What Defines a Home?

What is a home, you may ask? A home is often confused with a house but is comprised of far more than four walls, a floor, and a roof. These just stand alone providing shelter and refuge. This is what we have come to call a house. A home, however, is an entirely different kind of place. It is the feeling of a warm embrace from a loved one at the end of the day. Strong, stable, and secure. Home is the taste of sweet hot chocolate, sipped while watching a movie together, snuggled under a thick blanket while a winter storm rages on. Cozy, snug, and relaxing. It is playing countless board games with my family at our large wooden table, laughing and making memories that will last a lifetime. Fun, carefree, and joyful. Home is the tantalizing aroma of fresh baked goods or the scent of my favourite meal drifting throughout the kitchen. Warm, comforting, and soothing. It is my sanctuary where I am loved unconditionally and free to express myself without judgement. Supported, safe, and respected. Home is the sound of my favourite music playing as I try to relax in the evening after a busy day. Calm, peaceful, and serene. It is seeing the people that I cherish the most, my parents, who are always there for me. Loving, nurturing, and protective. Home, most importantly, is the place of my childhood. A space for me to learn, grow, and thrive. Hopes, dreams, and aspirations. So, you see, a house is just an empty shell, until one by one, all of these thoughts, recollections, and emotions create a home. Thank you, Habitat for Humanity, for providing families with the opportunity to make a house into a home!