What is Home?

Home is where the heart is. While it may be a cliché, never has that statement been more true in my life than at the present moment.

As I wandered Shannon Airport a couple weeks ago, waiting to board a plane that would take me back to the U.S., I asked one of the many U.S. soldiers whether she was heading out or heading home. “Home, thank God,” she replied. After thanking her for her service to the country, I realized how simple the answer to that question should be, but if someone were to have asked me, I wouldn’t have known what to say. It struck me that I’m living in suspense.

I was on my way to a place where I own a residence, but someone else is living there at the moment. The following week I headed to the state where I was born, but it hasn’t been my home for many, many years. Then there is the place I’m temporarily living. Until the immigration issue is resolved, in whatever manner the Goddess chooses to take it, I can’t really call it home, either.

So what is home, I wondered? The place you came from? The place you are? The place you want to be? Maybe it’s all of them, depending on the circumstances. Then again, maybe it’s whichever place you hold closest to your heart.

Following your dreams is very similar to following your heart. The road can be rocky, but with a little luck, it can lead you home. If I use that logic, at least I won’t feel like I’m suspended between worlds – I do know where my heart lies.

 

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