In the environment where I was born, most parents lived in economic hardship and the uncertainty of life. They had no time to enjoy the present; they were focused solely on the future, and their children were their future. Although life was not materially rich, every night, when all the homes were lit, I couldn’t wait to return home. I longed for my mother’s delicious home-cooked meals. No matter what went wrong outside, when I returned home, my heart felt at peace. Home was a refuge, a source of security during my childhood. The many beautiful and painful memories of those years will never fade.

Since I was a little girl, I dreamed of a perfect home. I worked hard to make that dream a reality. But whether my home truly resembles the beautiful melody composed by John Howard Payne, I cannot say for certain. Life is full of challenges and obstacles. The true cost of happiness is hidden in the tears and relentless efforts that parents sacrifice for the sake of the home.

West Wind Spoke

Last year, when I came back, you had just put on new cotton jackets. This year, when I came to see you, you’ve grown stronger and taller. But do you remember? The lotus flowers in the pond have turned into seed pods. There are fewer flowers now, but don’t worry—they’ve simply lost their color. I dyed the leaves all red.

Every time the autumn wind blows, in this melancholic season when the trees don their red and golden coats, I think of this song. I remember now, as my father grew older, he often said to me, “It doesn’t matter where you live when you’re old.” Gradually, I began to understand his perspective. Home is no longer just a place to live; it becomes a hidden garden of memories in the heart.

God said, “It is not good for man to be alone; I will make a helper suitable for him.” This is the origin of the family. No matter what, home holds deep significance in each person’s heart. Yet, some people treat the world as their home, embracing all people as their family. I believe this is God’s definition of home. Ultimately, home is the place where we learn to love, the place where we dedicate ourselves.

I am grateful for every family in my life for giving me the opportunity to learn God’s love, to embrace humility, and to understand gratitude. The grace of home in my life is beyond what words can express.