it is fun to read of your travels after leaving Family Social Science in MN as I knew it when I left and moved onto other adventures, also. I am warmed to know that you found some comfort with a hospice support group. Hospice work was my introduction to wanting to study family therapy way back in the 1980's. So interesting how we go on the journey of our lives with twists and turns but I still do find that my home is with the friends I meet along the way and the little nest I can create wherever I am.
Hospice was really a godsend to us in Susan's last few weeks ... but the support group has been a wonderful surprise and long-lasting benefit for all 7 of us in the group. As those of us in the group age, I suspect we will be a support to each other in new ways that we hadn't anticipated.
Like you, for different reasons, I've lived in many places predominantly in the midwest U.S.: Michigan, Wisconsin, Indiana, Minnesota...Then there waa grad school and a doctorate. I remember defiently (albeit, foolishly) saying while I was looking for my 1st academic position, "i didn't become a Family Social Scientist, to leave my family, to teach about family." But that is, of course, what I did. Ohio and later New Mexico...all places giving me the opportunity to create home.
Traveling globally, I can still remember my visceral shock when I planted my feet on the land of the Isle of Skye in Scotland - and I had a strange unexplainable feeling of being "home" in this remote and mystical part of Scotland. Having ancestral roots documented in Wales, Scotland made sense when thinking about history and migration (but I digress). Places like Cape of Good Hope in South Africa, Rishekesh and the Himalayas, in India, each gave an invitation to experience another wxperience of the depth of "home." Perhaps this is why I feel myself a global citizen. I've heard myself say (more then once) Oh, I think I could live here...or like your friend invited to to consider, where would I like to live? Truthfully, many other locations around the world (with sun, sand & water, of course) seem to be calling my name...but the true heart-call is with family. And so it is, follwing my heart's call I'm here in Albuquerque caring for my aging mother, and hearing another call to return to the bosom of my family in Minnesota & Wisconsin. All of that said, being "at home" within myself has been my life long lesson...I think I've finally arrived❤️🥰
Dear Jane, Such a beautiful reflection -- thank you!! Aren't we both fortunate to have been able to travel around the world and savor amazing places? But I love your conclusion about being "at home" within yourself -- then, the physical location doesn't matter as much.
Maine is my home. I lived there for 35 years. But, have been gone now for 16 years, tho a lot of my family is there. When people ask me where I'm from, I say, "I live in New Jersey." A simple and true statement that doesn't betray my ties to my beautiful home state of Maine.
Emily, I love this approach! Simple, clear, and true -- without getting muddled up in lengthy explanations. I can tell from your FB posts that Maine is where your heart is.
although I have lived in very few places in the US and overseas I find that wherever I am feels like home. I've been to many places and countries. It's not about more than the feel of the people, the air & land, and the welcome that is offered.
Great piece. My answer, I am deeply rooted in Minnesota. It is where my church is, my book club, my ymca aqua aerobics, and 2 of my 4 grandchildren (not to mention my husband). As I face retirement, I have no idea of moving. That said, if the grandbabies moved, I would move in a heartbeat.
it is fun to read of your travels after leaving Family Social Science in MN as I knew it when I left and moved onto other adventures, also. I am warmed to know that you found some comfort with a hospice support group. Hospice work was my introduction to wanting to study family therapy way back in the 1980's. So interesting how we go on the journey of our lives with twists and turns but I still do find that my home is with the friends I meet along the way and the little nest I can create wherever I am.
Hospice was really a godsend to us in Susan's last few weeks ... but the support group has been a wonderful surprise and long-lasting benefit for all 7 of us in the group. As those of us in the group age, I suspect we will be a support to each other in new ways that we hadn't anticipated.
Like you, for different reasons, I've lived in many places predominantly in the midwest U.S.: Michigan, Wisconsin, Indiana, Minnesota...Then there waa grad school and a doctorate. I remember defiently (albeit, foolishly) saying while I was looking for my 1st academic position, "i didn't become a Family Social Scientist, to leave my family, to teach about family." But that is, of course, what I did. Ohio and later New Mexico...all places giving me the opportunity to create home.
Traveling globally, I can still remember my visceral shock when I planted my feet on the land of the Isle of Skye in Scotland - and I had a strange unexplainable feeling of being "home" in this remote and mystical part of Scotland. Having ancestral roots documented in Wales, Scotland made sense when thinking about history and migration (but I digress). Places like Cape of Good Hope in South Africa, Rishekesh and the Himalayas, in India, each gave an invitation to experience another wxperience of the depth of "home." Perhaps this is why I feel myself a global citizen. I've heard myself say (more then once) Oh, I think I could live here...or like your friend invited to to consider, where would I like to live? Truthfully, many other locations around the world (with sun, sand & water, of course) seem to be calling my name...but the true heart-call is with family. And so it is, follwing my heart's call I'm here in Albuquerque caring for my aging mother, and hearing another call to return to the bosom of my family in Minnesota & Wisconsin. All of that said, being "at home" within myself has been my life long lesson...I think I've finally arrived❤️🥰
Dear Jane, Such a beautiful reflection -- thank you!! Aren't we both fortunate to have been able to travel around the world and savor amazing places? But I love your conclusion about being "at home" within yourself -- then, the physical location doesn't matter as much.
Maine is my home. I lived there for 35 years. But, have been gone now for 16 years, tho a lot of my family is there. When people ask me where I'm from, I say, "I live in New Jersey." A simple and true statement that doesn't betray my ties to my beautiful home state of Maine.
Emily, I love this approach! Simple, clear, and true -- without getting muddled up in lengthy explanations. I can tell from your FB posts that Maine is where your heart is.
although I have lived in very few places in the US and overseas I find that wherever I am feels like home. I've been to many places and countries. It's not about more than the feel of the people, the air & land, and the welcome that is offered.
I love that, especially "the welcome that is offered." Thanks.
Great piece. My answer, I am deeply rooted in Minnesota. It is where my church is, my book club, my ymca aqua aerobics, and 2 of my 4 grandchildren (not to mention my husband). As I face retirement, I have no idea of moving. That said, if the grandbabies moved, I would move in a heartbeat.
Understood!! The challenge with those grandbabies is that they grow up and move!
Sadly, given that I an 72 and the are all between 2 and 5 year, by the time they are grown up the issue of where I live will probably be mute.
or rather moot (though mute might work too)
You all are together now, and that counts for everything!