A New Home - Mar. 25, 2006
I never moved when I was growing up. My childhood and into adulthood was spent in the same house until I married my husband at age twenty-one. The anxiety of moving away from old friends, having to make new friends, never haunted me. Though I can imagine the turmoil, the emotional death, the challenge.
It is funny how the internet creates community. People, from all over the world, in different stages of life, in various socio-economic states, sit in front of a screen and find comraderie with virtual strangers who quickly become virtual friends. The emotional ties are just as strong, if not stronger, than real life relationships. Through the internet, we find encouragement, hope, prayers.
So imagine with me. One morning, the parents sit the children at the table and say, "A move has been made and starting today, you may not be able to make contact with your old friends but we expect for you to smile, make the best of it, find some new friends." They get up and escort the children out the door and to a new life. The fear, the timidity, the worry, the anger, the sense of betrayal. All of these changes, out of their control.
This is what happens when major changes happen in online communities. There is emotional upheaval. Speculation and words fly. Feelings are thrown about. Eventually, peace and good reason reign and we pick ourselves up, dragging the luggage behind us, we find a new place to roost, to make our home.
That is where I find myself these days. Moving into a new home, unpacking, meeting the neighbors, greetings some old friends who have moved with me. To my delight, it is beginning to feel like home . . . inviting, eclectic, stimulating. It has become a few minutes of haven in the midst of a busy life. I am receiving and sharing encouragement with a home-full of incredible people.
I think we have had our housewarming party and are ready to entertain and be hospitable so I invite you to join us at A Home for Homeschoolers. You will find a big comfortable chair waiting for you by the fireplace. Hope to see you there.
Cynthia
