Over the past few days, I’ve been working on a new book: ‘Ireentje Makes Waves: The Adventures of a Dutch Immigrant Child in Iowa’. Such fun to allow my mind to wander back to those days in Iowa before I reached my teens. So instructional to realize that some of the impressions I formed may not have been entirely accurate. (Apologies to Doug, who I hit over the head and kicked in the shins in a probably unprovoked attack.) So inspirational to revisit friendships that have lasted for over 50 years! And so enjoyable to read each chapter to my 6-year-old grandson, who keeps telling me he wants to hear every word.

It’s also been fascinating to realize just how much impact being the child of immigrants had on my growing up: how I viewed others, how I was viewed, and even how I decorate my home today. The culture in my home was not the same as the culture in the neighborhood and, get this, it was not my or my siblings choice. Is that why we all have more Delft Blue china than my parents ever did? After all, they chose to become Americans. We, on the other hand, are grateful for this country, but we were children when the choice was made for us.

Would I want to live in the Netherlands, with the North Sea nearby, the wind, the rain, the tulips, the bicycles, and the straight-talking Dutch people? Probably not. I suspect that I would not feel at home. But, neither do I feel entirely comfortable in the country where I am a citizen. I don’t really like peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, cake mix cakes, and macaroni and cheese. Hot dogs and chocolate chip cookies upset my stomach. We never ate potato chips at home, and the TV was usually off. I’m confused by baseball, football, and basketball and have no idea why people get excited about a game. I definitely felt very out-of-place living in Iowa.

That’s why I’m so grateful for the fact that America is so multi-cultural. You see, many of the people living here in the DC area are just like me. They also grew up in households that were not typically American. They also are happy to enjoy all the privileges that being an American brings—the freedom, the comparatively affluent lifestyle, and the open-mindedness. And they enjoy the culture of their ancestors, as well. Just like me. So, despite having a house full of Delft Blue, I have realized that I am home.

To be kept informed about future publication of ‘Ireentje Makes Waves’ and get 25% off the first printing, sign up here.