What does home mean to me?

What is home? Is home a person, a place, or a thing? What is home? Home begins with my brother and me laughing. The memories we made. The fears we faced. The stupid arguments. The late nights. It’s where I get comfortable, and it’s a place where I belong. Home is a happy place. It’s where I rest for the long day ahead. The pictures on the wall represent the special days we had. It’s like a safe of all our memories so we never forget them. Home is a shelter that protects me from anything that might knock me down. My home and my family pick me up and help me get back on my feet. Home is where I feel safe, included and loved. Home is like a big, warm, cozy hug. When I’m home, I feel this warmth in my heart. Home is a place I go to when I need a break. It calms me down and relaxes me. My home is not new; it has changed locations, but it’s still the same people. Home is near my cousins. The cousins I grew up with and the cousins who are always by my side. Home is with the people who were with me for my highs and lows. Home smells like freshly baked cookies. The sweet smell of chocolate and cookie dough. Home is where many years of birthdays were celebrated. The excitement of opening gifts. It’s where I ran to my parents’ room on Christmas Day, When they said to eat breakfast first, the excitement got to me. Home is a place where my heart stops being careful. It’s where my heart feels safe. Home is where I finally take a breath. That is what home means to me.