A new baby, a promotion at work, a separation or divorce, the loss of your job, or seeing the kids off to college. All of these are life changing events and will quite possibly have an impact on where you live and the place you call home.

Most anytime you have one of these fortunate or unfortunate experiences, your home and its disposition begins to enter your thoughts. A home is a representation of our lifestyle and many times factors beyond our control will influence our decisions on where and what we will call “home”.

Home is the emotional anchor and environment that shapes our childhood and defines who we will become as adults. As we age, it becomes a wealth of memories to a past that seems like it was only yesterday.
My mother has lived in the same house for over 45 years and although it has undergone many changes over the years it is still referred to as home.

Some of the original neighbors still occupy their homes as well. Despite the fact that I have been gone for 30 years, a very strong emotional attachment remains. When I am back that way (the time between visits seems to be getting longer) I also enjoy driving by Grandma’s old house. When we were kids we would receive a Kennedy .50 cent piece under our plates as we sat down to Thanksgiving dinner. Years later it was also the last time I would see my Grandfather as he was in the final stages of cancer. Our homes can represent the best life has to offer, or the sad and unhappy events that accompany and complete the cycle. A dichotomy we would gladly give up.

The Housing Progression

As we move through the stages of our lives, our home is an integral part of the responsibilities we’ve obtained. In the college years our lives are marked by only a few commitments as we have a last chance to enjoy our youth. Our financial undertakings can be as simple as our housing needs. A 6 to 12 month pledge and you’re free to go.

Life begins to take a major turn once the kids start arriving. One day you wake up with the realization that your needs aren’t just about you anymore and that two bedroom condo now seems very inadequate. Its time to think about school and a yard, a place to play. This is the point where you begin to remember the conversations your parents had with their friends and now the realization begins to set in……you’re there. A milestone you thought would never be reached is here, front and center.

Our homes are our sanctuaries. They reveal so much about us whether it be expressed or implied. Be it ever so humble, there’s no place like home.