What I know as home

When I think of home I think of my family, friends, and my hometown. My immediate family consists of my mom, dad, and older sister. Although my family is small we are very close, my mom is my best friend as cliché as that is. We hang out all the time and talk about practically everything. I always grew up in a tight knit extended family. My mom’s side is Italian so we always bonded over big meals and lots of stories. My father’s side is much larger with a feeling of knowing there is always someone there when you need them.
I’ve always been a homebody so my house is a large portion of what I think of when I think about home, the comfort of my family room couch and the tranquility of my bedroom. I know home is not necessarily a tangible place; however; the house I grew up in is a symbol or foundation for the memories created and the familiarity of my home.

I grew up in South Kingstown, Rhode Island. Rhode Island is the smallest state in the US and is frequently confused with Long Island, New York. My favorite part of where I grew up is a tie between the size and the beaches, both which I took for granted while I was there.
Driving from one tip of Rhode Island to the other takes no more than 45 minutes. Everyone knows everyone either personally or through someone else. We only have one city, which most people wouldn’t even say qualified and thrive on tourists we don’t like.
Rhode Island is the ocean state and is full of beaches! I enjoy the beach most during every season but summer. If you don’t belong to a beach club or private beach, however, you rarely go because of the tourists. To get a parking spot you have to get up at 8 a.m. even when you live 5 minutes away. It’s always crowded whether people are lying on the beach or walking the wall. I never go in the ocean because it is always too cold, but I love the sand between my toes and the peaceful breaking of the waves.
Another trademark of my home are all of Rhode Island’s little quirks. We have to die for Italian ice, Dels, as well as many ma and pa ice cream shops. We’re all horrible drivers that think it’s everyone else’s fault and are horn-happy. Rhode Islanders don’t use the letter “r” when they are supposed to and do when they’re not. Just like all places Rhode Island for me as many little things that make it home.

There are many material items that hold great significance to me due to the connection it makes to important people or events throughout my life. The most significant item is probably my blanket. It is a pink and white checkered blanket that I have had since I was born. It used to be a big blanket that my mom used when I couldn’t sleep and she would sleep with me. When I got a little older she cut it into three pieces. I lost two and only have one remaining. I have slept with since I can remember. It reminds me of being young and connects me to my mother as well as smells like home. I probably took it for granted until I came to college, it is the one item that holds the most connection to my past, family, and home.