Anna's Story

Anna had a wonderful family and made friends easily. She was happy with her life and house, even though it was small and dirty; it was her home. Anna invited her friend Katie over and Katie took one step inside and said, “This is your house? It looks more like a dump. My house is much better and more beautiful”, and with that she left. Anna was sad, mad and hurt by Katie’s words. Anna's mom came and hugged her and said, “Please don't be hurt by Katie’s words, this is not how she sees a home.” “But that doesn't mean she has the right to judge us, does she?” said Anna. She rushed upstairs and closed her bedroom door. As Anna laid on her bed, she thought about what her mother said. Maybe her mom was right; Katie doesn't understand what her house means to her. To Anna it meant her cozy bed, her family, her traditions, her memories, her pet, her house…her home. Then she got the idea that in school she needed to make a speech. A couple weeks later Anna went to school with her head high, ready to say her speech. Katie spoke about money and things you could do with it. Then it was Anna's turn. She stood proudly and said, “Where is the place that you always feel comfortable no matter what? What is a place that you feel amazing? What is the place that has all the people you love? The answer is home. It’s not just a house, a home and I love my home!”. Anna finished her speech, everybody clapped and Katie stared at Anna. Anna felt better that she told Katie in her own way the meaning of home for her and she was glad to know it!