Sweet Home Indiana

Valparaiso, Indiana, Midwest, USA. Eleven years ago, it became one of the most important part of me, of who I am today, of my story. Eleven years ago, I lived one year that changed everything. One exchange student, one school, one city, two families, and one Home forever.

It's been two weeks already since we left Indiana... And every day, I think about what to say about our stay there. And every day, I can't get myself behind this computer to write it. I've been procrastinating for two weeks... And I think the main reason why it simply because it hurts. It hurts to have left, it hurts to think about it all, it hurts to think about them. But it's a good pain, it's a pain that's proof there's love and home for me in Indiana. There's family. And they may not be my blood family, but they're my heart family !

So here I am ! Let me introduce you to the Curtis Family... known by most of you as my "American family"... And I'm their "Belgian" ;)

I have to start with Mary Lou, aka MaLou. She's the center of the family, the heart of it all. I always think of her as a little bird, a sparrow, un rouge-gorge. She's always moving around, always worrying about everybody else, always chatting and smiling. She's a tiny woman, but she's so strong ! She works at the local high school, so she has to be strong, dealing with teenagers everyday... But she's also strong for her family, for her kids, her grand-kids. The love she has for everyone makes her strong... But sometimes, she's so focussed on the other that she forgets to take good care of herself.

MaLou's family comes from Italy, and she's very proud of that heritage. You'll find Italy in her home, in her sayings, and of course in her kitchen ! Yummy :p

MaLou is my American mom... my Mom !

By Mary Lou's side, there's Tony, called Papa by the kids (but I think he should be named PaLou). Even though it's acting all tough and grumpy, Tony has a huge heart and he's the best hugger ever. While I was living there, 11 years ago, Tony was working away, so I didn't spent much time with him. But that did not prevent us from getting really close and I know I'll always have him in my life. Even when he acts like a bear (big and loud and scary), I know it's just a facade, and inside, he's just a big ol' Teddy bear ! Tony's health hasn't always been great, but he fought through and is stronger for it. He knows life has to be cherished and family is the center of it. Tony's family had always been living in this area of the US, so he knows everything about everyone living here, about the town, the buildings, the fields... But he has also been working everywhere in the US, so it's awesome to chat with him about all the different places he's been !

Tony is my American dad... my Dad !

Eldest of their children, there's Amy. Amy is this beautiful short lady with the biggest (and loudest) personality ! Married to Dustin, she now has a family of her own with three awesome kids : Ryan, goofy teenager with a great sense of humour, Grace, little girl full of energy and super smart, and Baby Bryce, who just celebrated his first birthday and is the cutest kid ever ! To Amy, family is key, there's no doubt about it, and she'll put all of her energy into her loved ones. Sometimes, Amy can be bitchy, and she'll always speak her mind. But no matter what, she's a great mom, an awesome wife, and a kickass sister ! I love spending time with her and Dustin ! He's such an fun dude too ! I love being around him, I'm always having a blast !!

Eric is the middle child. Eric Ryan Ignacious Curtis (E.R.I.C...). Eric is without a doubt the brain of the family ! None of us are dumb, but Eric is just brain smart ! He knows things, he's curious and he'll remember everything you'll tell him ! Eric's crazy about castels, which is why I hope, one day, I'll get to travel across Europe's old castles with him ! I've always loved to sit with Eric and just talk about things, about the differences between my two homes, about the world. He's a great listener, and he's always eager to know more. Eric also has an awesome family around him. Two years ago, in Jamaïca, he married Christina and her beautiful two kids : Jaselle is the sweetest most beautiful young woman, and Alex is the funniest kid, crazy about video games and The Office (yes, the TV show). But don't make the mistake of thinking Eric's the head of the family.... He might not admit it, but he's not ! Christina is ! She's the queen of the house. Tall, blonde and gorgeous, Christina is the law, the love and the fun in the family. And honestly, it's beautiful to witness. This woman is tough, bitchy and fragile at the same time. What a lady !

Last but not least, there's Corey, the youngest of the family... Because he was the only one of the three kids living at home while I was part of their daily life, Corey holds a special place in my heart. From the very start, we got along like brother and sister, loving each other, but also fighting like cats and dogs. And even though we don't punch each other anymore, nothing else has changed and I care for Corey as my own brother. He's the handsome man, the best musician, the awesome dancer, the amazing builder, ... But the issue with Corey is that he doesn't see all of that. He doesn't see the beautiful person he is, and because of that, he struggles. And both as a sister and as a struggler myself, seeing this great man having such a hard time, it hurts. Corey needs to break free of his mindset and fly free to be the best version of himself ! And I'll always help him in any way that I can !

Corey is my little brother, the only one I've ever had, and the only one I'll ever love !

Parts of the family, there's also Beau, the old limping dog, and Guss, the lazy grumpy cat.

Here, now you know. You know why I always leave a piece of my heart in the USA. You know why it hurts to say goodbye. And you know why I'll always go back !

They're family, they're home.