I was a Teenage Gypsy

I wasn't always a gypsy. For the first 13 years of my life, I lived with my family in a simple, ranch style home in a suburb of Detroit. It was a great place for a kid to grow up. With an acre of land and lots of trees, it was a child's dream come true. I could run from morning 'til night and climb trees. Oh how I loved to climb trees! It was such an exhilarating feeling to be high above the ground. I could pretend it was my home. As the youngest in my family, I wanted my own, special place where I didn't have to listen to anybody...unless they were calling me for dinner.

Eventually, I outgrew my childhood pastime; and, I became more interested in music, clothes and parties. My life was changing; but, one thing remained the same. I loved our home. I never suspected that we would be moving....not once, but four times in as many years.

If it had been up to me, we would have "stayed put". However, nobody was seeking my advice. Why, I don't know. I was a teenager; and was full of good ideas! We were a new generation, with new, enlightened ideas! There was even a song about "my generation" so it must have been true.

Since I wasn't paying the bills, however, I decided that I'd better go along with the clan. Little did I realize that I was about to become a gypsy...a teenage gypsy!!

Renting, buying, and selling houses came in quick succession for my family, though we never moved more than 10 miles. We always attended the same school and "hung out" with our same friends at the same places.

I didn't understand why we moved so often. Years later I reasoned that it was because my parents were looking for a larger house with less lawn upkeep. But, secretly I believed that they were gypsies. They had hid it for 13 years. They had struggled against the urge to wander; but, eventually they succumbed to the overwhelming desire to pack up and move.

Before I continue with my saga, let me clarify one point. I am using the term "gypsy" in reference to a nomadic lifestyle-a life characterized by frequent changes and new surroundings. No disrespect is intended here.