In early December in Saskatoon, as the snow was absent, I couldn’t help but admire our house while putting up the holiday lights. The belief that “Home is where the heart is” has always resonated with me, and after three years in Canada, we have finally discovered a place to truly call home.
The first time my husband, teenager, and I entered the house during our house-hunting journey, we were captivated by the abundance of windows that flooded each room with a warm, inviting glow from all angles, including the basement. The feeling of home was palpable as my child remarked, “Ma, this feels like home,” breaking into a genuine smile that had been absent for a while.
Our new house exuded simplicity and coziness, with a front lawn gracefully extending and a backyard adorned with swaying poplar trees. Its charm was further enhanced by the numerous windows that allowed natural light to dance through each room.
This house wasn’t extravagant, nor was it small. It was just the right size, perfect in its own way, capturing our hearts at first glance.
Reflecting on my childhood memories in India, as I stood amidst the Christmas lights in our backyard, I was reminded of the similar expanses of nature at my childhood home. Recreating these cherished memories with my family filled me with deep gratitude.
Leaving our previous home in India to move to Saskatoon felt like leaving a piece of our hearts behind, especially with the impermanence that renting brought. Our rental apartment lacked personal touch, with thin walls and a sense of transience that left us yearning for a place that truly felt like home.
The turbulent times of the COVID-19 pandemic further heightened this feeling of impermanence, prompting us to purchase our current house in September. Now, nestled in the warmth of our new home, I see beyond just bricks and mortar; I see the foundation of a new chapter in our lives.
Our house has been instrumental in helping us settle in, filling up with souvenirs, laughter, and love. It’s a place where we can create lasting memories, celebrate milestones, and truly establish roots in a once unfamiliar but now undeniably familiar place.
Saskatoon has transitioned from a mere location on a map to a beacon of hope for us, teaching us that home isn’t just where you come from but where you choose to be.