Feels Like Home

“Awww – I love this song; gets me every time!” I say to Mike who looked as if he wanted to roll his eyes at my girliness, but instead grinned at my predictable nature. The soft voice of the artist filled the room as we were tucked under blankets on this rainy afternoon, Lawson fast asleep, and both of us flipping silently through magazines. She crooned about “Feels Like Home to Me” as Kate Hudson lovingly kissed Matthew McConahay for the first time in the script.

It was here I stumbled upon “Real Simple’s” question of the month, which was: “What does home mean to you?” Charmed, I was warmed by the more than 20 responses, the following of which I identify with:

“It’s where I don’t have to be perfect. I can put on my pjs and sit down with a glass of wine right next to the dust bunnies…and they’re fine with it!” – V. Hoffman of MN

“Home is where the rags of your life are turned into quilts, lemons become lemonade and a few extra pounds are simply welcomes as ‘ more of you to love.’ – S. Bubnowski, VA

“Home for me means total acceptance. And a dirty litter box.” – M. Williams, PA

“A warm dog curled up by your feet at bedtime.” – J. Masencup, WA

“It’s where my palm meets my son’s palm. When I’m holding his hand in mine, there is no place on earth I’d rather be.” – C. Georg, FL

“I know I’m home when I feel loved and secure and the clutter is all mine.” – B. Santoro, FL

“A good man, a good chair and a good wine.” – D. Sullivan

For me these days, home means:
• Lawson tucked tightly into my chest, breathing soundly and filled with warmth (aka: “tree frog” pose
• Clutter in every corner – but items that remind me of what now really matters such as a baby swing, kick mat, bassinet, bottles, etc.
• The sound of my husband’s key in the door as we eagerly await his arrival from work
• The soft snore (and sometimes loud grunts) of Lawson as he dozes in his crib
• The last of the birds chirping outside the windows on a warmer fall day
• “Sleep Sheep” sending white noise into our house that puts even me to sleep
• My cell phone ringing, highlighting the voice of a good friend
• A golden tail thumping, always loyal, even in the wake of change
• Frozen meals packaged with love by all the amazing people in our lives
• The kind wave of neighbors, bright mums and fallen leaves
• More PJ days than I could have ever imagined
• The kind of closeness in a marriage only felt when a new one arrives into their hearts

These days, our home is more of a sanctuary than ever before…even amid all the chaos. Now I ask you, dear reader, what does home mean to you?