home is where the heart is

Yesterday I went home. Even if it was only for one night, I really think that going home is good for me. Living in Greeley, I don't get to see the mountains too much. I remember when I was first looking at schools I didn't want to go far away because I didn't want to leave my beautiful Rocky Mountains! Just being in Greeley, I get super excited as soon as Pikes Peak is in view. I literally cranked my stereo and was singing along with Taylor Swift, who I'm rather sick of and think needs to get over herself. It's crazy how just seeing a mountain can help my heart so much.

When I finally got home, I picked up my little, old dog and ran up to my room. Unfortunately, my room is quite empty as most of my stuff is at school and mom and dad are rapidly cleaning out the rest for the storage unit. Nevertheless, I was very excited to see my room. It almost feels like being a little kid on Christmas morning.

Then I got to go to church and see some of the people who have impacted my life the most. I love it. I love feeling like I belong. I love knowing my way around town. I love seeing the mountains and not feeling lost. I love sitting on my couch and being back in the chaos of family life.

Unfortunately, family life has changed drastically. One sister moved home this summer and the other one moved about as far away as possible. One sister who missed most everything in my high school years is suddenly a part of my college life, and the other who was around for all of high school, is now gone during my college years. I guess change is the only constant in life, but that doesn't make me like it anymore.

I don't like when I have to leave home. I don't even like leaving my mom, my best friend, after all that we went through in my "rebellious" teenage years. If I could turn back time, I would do so much differently, mainly making the most of my time at home. My time with my mom, and my time with my friends. It's kind of crazy how true it is that you don't realize how good something is until it's gone.

Growing up is so overrated. This will be the first Christmas my whole family won't be home. It's odd. I think my dog just sleeps waiting for us all to come through the door again. I may not notice my sister being so far away because I'm not really home to feel the hole, but especially in the upcoming holiday season, it will definitely feel like something is missing.

Anyways. In this moment, I couldn't agree more with the saying "home is where the heart is." Thankfully there are only two more days of classes and I can return to my room for more than just one night.