A Hard Question

[kajel]

How do I answer questions about my roots, when I didn't live in any one place for more than four or five years until after I was twenty eight years old? I've lived in North Carolina now for over thirteen years. When I mention my family, I talk about them being in New York. 'Oh, you're from New York', they say. Well, no. I only lived there for

Comments

[adpaz]

It doesn't surprise me, hon, that you're from all over. It's part of what makes you such an interesting person with an interesting perspective. Very well written! Thank you for sharing your journey as an air force brat!

[kajel]

Thank you. I married a man who has lived with in 40 miles of the same area his whole life. It makes for two very different perspectives. lol

[belleweather]

This is a question our kids already struggle to answer. People ask "Where are you from" like it's a simple icebreaker, not realizing how complicated the answer can be.

[kajel]

Yes, and the cross eyed looks I get if they expect a more involved answer, but don't understand it.

[bleodswean]

I really enjoyed this because I related to it completely! You captured the confusion of being an Air Force Brat! Every three years for us. We did a tour in England, too! Where were you and when??? East Anglia?

I think it is so difficult for those who were bred, born, and raised in the same place to really grasp what it's like to move. And move. And move.

Good job!

[kajel]

Yes, East Anglia! Woodbridge AFB Rendlesham Forest was my playground. I was there 87 to September of 91. I did not want to leave. I did not realize you were a brat also. Thanks.

[rayaso]

So many moves! Having to change bases every few years, especially when you were older, must have been difficult.

[kajel]

The funny thing is, my mother wishes we had got out sooner so we could have been more settled as teenagers. However, all three of my sisters and I wouldn't have traded the experience for anything.

[halfshellvenus]

I sure understand why you would hate moving around so much. It can be really hard on kids. My Dad moved us a lot, but mainly just to different cities in Oregon. Still, grrr...

I think the transition from England to Kansas would be especially hard, though I've known two people (different branches of the military) who have gone from being stationed in Hawaii to being stationed in Oklahoma. Are they trying to kill their spirits? :O

[kajel]

Oh my goodness, kill their spirits is so true! We were supposed to come back to somewhere in Maine. I remember it was 5 miles from the Canadian border and I was young and dumb and thought snow would be cool. I don't remember why, but our orders changed and we had the choice of Wichita, KS or Omaha, NE. My Mom said that wasn't a choice. You might as well be in the same place.