In early December, as the snowless landscape of Saskatoon greeted us, I couldn’t help but admire our house once again. Embracing the notion that “Home is where the heart is,” after three years in Canada, we finally felt like we had found our sanctuary.
Upon entering the house for the first time during our house-hunting journey, my husband, teenager, and I were captivated by the profusion of windows. Sunbeams flooded in from all angles, casting a warm, welcoming radiance throughout every corner, even in the basement.
“This feels like home, Ma,” my child exclaimed, a smile gracing their face that I had missed seeing for a while. Then, in typical teenager fashion, they added, “And not a dentist’s office!” alluding to the string of “perfect” houses we had visited.
Our new abode exuded beauty in its simplicity and snugness, boasting a front lawn that stretched gracefully and a backyard adorned with swaying poplar trees. The allure of the house lay in its perfect balance – not grand, not overly spacious, just right; it was love at first sight.
Reflecting on my childhood memories in India, as I stood amidst the Christmas lights and the fading greenery in our backyard, I couldn’t help but draw parallels to the expansive nature of my childhood home. Recollections of the jasmine bush, sunflower plants, and Mom’s kitchen garden flooded my mind, filling me with gratitude for the chance to recreate similar cherished moments with my family.
The transition from our previous home in India to Saskatoon had been tumultuous, leaving us feeling unsettled. Renting had brought a sense of impermanence, amplifying the detachment we felt. Our rental apartment seemed impersonal, with thin walls allowing the cold to seep in and the sounds of neighbors to echo through. It was a place to dwell, not a place to truly call home.
Amidst the global turmoil of the COVID-19 pandemic, our move to Canada felt like a leap into the unknown. However, purchasing our new home in September marked a turning point, offering us a sense of permanence and stability in a time of upheaval.
Now, nestled within the cozy embrace of our new Saskatoon home, I see more than just physical walls; I see the foundation of a new chapter unfolding in our lives. This house has become the cornerstone of our settling process, allowing us to infuse it with our identity and create lasting memories.
As we fill the shelves with mementos, share laughter and love within its walls, we are on the brink of a new journey filled with milestones and cherished moments. Saskatoon has transformed from a mere location on a map to a beacon of hope, teaching us that home is not just a place of origin but a place of choice where we find solace and belonging.