As a Brit (and a mother of one uni girl and one still at home), this “successful adult” messaging deeply resonates, too - thank you so much for this powerful reflection.
That’s exactly it, parents seeing the cultural messaging wishing that our children could just see it from this perspective – there is this constant idea that in order to grow up and progress there needs to be this distance and separation from home and family. I’m half-Italian by birth, and whilst a bit sweeping, I do think that this makes a difference somehow. Our family in Italy stay closer to home.
Thank you for taking the time to put words to something so much more easily felt than described.
It's especially complicated for Third Culture Kids. Where is home? Which roots? Now, well into my fifth decade, there is this almost primal desire to return to the PNW where I started the first nine years of my life. One by one, each member of my family of origin has returned... except for me. Yet?
So sorry for my delay in responding to your comment, but that is such an interesting and unique struggle--one I can't imagine. What does it look like to create home?
Great article! We're about to make the move back to family next year, after military commitments end, so this resonates deeply. And we can't wait to get there ❤️
This resonates! I also just moved close to family in my thirties, and feel like Wendell Berry’s words only strike truer chords as I get older. Thanks for sharing.
Wendell once wrote that his wife jokingly says he is just really good at saying the same thing over and over in different words. So when I read him he is always reenforcing these ideas in eloquent ways. That's awesome you also made the move!
This piece speaks to your depth of principle and moral courage. Such a rich read; relevant for this cultural moment. Thank you for sharing - this ministered to me today!
As a Brit (and a mother of one uni girl and one still at home), this “successful adult” messaging deeply resonates, too - thank you so much for this powerful reflection.
You are experiencing it from the other side! I can't imagine what that must feel like. I'm glad it resonated with you :)
That’s exactly it, parents seeing the cultural messaging wishing that our children could just see it from this perspective – there is this constant idea that in order to grow up and progress there needs to be this distance and separation from home and family. I’m half-Italian by birth, and whilst a bit sweeping, I do think that this makes a difference somehow. Our family in Italy stay closer to home.
Thank you for taking the time to put words to something so much more easily felt than described.
It's especially complicated for Third Culture Kids. Where is home? Which roots? Now, well into my fifth decade, there is this almost primal desire to return to the PNW where I started the first nine years of my life. One by one, each member of my family of origin has returned... except for me. Yet?
So sorry for my delay in responding to your comment, but that is such an interesting and unique struggle--one I can't imagine. What does it look like to create home?
Always an enjoyable read.
It’s good to know the ache I feel, being apart from family myself, is not one I flounder alone in.
I think SO MANY of us have that ache but feel a little ashamed about having it because we think we are supposed to outgrow that by our early twenties!
Great article! We're about to make the move back to family next year, after military commitments end, so this resonates deeply. And we can't wait to get there ❤️
I am excited for you to make it back closer to family!
Moved to a rural community closer to family/home following years of east coast education...at 30. I guess I'm not alone!
Wow so similar! I was secretly hoping to hear from others in similar places as me when I posted this (ha), so thank you!
This resonates! I also just moved close to family in my thirties, and feel like Wendell Berry’s words only strike truer chords as I get older. Thanks for sharing.
Wendell once wrote that his wife jokingly says he is just really good at saying the same thing over and over in different words. So when I read him he is always reenforcing these ideas in eloquent ways. That's awesome you also made the move!
This piece speaks to your depth of principle and moral courage. Such a rich read; relevant for this cultural moment. Thank you for sharing - this ministered to me today!
Wow, thank you. That really means so much to me. I'm glad there are others that resonate with these ideas!
I always look forward to seeing the notification in my email of your latest article, Drew! Thanks for sharing!
Maddie, you have been SUCH a constant encouragement of my writing since why back in the day. Truly, I am so so grateful for you!