This column is penned by Anusuya Datta, a writer and journalist residing in Saskatoon. The absence of snow did not deter our spirits as we adorned our home with holiday lights in early December. An endearing sight, our house seemed to embody the sentiment that “Home is where the heart is,” a feeling that resonated after three years in Canada, where we finally discovered a place to call our own.
Upon entering the house for the first time during our house-hunting expedition, my husband, teenager, and I were captivated by the profusion of windows flooding each room with a warm, welcoming glow. Even the basement exuded a cozy ambiance, prompting my child to express, “Ma, this feels like home.” This sentiment was a stark departure from the indifferent attitude displayed while viewing other seemingly “perfect” houses.
Our new abode, with its simple charm and snugness, boasted a front yard that elegantly stretched and a backyard adorned with swaying poplar trees. The abundance of windows was a significant highlight. It wasn’t extravagant, nor was it diminutive; it simply felt just right—a perfect fit that sparked love at first sight.
As I stood amidst the Christmas lights in our backyard, the reminiscent greenery, and the leaf-covered ground, memories of my childhood home in India flooded back. The expansive nature surrounding our current home reminded me of the sweet-smelling jasmine bush and towering sunflower plants that once graced our Indian abode. Recreating similar cherished memories with my family filled me with deep gratitude.
The transition from Delhi to Saskatoon brought about a whirlwind of uncertainties for my family. Our initial investment home in India held a special place in our hearts, symbolizing ownership and a canvas for our dreams. Despite being vastly different from my childhood home, our apartment in Delhi, with its abundant sunlight and cherished memories, evolved with us over the years.
Leaving our cherished home in India to settle in Saskatoon felt like leaving a piece of our hearts behind, intensified by the impermanence that renting brings. The rental apartment lacked a personal touch, with thin walls that exposed us to external cold and noise from neighbors. The sense of impermanence was magnified during the pandemic, prompting us to purchase our current home in September.
Now, as I sit in the cozy embrace of our new Saskatoon home, I see beyond mere bricks and mortar—a new chapter unfolding in our lives. The house has been instrumental in helping us feel settled, allowing us to infuse our identity into the space and create new memories and milestones.
Saskatoon has transformed from a mere location on the map to a beacon of hope for us, teaching us that home is not just a birthplace but a conscious choice. It is where we anchor ourselves, build roots, and foster a sense of belonging.