When I moved from New York to Maryland in 2001, my world was shattered. Over. Done. I was also 17.
Baltimore seemed like a suburb to me and I despised it with every fiber of my being. Maybe it was just teenage angst. Maybe it was me missing all of my friends as they finished their senior year of high school. Without me. No matter how you look at it, change is hard. This blog is called La La Lisette, after all.
I have been spending this weekend (and will be spending a good portion of this week) in Baltimore with my sister, getting to know my newborn nephew. If you follow me on Instagram you’ll see him there. He’s an absolute spunky little handful that steals your heart the moment you meet him. (He’s also a little terrorist that steals your every waking minute, but I digress). While this trip has been a long time coming, when it came down to it, I found myself very sad to go.
As I sat in the car on our way to the airport my tears betrayed me, pooling in my eyes. I was sad saying goodbye to Chip + Daisy at home, but having to say goodbye to B at the Savannah-Hilton Head Airport was another matter altogether. I’m usually the one seeing him walk away into the airport. But this time it was him seeing me walk away.
I remembered my paternal grandmother. I was never close to her, but she was one of the toughest women I’ve ever met (and one I also take after). She hardly showed emotion. But when it came to bid us farewell at the Santiago airport in the Dominican Republic after a few weeks of summer vacation, she was all tears.
It was at that moment that I relived that day in February 2012. The day when we had to part ways for six months as B started his new job in Georgia and I finished up my school year in Maryland. Why was I crying? What was I such a wreck inside? I was going to be away for less than a week.
And that’s when I knew. That’s when I knew why I was sad.
Home is where the heart is.
I never thought this Northerner would be saying this, but she is….
I left my heart in Savannah.
Megan says
Lisette! I’m so sorry you are sad to leave the loveys behind but welcome back to Baltimore. I hope you have a great rest of your trip in Charm City :)
Madi says
I’m so happy that you’re getting to spend time with your sister, but sad that you had to say goodbye to your honey. You’ll be back home with your family before you know it! :) Travel safe!
Lisette says
Thanks Madi!
[email protected] Girl, Southern World says
I understand that. I made a massive move to Nashville and while I like it here, my heart still lies in CT with my family at the moment.
Jenn says
As someone who works in Baltimore, I would cry if I had to leave Savannah for Bmore too!
Lisette says
Haha! This snow was completely unexpected. Glad I packed warm!
Jen says
I know exactly how you feel. I love my family in Indiana but my heart is definitely here in Virginia. I was just telling my husband yesterday that out of all the places we’ve lived I feel most at home here.
Lisette says
Aww. That’s so sweet! Home is definitely where the heart is, with your boys!
Amanda @ Living in Another Language says
I have LOVED seeing your insta pics! Your nephew is SOOOO cute!
Isn’t it strange how your perspective of life can change? :) Love that you found ‘home’ with your hubby and your dogs. Look what you get to go back to! Yay!
Lisette says
It is SO strange! Haha. I can’t wait to go back to see them!
Jessa says
I feel like that everytime I go home. It’s always a little different. Home is where Heisman,Gary and I are. since we move around a lot each place we live as memories, but I really don’t think of any city or state “home.” (If that makes any sense at all.)
Macy says
I live in Baltimore now! I say now, like I have ever lived anywhere else, which I haven’t. But there is a unique charm after a while, but I still think everyday about moving away from here, although I will miss it, I am ready for a home elsewhere.
Hope you have a nice stay, sorry you are being welcomed with lots of snow!