Just De

Just De
Just De in Manhattan

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Thankful to be home

I fought it tooth and nail.

For the longest time, I didn't want to come home. Not that I necessarily hated my hometown, but I just felt out of place, like I had growing up. So when my sister was faced with a serious illness, I decided to move back to Michigan, but I still didn't embrace it or reconcile that I was indeed returning "home."

A couple of weekends ago, I decided to return to my old stomping ground to visit a great friend of mine. When I arrived there later, there was a sense of ease that flooded over me. I remember all the "hot spots" that I frequented as a teenager. The first place I had my first real job, the first place I wanted to sneak and get into with a fake ID. Places of that nature. The thing that really sold me on being home was the feeling of love and familiarity. Although, I live in New York for a decade, there was always a feeling of disconnect, a feeling that lacked history.

When I returned home that weekend, I realized that God and fate had me there for a reason. Although I am still not sure why I am back in good ole, Michigan, but it feels right.

Now at this time in the holiday season where we give thanks, I want to honestly say I real am thankful to be home. How I am choosing happiness is: I am choosing to enjoy being home, catching up with old friends and family members. And just remembering how this suburban Detroit town has molded the woman I am today. I will never be ashamed of where I came from and I will never be afraid to return home.

15 Mile Forever!!!