In early December, while there was no snowfall in Saskatoon, we adorned our house with holiday lights. Despite the absence of the white fluffy snow, I couldn’t help but admire our home once again.
Believing in the saying, “Home is where the heart is,” after three years in Canada, it seems we have finally discovered our sanctuary. The first time my husband, teenager, and I entered the house during our house-hunting journey, we were captivated by the abundance of windows. Natural light flooded in from all directions, casting a warm and welcoming glow in every room, even the basement.
“My child exclaimed, ‘Ma, this feels like home,'” as we explored the house. It was a moment I hadn’t witnessed on my kid’s face for a long time. The usual teenage confidence followed, with a remark about the various “perfect” houses we had seen earlier.
This house, with its simple yet cozy charm, a gracefully stretching front lawn, and a backyard adorned with swaying poplar trees, captured our hearts. The highlight was undoubtedly the windows, adding to the allure of the place.
It wasn’t extravagant, nor was it small. It was just right — perfect. It was truly love at first sight.
Reflecting on my childhood memories while surrounded by the Christmas lights and the tranquil greenery in our backyard, I was reminded of my childhood home in India. The vast expanse of nature in our backyard, with a fragrant jasmine bush and towering sunflower plants, brought back nostalgic memories. Recreating these cherished moments with my family filled me with deep gratitude.
Leaving behind our cherished home in India to start afresh in Saskatoon felt unsettling. The sense of impermanence that came with renting amplified the feeling of leaving a part of our hearts behind. Our rental apartment lacked warmth, with thin walls allowing the cold to seep in and neighbors’ noises to echo through the rooms.
The transition during the COVID-19 pandemic further heightened the sense of impermanence, making the move to a new country daunting. However, our recent purchase of a house in September marked a turning point. Now, in the embrace of our new home in Saskatoon, I see not just bricks and mortar but the foundation of a new chapter in our lives.
Our new home has played a crucial role in helping us settle in. As we personalize the space with souvenirs and fill it with the emotions that define our lives, we are creating an environment that reflects our identity. Here, we will forge new memories, mark milestones, and establish roots in a place that was once unfamiliar but now resonates as home.
Saskatoon has transitioned from being just a location on the map to a beacon of hope for us. It has taught us that home is not merely where you come from but also where you choose to belong.