By definition, home is where the heart is. From experience, I can tell each and every one of you that home does not mean constantly moving around. There is no perception of home within living in multiple houses, apartments or wherever you choose to live, but instead that’s just living in a house of all sorts. But, that’s not the point I’m here to get across. The point I am here to get across is a story how constantly moving around has affected my life.
It all started in New Delhi, India approximately 20 years ago. Like any other kid, I was a pretty happy kid with amazing parents, a great friends circle and had all the toys that I could ever want. Life was pretty awesome until about 3 years later (My brother was born) Just kidding, I love him very much.
What happened was, my dad was offered a role here in the United States with GE. My parents first reaction was “Wow America, the land of opportunities! We must move and give our kids the lives we dreamed of” But what my parents did not realize was the life we were leaving behind. As a kid I didn’t realize what that job offer meant for me, all I cared about was being with my family and my toys. Instead, I lost my lifestyle.
Moving to America meant I had to make new friends, I had to learn to speak English, I had to learn to adapt to a culture that I had no idea about. I could no longer go down the street and see my favorite candy store, I couldn’t go to the park and play with my friends and most important I left behind my family. I couldn’t take a car ride and go see my grandparents every day.
I’ve lived in America for about 14 years now, things have been pretty amazing, I’m honestly so happy with what my life has turned out to be, but deep down I truly do miss India. What’s home without being with family? I see my grandparents maybe once or every year or two years vs. Seeing them every day and I get to see my aunt, uncle and cousins maybe once every few years. Sure, my parents and brothers are around, but my family and my heart are still in India.
When I moved to America, for a few months my family settled down in a small state known as Connecticut. Since then, I have moved approximately 6 times within Connecticut itself. It’s been a great journey and all, but like I said before I never had the opportunity to have a home, instead just constant houses upon houses. The one benefit I got out of it as a kid is having friends and sleepovers in all sorts of places. My next step along the journey is San Jose, California. I’m really hoping this time around my parents could settle down and make a home for themselves.
So to those kids, parents, families reading this, if you have the chance to make a home and raise a family do it, be close to your loved ones, you never know how long you have with them before they’re gone.
