Dear childhood home,

I just wanted to start by saying thanks. Thanks for always being there when I needed you. At some points growing up, you were one of the only stable things in my life.

While in Jr. High when it seemed like nothing could go right, you were always here to welcoming me into a safe haven. You were always in the same place, door open wide with the sweet smell of chocolate chip cookies to welcome me home.

When I went through an inconsistency of friend groups, you were always consistent—always a friend.

You listened to my tears when my boyfriend broke up with me. You listened to my laughs when I had friends over for movie night. And through it all, you were there for me, without judgement. Just a safe place for me to call home.

You were there when my family got happy news and sad news. You were there through exciting life events. You were there through pet deaths and the loss of friends and family.

You celebrated my accomplishments like my graduation from high school, and you pushed me to be a better person. You saw me through my angsty teen years where I took everything for granted, and you saw me become the person I am today.

You witnessed me finding myself, and losing myself and finding myself once again. And you know that I still have a long way to go, but you assure me you’ll be here when I need you.

You gave me the chance to try out my passion for interior design. You let me paint you, strip you and redecorate you. You understood that I loved you no matter what, but that I just wanted you to look your best.

You hosted many dinners, parties and holidays. You let me listen to Christmas music non-stop in the month of December and you never complain.

You watched me get ready for countless school dances—homecoming and prom. You never told me I looked fat. You always made me feel beautiful—making sure I have the perfect lighting to look my best.

You stayed up late for me when I would come home after 2am after a night with friends to make sure I was safe.

You took joy in the many bonfires held in the back yard. With ghost stories and stories of the past being told with good friends and family.

You saw the bittersweet transitions like leaving for college--the constant packing of things and saying goodbye. But you never are mad about me leaving because you know I’ll be home eventually.

You have seen every part of me, the good and the bad.

You watched hugs and kisses, fights and yelling, but you still stood by, knowing everything would be better in the end.

You gave me comfort when I had the flu. You always made sure I was comfortable until I was all better.

You listened painfully as I learned the piano and messed up every other note. You stood by patiently as I moved from only being able to play hot-crossed-buns to eventually songs that filled your walls with joy.

You have been covered with snow after sledding on a snow day. You have been splattered with mud after a long post-rain hike. You have been stained and dented, but you still stand strong—never faltering.

You gave me love I didn’t deserve and don’t deserve, but still you stand as a sturdy structure able to foster the nurturing of love and life.

And in the end, you give me a place to call home. You will always be home.

Sincerely,

The girl in the upstairs back bedroom