More than Just a Place

I looked at my watch, 7:30 AM! I had to reach the airport at eight o'clock to reach my flight. Hurrying into our car, my family zoomed to the airport and soon blasted off on a jet. It has always been like this, traveling every week. It was then I realized my home was just like another hotel, one I already left. Walking outside of the airport, I was swept by the cold Toronto air. I flagged down a taxi and soon arrived at my hotel. I was immersed in the attractions, and forgot about my thoughts of home. A few days later, I was walking in the streets of Toronto with a smile – my vacation had been great so far! Suddenly, I spotted a man on the streets, who was dressed in rags and looked malnourished. Bewildered, I asked, “Where do you eat? Where do you sleep?!” “I eat anything I salvage”, he said. “We live here, using cardboard as our pillows and beds.” “We?” I asked. “Yes. I am not the only one who is like this. We lost our home due to our lack of money. “ “That's horrible!!” I exclaimed. “I’m sorry you have to deal with this.” Although I was enjoying the pleasures of Toronto, I kept thinking about what that man had said. Soon, I was back at my hotel and slumped onto my bed after a long day. ⁂ I dreamt I lived in a world where everybody had a place to go back to. They had a place to eat and sleep. A place to socialize with others, say jokes, and be happy. A place they can feel protected and safe in. A place called home. ⁂ I woke up with a new appreciation for my home: it would always belong in my heart. -The End-