Leaving New York

I left New York many times in my life. It seems that every time I leave New York, I leave for a 'better' place. I have spent some time thinking about this and almost hoping that it was not true. I love new York, I have loved growing up here, and I have enjoyed the company of all of my friends here.

The Wilcoxens have left New York many times for Sweden, and it has always been for vacation. I remember the excitement I used to have when we were going to leave the cold East Coast for skiing and playing in Scandanavia, but I can never remember being excited to return. I do however remember always being excited to come home to New York while I was at University. What is the difference?

Going on vacation is always exciting. The explanation for my excitement over returning to NY from college becomes clear when you realize that I was always coming to New York as a vacation from school. Clearly, home has taken on new roles since I have begun my secondary education.

Home is something different now. New York has become the place where my memories are. Home has become the visit with friends: the reminder of another life.

As I leave for yet another time, I do not feel the same excitement. Home is also the place of my parents, and their good friends. It is the place where I have been introduced to drinking champagne while watching the Super Bowl, the place where my new life and old life meet, and the reminder that there is a place that belongs to me. I have enjoyed myself for my brief stay here, and I cannot wait until the next visit in June!

Watching the Super Bowl with Robert, Dad, and Kevin. Mom is blocking the TV and taking the photo.

The stuff that I am taking with me to Sweden.