Home is Where...

I think that it is inevitable upon traveling to a foreign land that one always gets a bit homesick. I also think the biggest surprise is in all the small objects and actions that comfort us when we are far from home. And all this thinking has finally given me a definition of what “home” really is: Home, to me, is where someone can always make me laugh, unabashedly and fully, and in turn I can spark someone’s smile with a few words. And it is the place where my history is known and reflected, and where I can face someone and say “Remember when you...” with ease.

I know this is more complicated, and at the same time more simplistic, then it ought to be, but this is also the most honest version. Obviously some places are more like home then others, since my family can always make me smile, intentionally or unintentionally, and their shared history will always be the deepest. And , just as obviously, there is more than one home since eventually, after enough time, work or school can become these places of refuge. I also sincerely believe that I can travel anywhere with my husband and never really get homesick; why would I when there’s always someone to turn to who knows exactly where I’m coming from? And more importantly, knows how to laugh about it.

I’ve also found that there are certain objects or sounds that echo within me of home. I discovered Oreos in a grocery store the other day and was amazed as to how comforted I felt by this fact. But why not? Lord knows I have quite a long history with them and, honestly, who wouldn’t smile about chocolate? On the train another day, I was suddenly surrounded by American tourists. I closed my eyes and let the familiar cadences and gravelly tones wash over me, happy just to hear the sound. Until they started discussing Burger King. And of course, there’s no way to escape American pop music, but even hearing Britney Spears has its own edge of hilarity in such a different context then I am used to.

Most importantly, though, I’ve learned that this place, too, will eventually become a type of home. I will smile to see the beautiful landscapes. I will say, “Remember when...” and thousands of sun-drenched memories will appear. Eventually.





P.S. If anyone is still reading this blog, I'd love to hear your comments on what home means to you!