"Home is the one place in all this world where hearts are sure of each other. It is the place of confidence."
Frederick W. Robertson
I am lucky to have several homes. I have a home where I grew up - a place of endless paddocks, cows, horses, dogs, cats, fish, birds, chooks. A place of Eucalyptus gum trees, wattles and a big elm tree in the back yard.
This place was where my parents built a house, which became a home. It was built with loving hands and warm hearts, a family home where dreams have come true. A place where I grew up learning to ride a pushbike, a place where my brother and I played endless hours of lego, barbie dolls, littlest pet shops. We played cricket, soccer, totem tennis, footy. We spent time in our sandpit, played in my little cubby, made tents, 'fished' in the creek and laughed together.
I learnt to share, to be happy, to love music, to love the outdoors, to appreciate the simple things in life, to believe in myself and my family.
My family home growing up was not just a house, it was a place to relax, to be happy and to love. It was a place to have fun, cry sometimes and smile lots. I knew what to expect and where I fitted in the world.
Today I'm in a totally different place. A place that doesn't have rolling hills or farm animals. I have a little piece of my own home. A little place with a picket fence, big fireplace and a warm soul.
This home, rather than sharing with my parents and brother, I share with MY family. My boyfriend and I have made this little house in Geelong OUR home. We added our things, our couch, our artwork, our clothes, our bed but also our family photos, our memories and our hearts.
Our house is somewhere I feel 'at home', I come home from work/gym each night and feel loved and happy and spirited. Some days I'm cranky just like everyone else, but my frown is turned upside down and a smile creeps across my face.
I've found my home.
And that makes my heart sing.
