What does home mean to me?

Dear Habitat for Humanity, February 14, 2025 What does home mean to me? Home means love in the air, the heartwarming feeling of joy and laughter. For me, home is the warmth of my family and the comfort of my bed. I’m not sure if it's just me but the smell of Perogies reminds me of home, MMM Perogies,😋🥟 It is funny how certain things remind me of home. . As I write this, I realize just how lucky I am to have a family and a home. Home is not just a house. It’s where I’m surrounded by people who make me feel happy. It’s the smells, the sounds, and the memories that bring a smile to my face. It’s also the little traditions that make it special. Every Friday, my family has movie night. We curl up on the couch with blankets, eat snacks, and laugh at funny movies. It’s something I look forward to every week. Another thing that makes home special is my pet. My cat always curls up next to me when I’m reading or watching TV. He follows me around like a little shadow, and his purring makes everything feel even more peaceful. He is part of what makes our house feel like home. But I also know that many other kids don’t have a home. That’s why I want to help. If I win, we can donate to Habitat for Humanity and make a difference for families in need. What is home? Before today, I never really thought about what home meant to me. I wasn’t sure how to explain it, but I knew one thing for certain, Guelph is my home. When my parents once asked if I wanted to move back to Syria, the place where I was born, I said no. To me, home is here. But for others, like my dad, home is different. For him, Syria isn’t just his old country, it’s his home. I was only seven months old when my family had to leave Syria. I don’t remember much, but my parents have told me stories about that time. We lived in another country for a little while before moving again, this time to Canada. I was almost two years old when we arrived, so my earliest memories are from here. For the first few years in Canada, we moved between different houses, trying to find the right one. Then, in 2020, we finally found our own home. That same year, I started first grade at Westwood Public School, where I met new friends and began building lifelong friendships. Now, when someone asks me where home is, I don’t have just one answer. But above all, home is my family. No matter where we go, as long as we’re together, I know I am home. Sincerely, Estevan.😹