Home

After four years of being away at university, I have finally returned home to my family

Leaving behind my independence was bittersweet

I had a life of my own without my parents telling me what time I had to be home

And without permission I could be whatever I wanted

Do whatever I wanted

Live however I wanted

During those years, I visited home here and there

but I had such a life of my own that overtime, I learned how not to care

I stopped caring about holidays and special occasions because I would rather be with my friends

I’d rather be with my partner and his family

documenting my own memories through a camera lens

I worked a lot to provide for myself

And had classes day to day

I kept super busy

Distracted is what I became

I was so distracted that I stopped calling as much to check in

But my family wasn’t a priority on my schedule so I didn’t feel the need to tell them where I’d been

Montclair became my new home

And it was a great home to have

But what I lost sight of was the true meaning of home

My mom, my siblings, and my dad

Ive moved a lot in my life so home and property have no correlation

And for a while my family was separated so its no single location

Home is where my family is without a doubt

Its the smell of my mom’s cooking

My sisters cookies in the oven

Sermons playing on sunday mornings

The dog pooping on the floor with no warning

Its family movie night accidentally falling asleep on the couch

My sister obnoxiously blasting music throughout the house

My brother peeing in a bottle because he doesnt wanna leave his computer games

My dad missing for hours producing music in his man cave

Its video game nights

Sonic, Sims, and Mario

My dad telling me to use the bathroom before we hit the road

Its having vulnerable talks with my mom

And crying to her about how a lover did me wrong

My home isnt perfect but it’s foundation is strong

Home is a safe space

One that I could never replace

One that I can always go back to if im ever lost

Unconditional support and guidance at no cost

Home is what I ran from when I was in school

And im not gonna run anymore

My family is actually pretty cool

We’re weird and we’re annoying

But we love each other deeply

Im eternally grateful for this home

I thank God for it routinely