In the heart of Saskatoon, holiday lights adorned our house in early December, despite the absence of snow. The feeling of home resonated deeply within me as I gazed at our cozy abode, embracing the philosophy that “Home is where the heart is.” After residing in Canada for three years, our search for a true home culminated in this moment.
Upon entering the house with my husband and teenager during our house-hunting expedition, the abundance of windows immediately captivated us. Natural light flooded every room, creating a welcoming ambiance that felt like a warm embrace. The basement, usually a dim space, was also illuminated by the sunlight.
“Ma, this feels like home,” my child expressed, a sentiment that had been missing for a while. In their typical teenage demeanor, they remarked, “And not a dentist’s office,” alluding to the string of other potential houses we had visited.
Our new abode exuded simplicity and charm, with a graceful front lawn and a backyard adorned with swaying poplar trees. The defining feature was the windows, which brought the outdoors in and added to the perfect balance of the house.
As I stood amidst the Christmas lights in our backyard, memories of my childhood home in India flooded back. The lush greenery and familiar scents evoked nostalgia, reminding me of the jasmine bush and sunflower plants that once adorned our home back in India. Recreating these memories with my family filled me with immense gratitude.
The transition from our previous home in Delhi to Saskatoon was marked by uncertainties. Our Indian home, an apartment filled with cherished memories, was a canvas for our dreams and aspirations. Despite its difference from my childhood home, it held a special place in our hearts, especially as it expanded to accommodate our growing family.
Leaving behind our cherished home in India to move to Saskatoon felt like leaving a piece of our hearts behind. The impermanence of renting added to the feeling of detachment, as our rental apartment lacked the personal touch that makes a house a home.
The COVID-19 pandemic further heightened the sense of impermanence, pushing us to seek stability in our new surroundings. Purchasing our current house in September was a turning point, marking the beginning of a new chapter in our lives.
Our new home in Saskatoon has become a sanctuary, filled with laughter, arguments, and love. It symbolizes a fresh start, where we can build new memories and establish roots in a place that now feels undeniably like home.
Saskatoon has transitioned from a mere location on the map to a beacon of hope for our family. It has taught us that home is not just a physical place but a conscious choice—a place where we can truly belong and thrive.