Union, Maine, U.S.A. – What first comes to mind when you see the word “home?” Do you think of somewhere warm, loving and safe?
Listen to the author read this article:
Do you think of somewhere dangerous and unpredictable?
Do you think of loved ones or friends?
I think of all of these, but today I want to share my two homes I grew up in.
I lived in Damariscotta, Maine for the first five years of my life.
Then, I moved to Warren, Maine and lived there for 12 years.
Warren is very nostalgic for me, but it also carries lots of bad memories.
It was dangerous, unpredictable and I was unhappy most of the time.
Nevertheless, it’s still home. My family and dog live there.
To escape the bad moments, I would visit Seven Tree Pond, which was behind my house.
Then, I moved to Union, when I was 17 years old, to live with my aunt and everything got better.
Whenever I see one particular road, I get excited because I know I’m close to home.
Clarry Hill Preserve in Union is my favorite place to visit to watch the sunset and hang out with my friends.
I also love going to Beaver Lodge with my best friend. We paddleboard, swim, go on boat rides, and visit her family.
The Union Fair is a small fair that everyone from my old high school and the high schools nearby go to.
I have made so many great memories in Union.
I look forward to coming home. It’s safe, predictable, and loving.
Samya Young is a Junior Reporter with Youth Journalism International.
