Being Home

Sometimes it is the little things we miss when we are away. The tickle of a cat’s whiskers or the warm, rough feel of their tongue when they clean your face. The warmth of their body when they nap in your lap, and the nagging meow when you forget to give them a treat. We miss the comfort of being in a place that is all our own, with privacy and freedom. And we miss being known for who we are not simply the tasks we can complete.

I had a conversation this evening over dinner with people who were telling us about where they live and what they love about their homes. We talked about the people they love, the land they travel, and the places they cherish most. They shared their dreams and the things they look forward to doing when they get time at home. I noticed that everyone was smiling and the breadth of their smiles changed as they talked more and more about their adventures and the people they love. I could tell the weight of their workload began to fade as they focused on what they love and miss and look forward to seeing soon.

Later this evening I heard a conversation between two women who were discussing what they wanted in their new home. They talked about colors and spaces, appliances and fixtures. They debated which bedroom would be best for which child, and what color towels they wanted in the bathrooms. They were excited and couldn’t wait to live in their own place and create a home for the family.

What does home mean to you? What do you miss when you are away, and what do you look forward to doing most once you arrive? Is there a smell that reminds you of home, or a color, or a feeling? We all have different expectations of home. Some people have fond memories of the places they lived, or work hard to make something better than what they experienced earlier in life. Home can be a place, a person, a feeling, or some combination of all three. Home can be a kitty whisker or a warm blanket, a meaningless conversation with your loved one, or quiet moments in your favorite chair. Knowing what you cherish and miss makes it that much more wonderful once you are home to experience it again.