In the dictionary, “home” is defined as the place where one lives relatively permanently. For a long time, this is what I thought home meant. Home was just a place where I slept, ate, and lived. However, my idea of what home meant gradually began to change.
When I was in primary school, my parents went abroad for a short time. A church member came to our house and took good care of my older sister and me, but somehow, our house didn’t feel like home. Even though nothing about the physical place had changed and we were still living as usual, the atmosphere felt different. As soon as my parents returned, that strange feeling disappeared, and our house felt like home again.
When I was in high school, my parents had to go to Sydney for a few days. This time, my sister went with them. For the first time in my life, I was left in Melbourne on my own, so I stayed at the house of a sister who was close to my age. It was like a fun sleepover, and while I was with her, I was able to forget the loneliness of being away from my family.
A few days later, my sister returned home first. My sister and I then stayed at the home of a neighbor who had lovingly cared for us since we were babies. She was gentle and kindhearted, and we felt so comfortable with her that we waited for our parents as if we were in our own home. However, that feeling did not last long.
This is not my home.
It was only when my parents returned that I finally felt at ease again.
Looking back on my experiences, I realized that “home” did not refer simply to the place itself, but to a place that created special feelings. Home made me feel safe. Home made me feel happy. Home made me feel loved. To me, that was what a true home was.And I could only feel those things when my family was there. I missed home when I was in primary school and away from my parents for the first time, and again when I was in high school and left on my own in Melbourne for the first time. But looking back, I realized that what I had really missed was my family.
There are a few things I’d like to say to them, as they have always been my home and my place of rest.
Mom, thank you for teaching me so many things and leading me on the right path. You are always working hard behind the scenes for our family, taking on the difficult tasks and working tirelessly. I pray that God will bless you abundantly and give you many beautiful stars in the kingdom of heaven.
Dad, thank you for working hard every day for our family. Although you are not as strong as you used to be and get tired more often now, you still work with a smile on your face. You humbly serve others, put their needs before your own, and give the best to others. Through you, I can see Heavenly Father’s love and sacrifice. I believe God will bless you abundantly.
My dear sister, thank you for always being by my side. Since becoming a young adult, you’ve grown so mature that I’m sure Heavenly Father and Mother are proud of you. Even though I give you a hard time sometimes, you always care for me and love me with a forgiving heart. As you faithfully care for our brothers and sisters according to God’s teachings and continue to grow in faith day by day, I feel that you truly are the protagonist of the prophecy, “youth like dew of the dawn.” I hope you will always stay close to God and keep your faith. I love you!