Home.

I am grateful for the many places I have slept over the past few months. The hanging bed of my dorm room, the firm but fancy bed of a Parisian hotel, the mattresses of cozy cabins at camp, and even a wooden deck that accommodated my falling-apart sleeping bag.

I have slept many places, but I have only called one place home.


Home is where my mom unabashedly laughs at every sassy comment I make, even if it's not actually funny.

Home is where my dad makes random references to movies no one has seen... and I remind him that his unknown movie reference has no connection to the conversation. And then he replies, "I know, I am the King of Random."

Home is where my brother is tinkering on some piece of technology that has recently broken, usually per request of Dad.

Home is where Mom and Dad show me endless videos of my 2 year old nephew and beam at the fact he can say "Gramma."

Home is attempting to hold a Pomeranian whose heart rate is faster than the rate at which we misplace the scissors... in other words, really fast.

Home is a grouchy cat that growls and hisses until I am busy, then turns into a purring pal.

Home is a US map tacked to the wall with haphazard circles on cities I have visited and lots of room for dreaming.

Home is having my make-up locked into the bathroom 10 minutes before I need to leave because my brother decides to take a shower. Home then turns into me yelling for him to "PLEASE GRAB THE BLACK BAG ON THE SINK," repeated until he turns off the water and understands what I am saying.

Home is French toast, Tuna Helper, Fazoli's, and popcorn.

Home is pretending like Mom won't always win the endless rounds of the card game Nerts. And then watching her win every round.

Home is security. Home is freedom. Home is where my heart is happy, my intellect is sharp, and my potential is ostensibly unbounded.

Home is Mom's tear-stained shirt as I yet again say my good-byes, complete with a quivering but sincere smile.

Home is the realization that adventures are worth it, but a safe haven is always waiting.

I am grateful for the many places I have slept over the past few months. Still, I truly love and cherish my home.