The Meaning of Home

Home is not just a place you survive in, it's not just a structure covering you from the harsh weather outside. There is a difference between surviving and living. Comfort, relaxation, the feeling of belonging. These are all things I feel when I am at home. Home isn't a place, it's a feeling of warmth and safety. To me home is coming back after school to the aroma of freshly baked oat cookies that have a golden brown crust covering the top with a perfectly satisfying crunch to it, just looking at it makes your mouth water. It's a place where your loved ones surround you and support you during hard times or like when there's a snowstorm and you get snuggled up by the cozy fireplace while you drink hot cocoa that blisters your mouth. Home is unique and different to everybody. Home is where you make new traditions and new memories you will cherish forever when you look back and smile. When I come down stairs on Sunday morning I look down at our old wooden table filled with piles of appetizing pancakes, sweets, and fruit. It's Friday movie night and we just keep scrolling on Disney plus for hours and end up not watching anything at all, just commenting on the interesting movie covers while laughing for no reason. Home is secure and safe. It feels like my mom’s comforting forehead kisses and my dad’s warm big bear hugs greeting me inside. It's the fragrance of the nail polish that permeates the air. Mounds of dog toys cover the floor that my spoiled dog doesn't even play with and his loud bark bounces off the white stained walls. My home is the heart of my life because it holds everything together. It's the foundation of my heart, I couldn't imagine what it would be like without it. I am so lucky to have such an amazing family and home. I feel I can be myself when at home, no fake smile and no fake laugh. When I go into my room it's like I am trudging through a jungle with all my 38 plants. The living room is filled with countless modern day DIY projects that my mom makes, and the awkward silent moments are filled with Taylor Swift music blasting on full volume. I could go on forever talking about my traditions and my home but there are people out there with nothing, no home, no family. All they have is a cold, old tent that they call home. Thank you habit humanity for helping people without homes and loved ones and thank you for giving them an opportunity to have a warm and reassuring home.