what home means to me

I wake up in my bed, to the sounds of birds chirping. I see the sun light drifting through the curtains, light and warm on my skin. I smell food in the dining room and hear my mother working in the kitchen. I go downstairs and sit down next to my sisters and parents at the dining table. We laugh and tell stories while we eat, safe and untroubled. I look around, at the pictures on the wall, the chandelier above my head and think, “A house is not just its walls, it's everything inside that counts.” Me and my sister play chess, it’s not about winning, it’s about having fun. We play round after round laughing, having fun until the sun reaches its highest point. We feel safe and at peace, at home. The afternoon fades into evening spreading a warm golden glow across the sky, as the sun sets and the shadows stretch. We gather close, as the stars appear, whispering and laughing, together It’s about the love that and happiness we share, and serenity of home. I climb the stairs as the sky goes dark, carrying memories I’ll always keep. The walls are steady and the roof is strong, and this is where I truly belong. I pull the covers over my body, Grateful for the home I’m in. The house is quiet, the lights are low, Wrapped in the warmest blanket I know. I’m at home, safe and sound, along with others, thanks to Habitat for Humanity.