Coming HOME: Finding A Home in Hope
“Honestly, home is just family. Wherever my family is, we’ve moved probably every three years for my entire life. And my parents just moved somewhere new last year, even though my dad’s retired. Home is just the people that know you and where you’re wanted.”
In our sixth portrait of the “Coming HOME: Re-Storying U.S.” digital series, we are honored to embark on an inspiring journey alongside Lauren Fettes, a child of the military who has lived in six different states throughout her life. Lauren shares her poignant narrative of self-definition beyond her relationships and the touching story of finding hope in healing.
“Not necessarily a place for me. I’ve lived in probably 15 different houses. This made this project very interesting because I realized my lack. I recognized my lack of attachment to material things, which was really interesting to navigate. But home has always just been family and community.”
What myths have died since the pandemic?
“Yeah, I’d say what died for me is that I only have value through my relationships with other people. I’ve always been very much a people pleaser and someone who identifies through my relationships with others. I am my own person and I can lead my life based on my values, rather than the expectations from the relationships around me.”
What is your artifact of healing?
“These are two portraits of my younger sibling. I remember I got sent home, and I was doing a film photography class. And I couldn’t process the film at home. So I employed them to help me out. And I remember they were not very happy that I dragged them away from their video game. But it kind of let them have a natural resting face, and then I tried to make them laugh. And I think in that moment, I realized how much closer I got to them during COVID.”
What is your letter of hope?
“Dear Lauren, or whoever holds this,
You are what you’ve been looking for. There’s no more waiting for the right time to come. And I’m hoping you’ve already embraced that fact by the time you’re reading this. I’m terrified by the current state of the world. But I have hope, I hope for you, for our generation, and those to come. I have hope, and I’m clinging to it. There are cycles, systems, and structures that need to be dismantled and burned down. And there will always be people who don’t believe in that possibility. But again, I have hope. I hope that you have grown and learned to love yourself and accept the love and community that you deserve.
You can’t do it alone. And that’s okay. You’re more than your relationships and the titles you do or don’t hold. You’re worthy of love simply for existing. You are enough and you can make a change, but you don’t have to do it alone. You can roll your eyes at those affirmations, but then I want you to read them again. You are a miracle of a human. You have survived every single minute that you have faced so far. And you’re not messing this up. Hold on to that hope.”
Lauren’s inspiring narrative of constant change exemplifies why she finds a home in hope, understanding the transient nature of life and the unwavering support of those around her. Where do you find hope?
As the nation approaches its historic 250th anniversary in 2026, we embark on a profound digital storytelling journey — “Coming HOME: Re-Storying U.S.” Our mission is clear: to help people heal through remembrance. We’re dedicated to capturing 250 heartfelt stories by 250, documenting the vibrant tapestry of America’s past, present, and future. In this remarkable project, we celebrate the power of stories. Each narrative is a thread woven into the fabric of our shared history, reminding us of our resilience, our diversity, and our unity. Together, we explore the rich tapestry of heritage, healing, and hope. Join us on this transformative journey as we pave the road to America’s 250th anniversary, one story at a time. Follow us @conversationsbycourage on Instagram and TikTok.For information about Coming HOME: Restorying U.S., please contact Conversations By Courage.🌠🏡✨ #ComingHOMEseries #HealingThroughRemembrance #America250 #HeritageStories #HopefulFuture #DigitalStorytelling
Team Credits:
Featured Curator: Lauren Fettes
Michelle Kamau, M.A, Co-Creator, Photographer
David Brose, Co-Creator, Videographer
Victiashea (Tasha) Matthews Co-Creator, Facilitator