There’s No Place Like Home

How would you define “Home?”

The concept of home can mean different things to different people.

For me, “Home” is both a feeling and a place. It’s more of an emotional connection and a sense of belonging!

Home is where I feel a sense of calm, most at ease, and can be myself. My home is also a place where I can plant my roots and grow while feeling secure and stable.

We moved cities a few times during my childhood. Then, in my teens, I moved to another Country, where I spent three decades of my life before returning to India ten years ago.

The move to a barren desert landscape in my teens sent me on an emotional rollercoaster. It was difficult to leave my family, friends, familiar places, and the safe haven I created for myself that I called home.

It wasn’t long before Dubai, the barren landscape that transformed into a global metropolis became my home. My children were born and raised there.

Our home was a reflection of who we are as individuals and as a family. Our home evolved with us and was filled with treasures dear to us, artifacts, souvenirs from our travels, paintings, gifts from loved ones, and so much more.

Then, after more than 30 years, I decided to relocate my home base to India when the children left to build their own homes in far-flung corners of the world. I’ve always wished to return to my old world. Dubai will forever be our adopted home.

Would I be comfortable returning to a place I once called “Home?”

Old familiar faces had moved on, family and friends were busy with their lives, and visiting old haunts made me feel like a tourist.

Home has changed and so have I!

It was difficult to reintegrate and reestablish myself in a world that had changed in the 30 years since I left. To make my new home a reflection of my life, experiences, changes, and milestones, I surrounded myself with our treasure chest of memories and all objects of reminiscence.

My walls displayed an extensive gallery of paintings and artifacts, photographs of loved ones and family, found perfect places for all the wooden furniture that is aging with grace and elegance, as well as the library and books, which served as my escape room. My home is my window of history, each telling a story.

I am finally back home again!

While this is home to me, I also want my children to feel nostalgic and have a deep sense of belonging when they walk in.

They see not just the faces of their loved ones but also the home that transports them back in time.

Allow me to share a harsh reality with you that I have come to accept.

I recall visiting India for a couple of weeks during their summer breaks. It was great for the first few days before the kids soon wanted to return home because they missed their friends, rooms, beds, and everything else that felt more like home to them. Yes, we all felt something was missing.

Ouch! They might feel the same way when they come to visit me in India.

 Whatever!

Whether my children visit me for a few days or a few weeks, what matters is that they are at home with me, and I treasure the time we spend together. It’s all about making new memories while revisiting old ones.

I’m already feeling all warm and fuzzy!

“Mom, Wow!” As they walk through the door, I notice a smile of recognition on their face. They walk the length and breadth of the house, inspecting every nook and corner. This fills them with nostalgia and an emotional rush. Nothing has changed except that mom has amassed even more stuff.

Then there are the subtle bribes, such as cooking their favourite dishes, so the house smells delicious, stocking the fridge with food, binge-watching TV shows, gossiping, and so on. Seeing my adult children act like kids again brings back so many happy memories.

It fills me with joy to see them rest their heads on the pillow, close their eyes, and drift off to sleep. They are back home! All it takes is unconditional love, and a home filled with warmth and memories.

Time has passed, and India is now my permanent home. My roots are firmly planted, I have shared experiences with family and friends, and at the end of the day, I have a place to anchor myself and call home.

Whatever “Home” means to you; it is where life happens!