Day 215

Confession: As a child I was raised in more than one place, one being my grandparents’ home. My Papa passed away some years ago and my Oma doesn’t live there anymore. I sometimes go out of my way to drive by that house.

I remember going out to play with the neighbour’s cat, who would wait for me on the fence. Or catching snakes in the woods. Crossing the alley to talk to the man with all the birds. Playing in the garden—there were many little statues including a Buddha with a big belly. If you patted it, pennies fell from the sky.

Inside I remember hearing the Price is Right or sliding guitar country music. Feeling crochet blankets and velvet couches. Smelling cigarette smoke and Lipton noodle soup.

It wasn’t paradise, but I’m grateful for the normalcy it gave me. To live different lives and understand different people. I am multiple homes.

Sound of the day: Buck Owens – Together Again https://youtu.be/cYKVb7T1n2I?si=aZYerppm_j3IdpU2