We’ve made it to another Wednesday, which means we’re getting a little bit closer to the weekend, which is what’s keeping me going today. 

I was visiting my parents last week to help them pack up as they prepare to move. We talk about housing a lot in the PT: affordable housing, NIMBYism, zoning laws, and so many other ways that the world of housing intersects with politics. But being at my parents’ house also made me reflect on some of the political dimensions of a home. We’ve touched on this in the PT as well from time to time, as folks have shared some of their histories and experiences. But it was at the forefront of my mind as I rummaged through my old room to find things that dated back to 20 years ago when we moved there, or even further back to my childhood prior. 

A home can be a safe space or a place with challenging memories. Or, if you’re like me, it can be a bit of both: A reminder of the difficulty of moving away from friends to a state where I knew no one and had no connections. But also a place I could safely retreat to and escape my anxieties into the world of books, games, TV, and the internet.

I am, on the whole, a much better and happier person than I was as a moody teenager. While I never really acclimated to that move, a few years later I was off to college where I escaped my shell and became a more complete individual. But sometimes being around family, or in this case a family home, can take you back to a different version of yourself. And it was hard not to be swallowed up by it for a bit – but also affirming to think about how much I’ve grown and changed since then.

I hope you have a home that is safe for you, whether a physical place or a community. If it’s something that would bring you some comfort, take a moment to reflect on past homes and what they mean to you. And if you’re looking to buy a house in southeastern North Carolina, let me know. I can give you a lead on a place that, honestly, isn’t all that bad. 

Be kind and thoughtful today. Cheers.