ccclassic

You know when people ask you, where were you born, usually people say the state or place you’re currently in.

I mean, I’ve moved all over the place for practically the same reason and I never really experienced having a hometown or place that I could really say was where I grew up. I remember the first time in 3rd grade, we all sat down in a circle and the teacher would ask us questions, like, what was your favorite color, what are your hobbies, when where you born, etc. Basic questions so that we could somehow connect ourselves to one another. Then, the last question came up. “Where were you born?”

Everyone in my class answered, “Jersey.”

And I, just in shock at all the identical answers, sputtered out, “C-California. San Fransisco.” Immediately I felt the stare of the entire class stare at me with a blank look, including the teacher.

“The other side of the country…?”

“Uhm. I guess.”

I had visited my birthplace handful of times to visit my family, but never really grew up there. Even now, as a teenager, people are still surprised about where I was born. Maybe that causes them to ask more questions, like why I left the west coast or if I’m an army brat or something. Perhaps that isn’t a good thing to have an unknown past, but maybe a little mystery is healthy.

I feel like I should go back there, like something I’m missing is left there. I never really had a extended family, let alone a stable one, so maybe going back to the beginning of my story will help me understand where I’m going. I’m not expecting people to remember me or to receive a big welcome, but somehow curiosity makes me feel drawn to go back there someday.