Seeing My Home Through New Eyes
63Thank you, to a new friend
I want to thank fellow hubber, Abhinaya, for choosing my topic in this first round of Hub Tennis. In so doing, she typed three simple words, that stopped me in my tracks, and caused me to re-evaluate my entire outlook. What were these powerful, insightful words? Simply put, the topic chosen for me was: Home (not house). Three everyday words, arranged in a way that caught me completely off my guard.
These words hit home, so to speak, at a particularly tumultuous time in my life. Sure, everybody knows there is a difference between a house, and a home. But, when life is coming at you from all sides, and things are at their darkest, it's easy to lose sight of this distinction. Each month has been a mad scramble, trying to bring the mortgage current, for fear of losing my home. In writing this hub, I have been gently reminded that, while I may, or may not, lose this house, I will take my home on whatever path I may find. So I thank you again, Abhinaya, for delivering this cyber-slap, to wake me up!
Webster Says:
I sought the wisdom of Meriam Webster, on the matter of defining a home. I added this link, for you to see what the authority on word meanings had to say on the matter. It misses the mark for me, so I looked to some writers and thinkers, with far more talent than myself, for words of wisdom. Here are some quotes that, I think, are a little more on target:
"You can never go home again, but the truth is, you can never leave home, so it's alright." ˜ Maya Angelou
"Home is a name, a word, a strong one; stronger than magician ever spoke, or spirit ever answered to, in the strongest conjuration." ˜Charles Dickens
"Home is the place where, when you have to go there, they have to take you in." ˜Robert Frost
"Home is where you can say anything you like, 'cause nobody ever listens to you, anyway" ˜Author- Unknown
Go ahead and complete this sentence: Home is where...
So it would seem that "Home", is a mixed bag. While love is the common thread that ties it all together, every home will find joy, and sorrow. Argument, and harmony. You can not have one without the other. Nor can you appreciate one, without experiencing the other.
While I may not be Charles Dickens, or Maya Angelou, this is my hub, and I'll go ahead and add my two cents, here:
Home is where children play, without a care in the world. Home is where parents rejoice in their childrens' accomplishments. Where there is love, family, harmony, friendship; whether it be in a house, apartment, or a tent, this is where I call home. ˜Robert M Robillard (aka rmr)
Thanks for reading.
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Comments
You have said it all Rob.I am speechless and unable to complete the phrase with something else.We often say it has to be "Ghar",which would mean home in Hindi and not "makaan"-(meaning house).House is made of bricks,cement and other things but home has close knit relationships,love,respect and care for others,where you feel YOU are being loved.A home is a place where you would want to be at the end of the day.Those your family photos?Wish you all the luck and may you all live together always and ever.
Great,lovely and wonderfully beautiful hub! I could not have thought of many a things that you wrote.Thumbs up!
i'm touched with your definition. it comes from one who has gone through much in life yet has chosen to see the beauty amidst the chaos. i guess the "cyber-slap" worked well. :) my best to your family.
Home is where, when you get there, you know there is no other place like it and, it's yours, uniquely, yours. =) When you are far from it, there is no craving, like the one for home.
Thank you, rmr. The best part about going on a trip is always coming home, and being around those you love. I also love this song by Michael Buble.
Great hub, I have to say I believe that home is where the heart is. Home can mean, an old shack, or a tent, or mansion. Home is nothing without love and friendship.
And we can all get love and friendship even from our pets. So I have to agree money is nothing without love. I know I know. Its great to have loads of money....I wish I had it too. But it does not bring happiness in the end ... It cannot buy your health or happiness....but it does help I know.
Great topic hub. Thanks for sharing and reminding us of that fact.
G-Ma, thank you for the kind words, and thoughts. I believe the same thing, regarding our real life. Things have already worked out. As I said, time (and Michigan's floundering economy) will tell whether we will keep this house. But, with a close, and loving family, we are far richer, and happier than many in our position!
Abhinaya! I am, in turn, speechless at your comment. I take those words as high praise from you! While cultures, religion, and language vary, across the globe, I find it beautifully comforting that basic beliefs are nearly universal. And yes, those are a couple of my family photos.
dayzeebee, welcome. Yes, I have seen a few things that would raise your hair! But, then, who hasn't? I have found that it also helps to keep your sense of humor.Thank you for spending a little time here. I've been enjoying your hubs, and hope to see more, soon!
Beautifully said, Marisue! Thank you for adding that. It also works nicely with the Hell series you have been writing. What could possibly lessen the blow of a trip through Hell on Earth like heavenly time spent with your family?
Hi, Pam. Thanks for visiting. It has been years since I had a vacation, but coming home is the thing I remember most, about them.
Eileen! Good to hear from you! You have added probably the most famous quote of them all. And I would add to that, if you follow your heart, it will always lead you home. Re money: whoever said "Money isn't everything", obviously had WAY too much of it! LOL! Between love, and money; I'll take love, every time!
Great Hub, rmr. Dorthy, in the Wizard of Oz, said it the best, "There's no place like home. There's no place like home."
You're "home" when you're with the ones you love the most. Hang in there, the ecomony is getting bad all over, not just in Michigan. Sometimes it's a case of not just one job to make ends meet but several little ones.
Home is where...I want to be!
I always hear that iconic phrase "there's no place like home" and i hope to be able to have somewhere i can actualy call home for the first time in my life when i can eventually move from this base!
"Home is where children play, without a care in the world."
Awesome! No other word seems to do.
Thanks, Ruthie! Dorothy was right!!
New Reflection, I'm glad you enjoyed it. Come by any time. At my home, friends are always welcome!
Compu-Smart, Hang in there. Email me, if you like. Friends, like family, are precious, and I'm always glad to lend an ear. I'm glad you made it back, by the way!
Wonderful Hub from the wilds of Michigan! All good thoughts and prayers going up and out for you, friend. A home with tigers and house cats is a home forever, no matter where the occupants may go.
Home is wherever I am, and with the Internet, my friends which are a part of my home are a key touch away. Be blessed and peaceful in the North Wild Country!
Great Hub! Home is where you want to be. One of my homes is in hub pages with so many interesting and varied people.
Home, in my opinion, is much more a feeling than a place. Home is the comforting knowledge that you can be who you are. When alone, home is the place that is mine; not in a possessive meaning, but rather as: familiar, holding everything I need. When with company, home is the place, the atmosphere, the reassuring knowledge that I am accepted as I am.
Ananta65, this hub continues to evolve through the comments of thoughtful hubbers, like yourself. Thank you for adding your thoughts.
You're most welcome, rmr :)
Home is where a multitude of opinions and thoughts co-exist and enhance each other, I guess ;)
Great Hub! You quoted Maya Angelou, "You can never go home again, but the truth is, you can never leave home, so it's alright." That's true. Home really is in your heart and memories and pieces that you take with you. To me, Home is wherever my family is, whether on the streets or inside four walls.
G-Ma Johnson says:
16 months ago
Our Real life is at the end..in Heaven with God... (in my humble opinion) but in the mean time only your Heart knows what Home is to you....Believing, caring,loving,generousity, religion..and warmth...Love that song for a long time..funny you should chose that one.
Nice Hub sweetie....and it will all work out,,Believe..G-Ma :o) hugs & prayers