Discovering Home

Home. Most of us have one, and it helps us feel like we belong, but what exactly does it mean? For me, home is a safe place to make discoveries. This meaning of home has helped me through a move, a renovation, and a bunch of personal growth. I have lived in many different places, and I know there’s more to home than 4 walls and a roof, although those do help. My latest move was from a beautiful, finished, century-old farmhouse in Alberta to an older, somewhat delipidated farmhouse in PEI. I discovered that a home could move and that I still felt safe as I had my family, pets and everything I needed with me. It’s been 2 years, and PEI now feels like home. In my current house, my family and I are in the midst of a major house renovation. I have discovered that I’m stronger than I thought after having helped dig down the basement about 12” and haul all that dirt, pail by pail, outside. This new strength was needed after Hurricane Fiona arrived and I could help my neighbours clean up their yards. Throughout all of these adventures, I’ve been discovering about myself. I’ve learned that I’m good at multi-tasking as there’s always many projects in progress. I’ve uncovered a love of wood, especially old wood that Mom and Dad just want to burn! But that’s where the meaning of home comes in, as I discover I can have a disagreement here and still be loved and valued, no matter what. We all need a home, no matter what shape it might be. I’ve discovered through a move, a renovation and a ton of personal growth, I have never felt safer than when I am at home.