Now, see, I worked really hard in our early marriage to differentiate myself from my parents and a bit from my husband. I still remember the first time I introduced myself as, well, just me. Erica. That is my name and it is who I am. I am also a daughter, wife, mother, sister, niece, cousin, daughter-in-law, friend, auntie, sister-in-law, granddaughter, but these are all just facets of me. I had thought of the corn crib, as well as home schooling, church, and other activities and hobbies as other facets. The idea that our home would become so closely intertwined with who I am that people would have difficulty separating the two is overwhelming. In their eyes, I have lost my identity.
Now, personally, I think the corn crib still plays an important role in my life and the lives of our family. I have no problem still being referred to as "the corn crib people", but there are many who disagree and are simply at a loss what to call me. I realize this isn't a big issue, actually it is rather minor. My name is Erica and if they can't remember that, then they obviously aren't close friends, but it has me thinking....
Can I keep this identity? Do I need to change it for me? Or for others? What on earth would I change it too? Why can't I still be "the corn crib people" who live at Corn Crib Acres? With all the changes in our lives, is it healthy to keep this one?
This has occupied a lot of my journalling times in recent weeks. When I find answers I am content with I will post a follow up blog. I would welcome thoughts on this subject, but I really am just musing out loud. :)
Satellite photo of our property prior to July 2011.
Well, you'll always be Erica to me!!! Yes, I loved the thought of living in a corn crib and your blog name "Corn Crib Gal". I even grieved, for you, the loss of your corn crib home, as it was unique in every way and you had poured so much love and life into it over the years. It was where you built your life, family and made it HOME! No wonder people identify you as the "Corn Crib Gal". People remember uique and different. We are so bombarded by the mundane that to know someone that is actually different and unique gives our hearts a bit of hope that not everyone is different, that they took a risk, actually built their dream, which few do anymore. So, again, I can understand why people would do that. But, you're still the same person! You built another dream, actually the one you orginially planned. You're still unique, you're still different, yet, you're still Erica. Not one thing has changed!!! You've just built another beautiful home!!! Amazing! These are my thoughts after I read your blog. I don't think I'm too good at words, but, I really tried to explain how I identify you, but I've known you for a really long time now, and what you all have done is amazing! I hope you'll be blessed to stay in this home for as long as your hearts keep you there.
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