What Does Home Mean?

Home doesn't have to just be a building. For me home isn't my moms or dads house. I mean it’s where I live, but I feel a lot safer next to the ocean. On Saturdays, my nanny and I walk her dog at the beach. The waves crash on the shore below. During the summertime I like to go camping next to the ocean. The sounds soothe me and put me to sleep. The ocean is home. My stepmom is Mi’kmaq and she has taught me to love what I have. She tells me she is grateful for what she has, even if that is just her family and pets. She taught me how to speak and sing in Mi’kmaw. She taught me how to do a ceremony and smudge. I feel at home with her. Home is where you feel loved, and where you speak about whatever you need to. Home is where you feel safe and comfortable and able to love what you actually love and not feel you have to hide it away. It is also where you can embrace yourself and your culture, where you listen to your grandma's stories from when she was your age. Sometimes you wonder how she remembers all of that because she's starting to forget her own daughter's name. But that's the thing, home is also where you feel sad and hurt unfortunately. Home is where your mom will sit you down and tell you horrible news. But at home I am safe to feel emotions in all capacities. Thank you Habitat for Humanity for helping those in need.