Thursday, January 17, 2013

Roots or Wings

It doesn't happen much.  In fact, the opposite happens more frequently...but every once in a while I itch for stability.  It is usually triggered by a friend's post about a new house or a photo of a group of friends who have been friends and lived near each other for more years than you can count on both hands.  I can't tell you what sparked this most current longing, but it is sparked none the less.  I find myself longing for a house with a leaky faucet that needs fixing and a basement to fill with holiday decorations.  A lawn that needs mowed and a tub that needs caulked.  A yard with a large oak tree perfect for building a tree house.  I find myself wanting that secure feeling of roots.  Knowing that you can buy that table or couch or whatever and not have to figure out what piece of furniture you'll throw out to compensate for the increase in the weight of your household goods. (we are given a limit and have to stay under it for our moves or we pay the extra out of pocket)  Knowing that we could buy that expensive rug or piece of furniture and not have to worry if it would fit in our next house.  Knowing that the fine china I want to collect won't be broken in our next move.  Hoping to be able to do all those cute little home improvement projects I see on Pinterest.  I wish we had a neighbor who had a son also Miles' ago who he could be friends with from now until high school graduation.  I wish we had a neighborhood that held a traditional 4th of July block party, and had trick-or-treaters for Halloween, and streets lined with houses covered with Christmas lights. 

Nathan echoed some of these same sentiments today while we were cleaning up dinner.  We know that we are blessed beyond measure to live this Navy lifestyle.  It affords us the great opportunity to see many things we never dreamed of seeing, and the chance to live where others go on vacation.  BUT, you can't have both roots and wings (name that movie).  Ours is a winged lifestyle, it always has been and always will be (at least until retirement in 12 years) and I wouldn't change it for the world. But still I find myself longing for a porch swing where I can sit and watch Miles play in the yard with his best friend and an attic in which to store the memories. 

5 comments:

Sheila said...

Amen!!!

Ryann said...

Funny, I have never really wanted roots. Have never had them so I do not miss or need them. In fact, it scares me to death to think that in 8 years, Terry could be out of the military and we would have to settle down somewhere. I get itchy feet every two years or so and I cannot imagine living with the prospect of no more moves. Even now, we are waiting on orders, and I am hoping beyond hope that we are moving this summer. And then again next summer. Military lifestyle fits me to a T!

Unknown said...

I am not even a navy family & yet I totally relate! Greg & I have both echoed this. Life is kinda crazy sometimes. Thank you for sharing this though :) I love hearing your mind, friend :) Hope you are doing well!!!

V said...

my long comment resulted in an error. :( Sweet Home Alabama.
I feel pangs of sadness regarding this subject too. I'm aching for a stability and have to consciously remind myself of the beauty and adventure offered to us.

Anonymous said...

sometimes you can have roots and things still dont really work out as planned. Enjoy things for how they are and try not to wish away the present for a future that may or may not be everything you wish for. Enjoy your adventures because a house is really just a house and memories can go with you anywhere. Love you & miss you. love Kim