Home.

I’ve given a lot of thought over the years to the concept of home. We’re told it’s a place, others say it’s a person, and some believe, a feeling. For me, it’s all of the above. Home is my parents house and all of the memories that come attached with it. Home is a hug from my mom where neither one of us wants to pull away first, and my dad saying “Hey Beautiful,” as if it’s always been and always will be my name. Home is every single moment with Niko and Jess. Home is my Aunt Maria’s potato salad and my Aunt Milagros’ lasagna. Home is having Lauren tell me a story so fast that only I can follow it and Daniel standing there with his arm around me. Home is my godmother saying “Hi mama,” when she calls and my grandmother’s voice lighting up from the other end of the phone call when she realizes I’m the one who is calling. Home is cousins night. Home is my Uncle Eddie reminding me I’ll always be his best friend. Home is Liz’s laugh when I’m the one who caused it and her tears when I’m the only one who can soothe them. Home is four hour phone therapy sessions with Jill, and talking nonstop movies and shows with Lauren and Michael. Home is taking the NYC subway and seeing the tree at Christmas. Home is sitting with Sarah and Harold while he fills us with random knowledge and Sarah and I are laughing over something silly. Home is snuggled on the couch with Penelope and a book. Home is Brenna and Liam calling me Aunt Figgy. Home is holding Lenna in my arms. Home is adventuring with Annie and Brian. Home is catching up with Tiff, no matter how much time has gone by. Home is laughing with Adele while Aimee cooks something yummy. Home is standing at the top of the loop and looking out at the mountains, feeling their love and accepting their peace. Home is Addie sitting on my lap while I play with her hair and Henry tells me about the book he’s reading. Home is walking the Point Pleasant boardwalk and jumping in the water. Home is sitting in my parents kitchen with my morning coffee wondering how a four letter word could mean so much, how this list barely scratches the surface, and how grateful I am for that. It’s the feeling I get I see this view and know, “I’m home.”