In early December, we decorated our Saskatoon home with holiday lights, even though there was no snow. Despite the absence of snow, I couldn’t help but admire our house once again. I have always believed that “Home is where the heart is.” After three years in Canada, it appears that we have finally discovered a place to call our own.
Upon entering the house for the first time while house-hunting, my husband, teenager, and I were amazed by the numerous windows that allowed sunlight to stream in from all directions, filling every room with a warm and inviting glow. My child expressed that it felt like home, a sentiment that hadn’t been seen on their face in a while.
The house, with its simplicity and coziness, featured a front lawn and a backyard with swaying poplar trees. It wasn’t extravagant, nor was it small; it was just right. It was a love-at-first-sight moment for us.
As I stood in our backyard surrounded by Christmas lights, memories of my childhood home in India flooded back. The similar expanse of nature in our current home reminded me of the jasmine bush and sunflower plants in our Indian home. Nostalgia washed over me, and I felt grateful for the chance to create similar memories with my family.
Leaving our home in India to move to Saskatoon felt unsettling, leaving behind a piece of our hearts. The impermanence of renting made our rental apartment feel impersonal, with thin walls and basic furniture. It was a place to live, not a home.
Transitioning to a new country during the COVID-19 pandemic was challenging, but it led us to purchase our house in September. Now, as I sit in the cozy embrace of our Saskatoon home, I see more than just bricks and mortar; I see the foundation of a new chapter in our lives.
Our new home has helped us feel settled, allowing us to personalize it and create an environment that reflects our identity. We look forward to building new memories, celebrating milestones, and growing roots in a place that was once unfamiliar but is now undoubtedly home.
Saskatoon has transformed from a mere location on the map into a beacon of hope for us, teaching us that home is not just where you come from but where you choose to be.
