"Maybe my birthplace would help me remember who I was meant to be before the world told me who I should be." #fireemoji - thank you for sharing your beautiful words with us and the world
This was a great read. While I am technically not an immigrant, being from Guam feels like it, in many ways. I often think about how different my life would be if my family never moved to the mainland United States. In many ways, moving away has helped me appreciate my original home for its simplicity and strong cultural pride. I love and cherish the simple childhood I had the privilege to live. It is really cool to live in a place that is part of the United States, but has its own entire separate culture and language. But, when I think about my life now, I know I would have never pursued a career in the arts or pushed myself to earn a PhD. I know, deep down in my heart that I would no longer feel fulfilled if I tried to build a life in Guam. The beliefs, politics, and cultural expectations do not align with my life. Guam will always be the place I consider home, even though it will never actually be my home again. I will continue to visit family and friends, and briefly enjoy the life I used to live while I am there.
I hear you! And me too. I wouldn't change my decision of moving here - I would have missed the chance of being your friend and getting to do lots of cool things. I think what really got me this time was being around my family and old friends fully present, without having to work or worried about an upcoming deadline.
It was so sweet.
We're now back here, just the three of us, and I'm definitely missing those big family lunches. :)
Such a thoughtful and thought-provoking post. Like you, I am an immigrant to Orlando (my "hometown-by-choice"). I spent all my formative years in one house, so Oakville (Ontario) has a similar claim to being my "home". However, I wonder how it will be for my own kids who were born in Ottawa, Canada (though left there too young for any real memories); Mclean, VA (6.5 years); Brussels, Belgium (4 years); and now Orlando (past 6 years). They don't have that one place to call home because they grew up there, but hopefully that will make their adopted hometown (Orlando) a stronger anchor in their lives.
Wow, Chris! I didn't realize you've been here for only 6 years and definitely didn't remember you were in Belgium before. That's quite a change, but Orlando is such a welcoming town and community. I do hope your boys feel at home-home here.
Thanks for reading and for always being a supportive friend!
"Maybe my birthplace would help me remember who I was meant to be before the world told me who I should be." #fireemoji - thank you for sharing your beautiful words with us and the world
Thank you so much!
This was a great read. While I am technically not an immigrant, being from Guam feels like it, in many ways. I often think about how different my life would be if my family never moved to the mainland United States. In many ways, moving away has helped me appreciate my original home for its simplicity and strong cultural pride. I love and cherish the simple childhood I had the privilege to live. It is really cool to live in a place that is part of the United States, but has its own entire separate culture and language. But, when I think about my life now, I know I would have never pursued a career in the arts or pushed myself to earn a PhD. I know, deep down in my heart that I would no longer feel fulfilled if I tried to build a life in Guam. The beliefs, politics, and cultural expectations do not align with my life. Guam will always be the place I consider home, even though it will never actually be my home again. I will continue to visit family and friends, and briefly enjoy the life I used to live while I am there.
I hear you! And me too. I wouldn't change my decision of moving here - I would have missed the chance of being your friend and getting to do lots of cool things. I think what really got me this time was being around my family and old friends fully present, without having to work or worried about an upcoming deadline.
It was so sweet.
We're now back here, just the three of us, and I'm definitely missing those big family lunches. :)
Such a thoughtful and thought-provoking post. Like you, I am an immigrant to Orlando (my "hometown-by-choice"). I spent all my formative years in one house, so Oakville (Ontario) has a similar claim to being my "home". However, I wonder how it will be for my own kids who were born in Ottawa, Canada (though left there too young for any real memories); Mclean, VA (6.5 years); Brussels, Belgium (4 years); and now Orlando (past 6 years). They don't have that one place to call home because they grew up there, but hopefully that will make their adopted hometown (Orlando) a stronger anchor in their lives.
Wow, Chris! I didn't realize you've been here for only 6 years and definitely didn't remember you were in Belgium before. That's quite a change, but Orlando is such a welcoming town and community. I do hope your boys feel at home-home here.
Thanks for reading and for always being a supportive friend!
I remember this house!!! So many memories ❤️❤️
Thali, you are a brilliant writer. Very grateful to know you. I especially love the last paragraph. Beijos
Thank you so much, Dali! I am grateful to know you and hope to see you in person soon. <3