In early December, despite the absence of snow in Saskatoon, we decorated our house with holiday lights. I couldn’t help but admire our home once again, believing in the saying, “Home is where the heart is.” After residing in Canada for three years, it feels like we have finally discovered a place we can truly call home.
When my husband, teenager, and I first entered the house while house hunting, we were captivated by the numerous windows that allowed sunlight to flood every room, even the basement. My child expressed, “Ma, this feels like home,” a sentiment that brought a smile to my face after a long time.
The house, with its simplicity and coziness, featured a graceful front lawn and a backyard adorned with swaying poplar trees. Its defining feature was the abundance of windows, making it feel just right – not too grand, not too small, but perfect. It was indeed love at first sight.
Reflecting on my childhood home in India, as I stood surrounded by Christmas lights in our backyard, memories flooded back. Recreating similar memories with my family filled me with deep gratitude.
Leaving behind our home in India to move to Saskatoon felt unsettling, intensified by the impermanence that came with renting our current apartment. The impersonal space with thin walls and basic furniture lacked the warmth of a true home.
The challenges of relocating during the COVID-19 pandemic led us to purchase our current house in September. Now, settled in our new home, I see beyond the physical structure – it signifies a fresh chapter in our lives, filled with memories, love, and milestones.
Our house has played a crucial role in helping us feel more established in Saskatoon. It has become a place where we can personalize and create an environment that reflects our identity. Saskatoon, once just a spot on the map, now symbolizes hope and the essence of home, teaching us that home is not merely where you come from but where you choose to be.