home is where the heart is

Home.
A word that brings almost immediate comfort to most. Although, as a college student, it is a strange word. I have two places I call home - Williamsburg and Blacksburg. Certain aspects, or really people, of both places is what makes me call each 'home.' Growing up in a military family, I have always had a house, but never really a home. When I moved to Williamsburg, and stayed for longer than two years, it was more than my parents and my house that made this town my home - it was that one person who I can truly call my best friend, Beth. We are the longest friend either of us has ever had - 6 and a half years, now that's dedication. Williamsburg is a great place to live, and it was where I did most of my growing up, seeing as I have lived here since middle school. But this town gave me my best friend. We have shared every known emotion with each other. We have grown together, and without her, this place would not feel as much like home.

It also gave me a little sister that I never had. It is a great feeling knowing that you are there for someone else to rely on, that you have a life that you can impact - someone who looks up to you. Shannon gave me that - and I love her so much for it. Sometimes, we don't even need words when we are around each other, but other times, we need as many words as we can latch on to at that moment. I look up to her. She is strong, independent, intelligent beyond belief, and unaware of her own incredible beauty - and that is what makes her so special to me. We can sit in silence, we can sing at the top of our lungs, or we can just be there - and knowing that someone is there for us is what 'home' is really all about.

Fast forward to college. Sure, leaving home was a new challenge for me, but moving to a different place, that was easy - I have been doing it all of my life. Coming to college was scary. New people, huge classes, the wrong major - it sure was different, but what made it all easier was the group of people I met. We have been there for each other, through thick and thin, for the past year a half. You know who you are. The two suites plus the few of us from different floors - we shared it all. Laughter, tears, heartbreaks, parties, homework, and late nights. These are the people I call my friends - my solid 'group.' I have a lot of friends at school, but at the end of the day, or ridiculous weekend, these are the ones who are always there. And even though we have all changed and have grown over the past year and a half, we can still reunite and talk like nothing has changed. That is why I love Blacksburg. It is familiar. Familiar faces, places, classes, and atmospheres. It is the type of place I find myself loving and hating all at the same time. The place I long to be but also long to get away from.

When I am at 'home,' I miss Blacksburg. I miss the little things:
1. Waking up to a roommate whom I adore, and seeing her sleepily smile at me from across the room, fumble to put her glasses on, and immediately greet me with 'Good Morning!'
2. My best friend at school. Spending hours together on a daily basis, understanding what the other is going through and knowing exactly what to say to make it better. Spending every.single.weekend together - doing ridiculous things, and loving every minute of it.
3. The routine. I live for the routine. I love school. I love learning. I love knowing that the CT office is always there with welcoming doors when I don't want to go anywhere else, or that I can spend hours at the Math Emporium without, completely, losing my mind.

These little things cannot be found at my first home, but will always be available at my second.

Next year I am going to have a real 'home' in Blacksburg with three of my favorite girls. These three girls know it all. I can sit with any of them for hours upon end and have some of the most meaningful conversations I have ever had in my life. They get me. Simple as that. It's a beautiful thing, and I love knowing that it is there. I am going to play friend/mom/confidant/cook next year to these lovely ladies - and I cannot wait. love love love.

Home really is 'where the heart is.' Those special people in our lives create the 'home' that we have. Whether near or far, they are always there. Waiting for us upon arrival, greeting us warmly and without caution, because all that matters is that we are there with them at that very moment.

Have you ever really thought about where your 'home' is? Do. It will help you realize the genuine, caring individuals in your life and why they mean so much to you. This summer, I will most likely be living close to the D.C. area for my internship. I will create another type of home up there, with old family friends welcoming me into their own family for the summer. I will not have any familiar surroundings, and only four other familiar faces - so this is my time. One big city, one big responsiblity, one well-known institution - and me.

But I know, when I return home, wherever that might be, that there will be someone, waiting for me, with a warm smile, and a heart forever open.