Turn off your iPod. Take out your earbuds. Listen. The sounds of home are more addictive than any Lady GaGa song.
Dogs barking
Songs coming from my dad’s iPod, like “Laaady, when I’m with you I’m smiling...” And the sound of his voice singing along
Sounds of the Indiana State Fair train
Rustling leaves
Steelers chants
Creaking floors
Laughter
Birds, crickets, frogs, and distant cows at night
My parents’ voices
Soothing quiet
My brother playing video games
Tom Petty music
Marching bands
Movie impersonations
Oprah on television
My brother screaming
Strangest answer Birds, hay bales, horses, blackberries, dial-up internet, and meth labs
Hello, 1950s “The smell of my father’s Marlboros and the sight of my mother ironing reminds me of home.”
