Home

What is "home" to me? It is a place inside of me. A feeling, deep inside, that all is right with the world.

I have found home in many places over the years. We lived in many apartment buildings during my childhood. My dad worked very hard and doted on me. My mother loved and nourished everyone and showed it in her care for us and the house. I had my own room in each apartment, my own space, which has always been important to me. I always arranged and decorated it the way I liked, and felt that my room reflected "me."

There were wonderful neighborhoods, with more children running and bike riding than cars on the street. I spent as much time at my best friend's home as at my own. The park, the lake, the corner store, the bus to the nearby small city for shopping, all were at our disposal.

Because of moving so often, I became very good at "nesting" where I landed. I still do this now, whether it is a new home, a new office, or a temporary space such as a guest room for a weekend at a relative's house. I will instantly set out to organize my things and make the space "mine." Once I have done so, I will go and locate everyone and spend time with them. I love sitting for hours over tea, or a good bottle of wine, talking from the heart. I've happily lost much sleep over the years this way!

As a child, I was close to my parents and brother and my best friend, as well as one other good friend. I was happy and felt at home with them.

After high school I went to work. I became involved with a young adults christian group. We were a very intense group who forged strong bonds with each other. We loved each other, having fun, and worshipping God together. These people, many of whom are still my friends, became very important to me. When we were together, hands raised, singing and praising, I was home.

One lovely result of this group was that I met my husband there. My husband is a true "home town boy", something referred to around here as a "TOWNIE". He could never imagine living anywhere but here in his hometown, a place which now also holds my heart. Luckily, I fell for him, hard and deep. My heart was and is with him, and if here is where he wants to be, then here is home.

Home for me can also be a feeling, or a situation. When I go to Walden Woods or Quabbin Reservoir, two wilderness areas here in Massachusetts, I can be totally alone there, and be completely at home. The comfort and overwhelming awe I always feel in nature has always given me a feeling of home.

Music is also home. Some artists have a special gift of touching something deep down inside of us. I can listen to some pieces of music and I am home, no matter where I am. This can happen with any kind of music for me, from classical to broadway, from Stevie Ray Vaughan, to Metallica, country music, or Rogers and Hammerstein. I have always had a strong affinity for music and it is as much a part of me as breathing, and to me the right song is home.

So, for me home is inside. I know who I am, where I belong. I am a small part of this creation, and all of us are vitally important. I want to stay around here, my home, as long as possible, and connect with as many people as I can.