Family Relocation: What do you miss most?
It’s been a while since I’ve done a Multicultural Monday post, but I’m back and I want to invite you all to join me every Monday to share your thoughts on multicultural life and what you’ve been up to!
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Today I wanted to share a little piece of home that I’ve been seriously missing since I moved out of state. The Great Lakes.
I’ve lived on the Great Lakes, more specifically Lake Michigan, for most of my life. Living in South Dakota now, a land with very few lakes and none as grand as what I grew up with, I often feel like a piece of me is missing.
There are two reasons for this…
One, I absolutely miss the beauty of the tides, waterfalls and lush greenery. The scenery was simply, FABULOUS. There is nothing quite like it anywhere else in the world. Each lake has it’s own history, it’s own unique people and stories, it’s own depths and textures to be explored.
There are a few places in South Dakota that are breath taking, but none of them are as close to me as Lake Michigan was, and they certainly don’t feel like home. It’s hard to replace what you grew up with and the Great Lakes will always hold a piece of my heart with them. ♥
Two, the Great Lakes were an integral part of our community in Michigan. Sunday BBQ’s happened at the Lakes, graduations, weddings, baptisms and first time kite flying with dads, swimming lessons with moms. In Michigan, the water is a part of your identity.
I miss the family outings, I miss running into old friends and new ones…I miss driving by during the icy cold winters and admiring the frozen majesty of Lake Michigan or dreaming about another summer on the beach.
We don’t have that here…we don’t have family here…and it just feels a little bit empty on the inside.
Above all, I miss the piece of myself that is at home in Michigan. I don’t think it’s a feeling that I’ll ever have anywhere else…especially not without nuestra familia. ♥
What do you miss most since relocating? A favorite place? A food? Family?? Leave the link to your story in this week’s linky.
© 2012, Chantilly Patiño. All rights reserved.
Absolutely gorgeous pics! No wonder you miss it so much. Looks like you had your own little slice of heaven in Michigan. Do you think you guys will ever move back?
That outdoor cultural is one I really miss about my hometown too. I love the pictures of Lily with her family! Thanks for sharing; it was great learning a bit more about you.