Home is Not Just a Place

Did you know over 265,000 people in Canada experience homelessness? More than 80,000 live in Ontario, and about 15,000 are in Toronto. This makes me realize how fortunate I am. I‘m grateful not only for a roof over my head but also for the comforts in my life: my fish, my TV, and most importantly, my family. Home is where I feel secure, valued, and understood.   Everyone has a special place, and for my fish, it’s his little cave. Each afternoon after school, he slips inside and performs lively tricks. It may seem simple, but he brings genuine happiness. From when he was in a tiny espresso cup to accidentally wedging himself in his cave, he has been a steady, reassuring presence in my life.   Speaking of caves, that also reminds me of a trip to Italy, where my family swam through a beautiful ocean cave. The sparkling water and towering rock walls were incredible, but sharing it with my family made it unforgettable. That warmth carries into simple home moments — playing board games, early soccer practices, or late-night movies together. Their support makes every experience better.   My television is the gadget that fuels these movie nights . During COVID-19, when I lived in a condominium and couldn’t play outside, watching TV became my favorite thing to do. From sports on TSN to programs on CBC, there is always something engaging.   Home is more than walls, furniture, or possessions — it is where comfort, love, and belonging are. Some people find that feeling in a pet, a hobby, or a tradition. For me, my fish, my family, and even my TV transform an ordinary house into a meaningful home. Tonight, when you walk through your door, take a moment to ask yourself, “What makes my house feel like home?”