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HOME

When I thought of the concept of a home, I sought to find out what the dictionaries defines it as. In my quest, I found different definitions, but two stood out to me: "The abiding place of the affections, especially of the domestic affections", "A place of refuge, rest or care; an asylum." As an abiding place of affection, or as a place of rest or care, or even asylum, it is not the location that makes it so (a home) but the people there.

I came to the conclusion that home is not a place, but a people. The words of Megan Lindholm further gives credence to my assertion when she wrote, "Home is people. Not a place. If you go back there after the people are gone, then all you can see is what is not there any more." If a place has been a home, it is so because of the people that made it so, once they are no more there, that place does not give you the homeliness anymore.

Sarah Dessen also said, "Home wasn't a set house, or a single town on a map. It was wherever the people who loved you were, whenever you were together. Not a place, but a moment, and then another, building on each other like bricks to create a solid shelter that you take with you for your entire life, wherever you may go."

If you do not find peace, and comfort there, it is not your home, no matter where it may be. Be it the place you were born, where you grew up, where you have lived all your life; if it gives no reason to be happy, if it does not give you the opportunity to be at your best, if you are not safe there, it is not your home, look for another. A place where you will be loved, respected, honoured, protected, and taken care of, that is your HOME.

(A➡️Z)14➕Z)

John Kamikun

Author, "366 days of wisdom".