The True Meaning of Home

The first time I actually understood what the word “Home” meant was when I packed my bags and flew across the ocean to start a new and exciting life in Canada. At first, everything felt so awkward and unfamiliar, the language, people, culture, and even the air. I missed the noise of the bustling streets in India and the warmth of the family members and friends we had left behind. For a while, I thought we had left home behind too. But then one Sunday morning, the smell of pancakes wafted in the kitchen. My dad started cracking his usual jokes, my mom and I laughed like we always had. In that moment, everything felt the same as before. That was when I realized we hadn’t left home behind at all. Home was never the building. It was the way my family stayed close, celebrating birthdays, victories, and everyday moments with one another. It was the courage they gave me when I felt anxious speaking during class. It was knowing that even in a faraway country, I was never alone. Seeing people without homes shows me how fortunate I am. A home is more than just shelter, it’s love, safety, and belonging. Not everyone has that, which makes it even more meaningful. Home is not the house we left behind. It is the love that moved forward with us and will stay with us wherever we go.