The Place That Feels Like Me

Home isn’t just a place. Home is a feeling. It is a safe, warm, and happy feeling that makes me smile. Every home is different, but my home is special because it is filled with love. My home is not just a house. It is where I can be myself and feel comfortable every day. When I think about my home, I feel calm and peaceful. If I compare my sweet home to another house, it would never be the same. In my home, I hear laughter, colorful crayons scribbling on smooth paper, and egg toast sizzling on the stove. These sounds make my home feel alive and full of joy. I see my sweet mom who always supports me, my funny dad who makes me laugh, my little (very little) sister who follows me everywhere, and my room covered in paper scraps from my drawings and crafts. Sometimes my sister and I fight. We argue about toys, space, or very silly things. Sometimes she wins, sometimes I win. We might get upset or shout, but it never lasts long. Soon we say sorry, hug each other, and laugh again. That is how I know my home is full of love. At home, we also have fun together. We have movie nights where we sit close with blankets and popcorn. We have bedtime story time, and I listen carefully even when I already know the story. When I am sick, my mom stays with me and does not sleep until I feel better. That makes me feel safe and cared for. I play games with my mom and dad, and we laugh a lot. We play hide and seek all over the house, running from room to room and trying not to giggle. Sometimes I scare my little sister by saying a monster is coming from the closet, and then we both laugh and run away. We also have karaoke nights where we sing loudly with the wrong lyrics, and nobody cares because we are having fun. During Easter, my sister and I arrange our own Easter egg hunt. We hide eggs everywhere and make our parents run to find the eggs because it’s a competition. At home, we also pray to God together and feel thankful for everything we have. Even when fighting happens, we always come back together because home keeps us close. My home helps me grow and try new things. It is where I get ready for swimming, skating training, music class, art time, and French learning. It is where I pack my swim bag, tie my skates, practice my music, and get ready for training. Sometimes I feel tired, but my home gives me energy again. When I ran my marathon, my home was where I felt brave before the race and proud after I finished. I taste my mom’s delicious lemon rice, my dad’s well-known cooked fish, and creamy vanilla yogurt. I smell homemade cookies, buttery popcorn, hot hot dogs, and pasta cooking. These smells make my heart feel warm and remind me that home is where my family comes together. At home, I feel loved, safe, warm, cozy, and happy. When I have a hard day, home makes me feel better. When I have a good day, home makes it even better. Home is like a treasure chest. But instead of coins, gems, and jewels, you find love, care, memories, and dreams. Thank you, Habitat for Humanity, for helping families find a home. By giving homes, you are also giving warmth, hope, and a place where children can grow and feel loved.