The sun certainly shines bright on my old Kentucky home, and it’s there that my childhood heart resides. I love returning home. 

8 years ago, Emily and I made the decision to leave our home state of Kentucky and move to New York City with little more than a tiny U-Haul and a list of prayers and dreams. At the time, we thought we might be here for only a few years while I was in school at Columbia, but we quickly fell in love with the city and decided to stay. 

Questions about Kentucky

Each summer we return to Kentucky with our little girls, and invite them to run barefoot through the grass, eat popsicles on wagon rides, and walk through the little shops of downtown La Grange, KY.

I’m reminded of last summer when three-year-old Mabel asked lots of questions about life outside of New York City, the only place she’s ever called home. 

“Look at that playground over there! Can we go play there?” Mabel asked, while taking a walk after dinner.

I looked in the direction that Mabel was pointing, and noticed a large wooden playset in the backyard of a neighbor’s house.

I laughed and replied, “That’s not a playground, Mabel. That’s someone’s backyard!” 

Mabel looked up at me, not satisfied with the answer.  

“Let’s go play there!” Mabel exclaimed.

“Well that is someone’s house, Mabel. They would have to invite us over to play. We can’t go in there without asking,” I explained. “I know anyone can play in the parks at home, but backyards just aren’t the same.” 

Mabel’s face dropped, and then we continued walking down the sidewalk. 

The questions didn’t stop there. 

“Why do houses have basements?” “Why do houses have so many rooms and doors?” “Can we go out for bagels for breakfast?” “Why do we have to drive to get to the grocery store?” “Why can’t we walk to the pizza shop?” 

Summers in Kentucky

Life in Kentucky is different from life in New York City. It’s fascinating to watch Mabel discover these differences, and ask questions about her experiences. I love returning home and sharing my childhood adventures with my girls in the summers. And this summer I know that there will be many more questions to come.

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