Meaning:
The quote by Gerald McRaney speaks to his deep connection to his native state, which he gained through his father's work as a house builder. The quote is a reflection of the transient nature of his upbringing, as his father's profession required the family to constantly move to new towns as each house was completed and sold.
The quote suggests that McRaney's understanding and knowledge of his native state were shaped by the experiences of moving from town to town. This transient lifestyle would have exposed him to various communities and landscapes within the state, allowing him to develop a comprehensive understanding of its different regions and cultures.
McRaney's mention of his father's profession as a house builder also implies a strong connection to the physical landscape of his native state. Through his father's work, McRaney likely gained an intimate knowledge of the local architecture, construction techniques, and the unique characteristics of the houses his father built in each town. This would have given him a distinctive perspective on the built environment and the ways in which it reflects the culture and history of the state.
Furthermore, the quote suggests that McRaney's understanding of his native state is rooted in personal experience rather than abstract knowledge. His father's occupation would have provided him with a hands-on education about the state, its people, and its communities. This experiential knowledge would have contributed to his deep connection and familiarity with the state, shaping his identity and perspective as he moved through different towns during his upbringing.
McRaney's statement also implies a sense of nostalgia and sentimentality towards his native state. The transient lifestyle he experienced as a result of his father's work may have instilled in him a strong appreciation for the places he lived and the memories associated with each town. This sentimentality is evident in the way he reflects on his upbringing and the impact it had on his knowledge of and connection to his native state.
In summary, Gerald McRaney's quote conveys a sense of rootedness and familiarity with his native state, which was shaped by his father's profession as a house builder and the family's nomadic lifestyle. His experiences moving from town to town provided him with a deep understanding of the state's diverse communities, landscapes, and architecture, while also fostering a sense of nostalgia and sentimentality towards the places he called home. This quote offers insight into McRaney's personal connection to his native state and the formative role it played in shaping his identity and perspective.