While my brother and I moved out of the house years ago, there has
always been something special about going “home
home” – back to our roots and the comfort of childhood roles. It is the
kind of safe space into which one tends to just melt as one walks through the
door. Our family home just oozes with memories and has proved a space for us to
love, connect and find rest for the last 25 odd years. In the process of saying
goodbye to this old comfort a few weeks back, I decided to have a quick run
around the property, sat on the garden bench and then dipped my feet in the
pool – activities I have done thousands of times throughout my childhood,
adolescence and even adulthood in this space. These simple acts caused my mind’s
eye to be flooded with joyful, cherished memories. I had the type of idealic
childhood that they write about in children’s books – high tree swings, muddy
banks, explorative garden spaces, a beautiful blue swimming pool and a home
filled with love, laughs and ice-cream. While my parents can take most of the
credit for creating those special memories, I can’t help but salute the actual
structure and space of the house as I truly believe it played a large role in
creating such meaningful connections.
As I have grown older and have had to create my own home in a variety
of places, I have come to realise the importance of creating a sense of “home”
as quickly as possible. Coming home each day to “my home” is an important part of the human experience and without
it, I can attest that one feels a bit lost and out of joint. As I consider the current
number of worldwide refugee crises – from Syria to Myanmar to Southern Sudan –
my heart breaks for people who have been forced to leave their family homes as
a result of war and oppression. Someone once said that “The home is the chief
school of human virtues.” What are children learning as they are born and grow within
the confines of a refugee camp? How can we create humans who understand peace
and safety when they have no home to call their own? We must never take for
granted the privilege of having a space to call our home.
As an occupational therapist, I believe in the importance of finding and
creating meaning in all sorts of spaces. No matter where we are, we can do well
to encourage and create physical spaces that bringing us into an enriched place
of memory-making. Whether it’s incorporating certain colours, pieces of furniture,
smells, textures, artwork or décor, there is some so comforting about
establishing a meaningful place of rest, hope and peace within our busy world.
I want to come home to a place where I can let out those deep contented sighs
as I sip on a cup of tea (or wine!) after difficult days in the demanding 21st
century lifestyle. Let’s create spaces where people can come into our homes and
find a sense of peace, a safe space to share their souls and join in the joyful
process of memory-making.
May God bless our homes.
An Ode to my Family
Home
Goodbye old friend, how wonderful it’s been
The memories we’ve shared; the changes we’ve seen
You’ve held my family in a close-knit hold
Allowing us to play, love and grow old
You’ve bid us farewell on adventures afar
But welcomed up home like a guiding star
You’ve housed our animals - fur and dirt abound!
You’ve stood firm as we’ve buried them in your healing
ground
You’ve been such a comfort: a safe space to unwind
After a long, busy day, in you peace we do find
You’ve witnessed our joys and experienced our pains
You’ve held us fast though sunshine, clouds and rains
You provided a safe space for all my childhood joys
Hide-and-seek, Monopoly, Lego and stuffed toys
You’ve seen me change; Oh how I’ve grown!
Childish games to teenage talks on the phone
You’ve watched me breaks hearts and have my own broken
You’ve listened carefully to all the prayers I have spoken
You’ve allowed me holiday rests during university
And helped me figure out the person I want to be
Your presence has been a simple reassuring measure
Coming “home home”
to you is a feeling I’ll always treasure
You now have a new family, new hearts to hold
New memories to make, new futures to unfold
The tears flow easily and I let out a sigh
It is finally time to say a bittersweet goodbye
Thank you dear home for this journey together
We’ll treasure the memories and remember you forever
