What Home Means to Me

Home. In Winter, waking up to the first snow fall makes me excited for winter to unfold. I sit by the crackling fire after playing in the cold snow. Taking a sip of freshly made hot chocolate and feeling it warm me up. Lighting the hanukkah candles and unwrapping gifts that bring me joy. Home. In Spring, I sit with my dad on the couch reading a book while the rain hushes my dog to sleep beside me. I enjoy playing in the puddles created by harsh storms. My pool opens, my siblings force me to come swimming. Watching the flowers bud as the sun shines above them. Waking up to my dog barking at the bee buzzing outside the window. Home. In Summer, I pull into camp knowing there are lots of fun memories to be made. Jumping into the cold, murky water for the first time having to swim long laps. The first few meals getting to know my counsellors. Feeling the cool wind brush against my face going down the zip line. Saying my goodbyes to my friends after a month of being together. Home. In Fall, I pack my school bag for the first time. I walk into school with a good attitude ready and excited for the year ahead. I meet my teachers and the new students in my class for the first time. I watch from my window as the leaves on the trees change colours. I enjoy playing in my backyard jumping in loud, crunchy leaves. For me, putting home into words is difficult. Home is where I'm happy, it's where I am loved and it's where I'm cared for the most. But home isn't a place, it's a feeling and a sensation. And that is what home means to me.