The author, Anusuya Datta, reflects on the experience of finding a true sense of home in Saskatoon. Despite the absence of snow during the holiday season, the author admires their house with affection, emphasizing the belief that “Home is where the heart is.” After three years in Canada, the family finally feels they have discovered a place to call home.
Upon entering the house for the first time, the family was captivated by the abundant natural light streaming in from numerous windows, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere in every room, even in the basement. The simplicity and coziness of the house, along with its spacious front lawn and backyard adorned with swaying poplar trees, struck a chord with the family, especially the teenager who remarked, “Ma, this feels like home.”
The author fondly recalls childhood memories of a similar natural setting in their home in India, filled with jasmine bushes and sunflower plants. The transition from their previous home in Delhi to Saskatoon brought about a mix of emotions, as the concept of ownership in India provided a sense of control and attachment. The apartment in Delhi, with its large windows and balconies, held cherished memories for the family as they grew in numbers.
Leaving behind their home in India to move to Saskatoon as renters was a challenging experience, marked by a sense of impermanence and detachment. Their rental apartment in Saskatoon felt impersonal and temporary, intensifying their longing for a place they could truly call home. The COVID-19 pandemic added further uncertainty to their relocation, leading them to purchase a house in September, symbolizing a new beginning and a sense of stability.
Now settled in their new home, the family feels a sense of belonging and comfort as they personalize the space with souvenirs and fill it with the joys and challenges of everyday life. The house represents a fresh chapter in their lives, where they anticipate creating lasting memories and establishing roots. Saskatoon, once a mere location on the map, has transformed into a place of hope and belonging, teaching them that home is not just a birthplace but a deliberate choice.
The journey of finding a true sense of home in Saskatoon has been a profound one for Anusuya Datta and her family, highlighting the importance of creating a space that resonates with one’s identity and fosters a sense of belonging and permanence.