Friday, January 15, 2010

Went Home and Came Back Home

I'm at my brother's desk at home in Bangalore, hogging his computer to check e-mails and check on what's going on in DC, making sure the house is still standing after that whopper of a snow storm (the house was still standing thanks to some truly fantastic neighbors). A dear friend comes online and as we begin chatting. At one point, I tell her I miss home. Radio silence for a few seconds as she digests that line.

"You're home and you're missing home? That's strange," she says.

Yes, I was home and I was missing home.

I was with my parents and my brother and my sis-in-law and nephew and loving every minute of it. A set of distinct memories that doesn't surface any other time made itself available. We laughed at all the jokes we've been laughing at for ... ahem... many, many years. We ate all the foods that we've grown up eating, feasted on the gossip that makes sense to no one else but us. But in the midst of it all, I missed my own kitchen and my bed and all the things my eyes can rest on when I'm in my own space.

So there - or here - I am. One foot there and one foot here. On the cusp.

But still, it's great to be back ... home. I hope you all had a good last few weeks and I wish the coming weeks and months treat you and your loved ones well.

19 comments:

Sylvia K said...

I'm so glad you've had a good and happy time with your family! When will you return to the States? I have missed you! Look forward to hearing from you! Enjoy!

Sylvia

Unspoken said...

Welocme back to your blog home! You have been missed!

Anuradha Shankar said...

He, we've missed you too.... have a wonderful time with your family..
and wish you a wonderful year ahead!!

sujata sengupta said...

I get the feeling of what you wrote, I am just back too from a month long break. I was home too and yet I missed my bed, my desk and all those little things which I am so used to by now, It really feels good to be back. Loved your header shot.

Ugich Konitari said...

Our system somehow enables multiple home sensations, with observances of a married daughter coming home , being fussed and indulged etc etc.

It seems we dont "move", we "connect", and keep little markers in all the various places.

Have a wonderful stay in Bengaluru, welcome home, and best wishes on your return to the other home !!!

Gymnast said...

happy hoplidays!

dipali said...

It's true- the being home and missing home at the same time! Glad to have you back here, in your wonderful blog home.

Jyoti Ajay said...

hi sujatha,visiting ur blog for first time,u blog rocks.the articles abt school r very useful.will keep visiting.

Sujatha Bagal said...

Sylvia, I'm back! I've missed you guys too! Did not feel like doing anything other than lazing on the couch in Bangalore! :)

She Writes, thank you and welcome!

Anu, thank you! It's great to be back!

Sujata, glad I'm not alone. Looking forward to reading your posts!

Ugich, that's what it feels like! Parts of me there and parts of me here.

Dipali, thanks! It feels good to be back.

Gymnast, thanks!

Jyoti, welcome to my blog and thanks!

Uttara said...

story of my life too :)

Jinksy said...

Home is where the heart is, and luckily, these kind of hearts are elastic!

Sujatha Bagal said...

Uttara, :)

Jinksy, love your comment!

Lekhni said...

I know that feeling. What's more, when someone here says "home" and really means India, I am confused for a moment because home is here.

Tharini said...

Home...always that elusive concept, that eternal hope...:)

Glad to have you back!

Midlife Roadtripper said...

That may be back home, but I believe what you are realizing is that home now is YOUR OWN home. As it should be. Nice to see you up and running.

Sands said...

welcome back. Can so relate to them. There was a time when home was just there. But now I totally share your sentiments :)

Sujatha Bagal said...

Lekhni, Sands, we're not alone! :)

T, thank you and thanks for prompting this post!

Julie, thanks!

mallikamt said...

:) My vacations in India have never exceeded 5 weeks after I moved to the US. But I can see feeling the same way as you if my stay there exceeded a couple of months..when people around me get back to their routines..I've never felt it so far though..I try to make the best of the little time I have there:)
-Mallika

Andy said...

A Very hearfelt post that I can totally relate to. You've got a great blog here and your writing style is excellent!

Hopefully we can collaborate on something in the future.