In Others' WordsIn Others' Words: Home
~ Lois McMaster Bujold, American author
I had a definitive definition of home for many years--and it was most definitely a place.
Then I married my husband, who was in the Air Force.
My idea of home had to change.
Uncle Sam determined where home was -- and I realized location wasn't the determining factor when I thought of home.
The people who were with me, whatever our address was at the time, they represented home.
The stuff we lugged with us?
Not home, either.
My husband, my son, my three daughters: home.
I've also discovered when "home" becomes people, it expands. One of our family mottoes is "There's always room for one more."
And watching my adult children establish their own homes ... ah, bittersweet. I'm cheering them on with tear-filled eyes.
In Your Words: How do you define home?
Labels: defining home, family, In Others' Words, Lois McMaster Bujold, quotes
posted by Beth K. Vogt @ 12:01 AM
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13 Comments:
I moved every year or two until I was in my early thirties. When my family and I settled here in a historic Gold Rush-era town in the Sierra Foothills of California, I finally felt like I was home. We've lived here 18 years now, and this is the first time in my life I feel like I finally have a hometown. It's a great feeling.
"when 'home' becomes people, it expands"
I LOVE that, Beth. It is so, so true.
Yes...home is where ever the people I love are. It includes friends. I'm at home at my best friend's house as much as I am at home in my own...and my "home" is expanded by the people my best friend loves, as well.
I believe I'd be at home with you, too.
Boy do I get this! We've moved, what? six times (maybe seven) in the twelve years we've been married. My family certainly has become home.
~ Wendy
Absolutely Amen.
You've captured the heart of Home. Well-done.
This is a great post, Beth. Although I haven't consciously done it, family has become my "home" too. As a girl, my "home" was the house I grew up in, becuase I was there all my growing up years. I also like Patricia's idea of being "at home" at a close friend's house. Much to think about here. :)
This is a great way to start off the week. For me, home has always been my family and friends. But this past summer I experienced another viewpoint about home. When I visited Ethiopia, I discovered the believers there don't consider anywhere on earth home. They truly live as though their lives here are fleeting. For them, their definition of home is Heaven.
On a much smaller basis, I understand what you said about your definition of home changing...a year after I graduated from college, my parents moved from the home in which I grew up in town out to the country. Sentimental me thought it would be such a HUGE change to spend holidays and family gatherings in a different house. But I remember that very first weekend I spent in their new house actually saying out loud, "This isn't half as weird as I thought it'd be." So home for me definitely is where family is...:)
I make sure home is with the people in my family. A life-change in my 30s, unfolded that lesson for me. Now, as I've moved away from family - we make a home connection via phone, video chats, emails and letters.
Ah, so many responses to the thought of "home."
It does change, doesn't it?
I had all my kiddos "home" yesterday. Delighted in the time. Savored the laughter. And then hugged several of them as they went back to their homes. That's the way life is right now.
And it's good.
Beth, I couldn't agree more. Home is definitely not the house itself. It's the family, friends and memories that make it a home. Thanks for this great reminder.
Wow, I love this, Beth. I haven't moved as many times as you, but this is a great reminder to treasure the people in our lives. Thanks. :)
I enjoyed and appreciated every single comment today. Watch for something new tomorrow!
;o)
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