My family moved homes more than ten times during the first twelve years of my life. It was never a move overseas, or even to another part of town. We always moved between properties in the same suburb.
At the time, I enjoyed moving. Being in a new house, on a new street, where I could make new friends with kids in the neighbourhood; all of it was exciting. And at the end of a long day playing, I’d always have my home and my room to come back to.
Since I left home ten years ago, Mum has always kept a room in the house for me. Sometimes it has been used as an office, or for storage, but when I’m home, it’s mine.
There’s something comforting about her saying, “there’ll always be a room for you,” no matter how far away I am, or how long I spend away from home.