faces and they knew me back. My kids were involved and laughing and talking and joking with other kids. I felt like I was part of the community. I belonged.
It was a nice feeling.
For the first time that I can remember since we've moved here, I walked away feeling like this was a place I'd like to call home for a while. For the first time, the thought of moving away sounded like something that might just be a little bit hard.
Maybe this is the start of something new. Maybe I'm finally living in a place I can think of as home again.
4 comments:
Yes, it takes two years to feel
homey, and remember to move in five
years or you are stuck!
Welcome home, Tracy. :-)
When we lived in Dodge City, it was 8 years there and the longest we had stayed anywhere. Now here it is 12 1/4 and we are in shock to actually stay in one place that long. I have noticed that past 5 years and a place starts to become too familiar. You know - almost too much information? It takes a while to understand the locality but also the locals. Then you start to see how the "movers and shakers" control everything and you don't necessarily like how they are doing it or what they are doing. Then it becomes a place you are done with and wanting to move on. Magoo got that way about our town. A lot of young people are moving out. The dissatisfaction has finally reached my generation. Time to go? We would like that!
Magoo's Mom (on the above comment) LOL
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