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Dandelion

 

"Military children are like dandelions. They can put down roots and bloom anywhere the wind carries them, standing ready to fly into new adventures, new lands, and new friends."


I came across this passage while explaining to a friend why the dandelion is the symbol of military brats. I don't know if this conversation was a serendipitous reminder of where I come from or if my subconscious mind was looking for something that might save me from the stress and anxiety I am experiencing about moving back to the US without a job or a permanent place to live. Maybe both?


This move is a challenge for me because of my life as a military brat and an international teacher. I went to 16 schools before graduating high school and 5 different colleges/universities before achieving an MFA. I have lived in 7 states, 8 countries, and I have had the key to 68 front doors, 68 homes - that's more than my age. Scary? You bet! Where is home is the worse question anyone can ask me because home has only ever been where I have the key to the front door. Not a place where I have history.


Like the dandelion, my roots are shallow tendrils easily uprooted by the breezes that have taken me on life-changing adventures and many trips of a lifetime, all while forging deep friendships. But, where is the next front door, the next key? I fret about this question at night when the darkness of uncertainty overtakes my dreams.


If I look at my past, I should not worry. I've always landed somewhere unique, planted my roots in shallow but fertile soil, and happily stayed until it was time to fly away. So, I guess I'll be okay!


But maybe this time, when the wind carries me out of South Africa, I'll land where my roots can grow a little deeper, where I can stay a little longer, and where I can let my military brat wanderlust fade away.


Any suggestions where that special place might be?

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