I’ve ached for a home that doesn’t exist for my whole adult life. It’s likely that dull desire belongs to every man and woman. If there is one consistent part of the human condition, it is a deep longing for a home that isn’t here.
That must be why Norman Rockwell and going home for Christmas are nationally cherished ideas. Those are more “based on a true story” than they are “true to life”, but they reflect the desires we hold close.
A soft glow emanating from a place we’ll always be welcome. An open door and a warm fire. A blanket, a good book, and a cup of tea. Gathering around the table, passing the mashed potatoes, and praying for all the family that couldn’t enjoy the blessing of being there.
One thing in real life evokes those Norman Rockwell feelings for me. The consistency and permanency of my husband’s grandparents’ home gives a since of stability and belonging. In the eleven years I’ve been visiting their home, not a thing has changed. Not one thing.
After we had Eli, we travelled to their home to attend the funeral of my husband’s great uncle. Now, his great uncle. He was a man of consistency. He built a house when he got married and lived in it with his wife until he went to live in a nursing home a few years ago. Almost sixty years he lived in that house.
There is comfort in knowing what to expect. You know where you’re going to sleep when you get there. You know what you’ll have for breakfast. You know there is a place for you, a place that’s been waiting since you last left.
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Do you ever feel homesick for a place that doesn’t exist? What do you attribute that feeling to? Do you have a place that comes close?
10 Comments on "NORMAN ROCKWELL AND A FAR AWAY HOME"
I think my moms house is that “home” place for me. She has moved a few times since I lived with her but she still keeps many of the same “things.” Her home is warm, clean and inviting. Come to think of it, maybe it is my relationship with my mom that feels the most like home: safe, secure and I’m always accepted for me.
My Granny’s house has always felt like my “home”. I was always closer to her than my own mom, so maybe that’s the reason? Even now, since she moved to a different house a few years ago, I walk into it and see the familiar things, the familiar style that she has, and I feel very comforted.
Every since I first moved away from my parents home to go to College I’ve felt some level of homesickness – even when I go back to visit them, it’s not really my home any more so I feel pulled back to wherever I live.
I think part of it is a longing for what things were like when I was growing up and didn’t realize that they’d never be like that again – my parents, both of my brothers, and me all in one place. Once my older brother graduated we never had that family unit again.
I also wonder if it isn’t a longing for heaven when there isn’t a place on this earth that feels completely like home to me?
Sheila, I totally agree with all you’ve written. I do think part of it is a longing to be little again and taken care of. And I think in a macro level, it IS a longing for Heaven that is planted deep within us…ahhh, the tension of life on earth. :)
For me, that place was my grandmother’s former apartment. We visited once a week. It was the one day where we could watch TV shows she recorded for us (no TV at home) and walk to tHe City Library or the tiny grocery store. She was not a model housekeeper and her apartment was far from a NOrman Rockwell painting, but going to visit her meant a day of having fun and No schoolwork, no chores! ;) I get homesick for that child-like, “being taken care of” feeling, especially now that I’m a mother.
I completely agree! I also have to add that the PEOPLE, not the place, are who make it so special. over the past few years i have lost several relatives whose homes to me were always a refuge. after they died, as i reflected on the sadness of all of their possessions being removed and their houses selling, i realized that 90% of the feeling i got at their houses, although very comfortable, was them.
they made me feel special. they made me feel loved. when i was at their house their world was slow, so mine slowed too. They offered hot cups of tea and good conversation. THEY ARE Norman RockwelL.
So true and so easily forgotten, I think!
For me, it’s not necessarily a permanent place, but a time in my life. I ran into an old friend at the grocery store on Sunday, and immediately, feelings of high school came back. It’s strange, considering I’m content and happily married now, but I couldn’t help but think, where has time gone? As much as I love my life now, it’s sad to know that my teenage years are over, those friends have moved away, and I’ll never get to be that free and innocent again. Does that make sense? I’m pretty sure I’m having some sort of quarter-life crisis right now, and I’m in my first year of marriage, so I suppose it’s normal to feel overwhelmed with responsibilities :).
P.S. – Have you heard the song “Temporary Home” by Carrie Underwood? My cousin sang it at my grandpa’s funeral, and I think it’s so true, no matter where you are in life.
what a great topic! Clearly, we can all relate :) We have moved many times and I think this was waht I was always after, trying to capture. Thanks for helping me put it into a clearer perspective, I am happy to share with others today
I am frequently homesick for my grandparents Kitchen table or back yard. There is something about the memories that stood there, the conversations had. As if we could only recreate it, some how all of the people would reappear..
It is very much like Normal Rockwell…and as you put it, based on a true story instead of true life.
However, while these memories leave longing, they also are sweet. And so, I will choose to hold onto them.