Today, I remembered the day our daughter and her family moved back to the USA, which was several years ago. They kept their house here in Italy, so in the beginning we had to go there frequently. We had to empty the fridge, close windows, and tidy things up.
Then we went upstairs to strip the beds. After that, we had to leave. It was too overwhelming.
They left behind so much of their stuff. Their books still lined the shelves, their blankets covered the beds. The childrens’ toys still sat there, waiting to be played with. Their presence lingered, trying to make it seem like home. But it was all an act. A giant fraud.
What makes a home?
All of this made me wonder what a ‘home’ is and what “home” means.
Many things that make up a home were still in place—furniture, paintings, towels, and dishes. Yet it was no longer a home; it was just an empty shell. Its true essence had been stripped away the moment they left for good.
What transforms a house into a home?
A home is more than just bricks, boards, and nails. Those things only create a shell. Home is love and happiness, a place of cozy corners and warmth. It’s place to hang your hat and make memories with loved ones. It’s a sanctuary for the heart and soul. It’s a place where laughter and joy resound.
A survey was once done where people were asked what makes a house a home. The top responses were not material items but rather love, happiness, security, and safety. They also mentioned laughter and meals shared with family and friends. Simple pleasures like freshly laundered sheets, candles, and cozy rugs also made the list.
I’ve come to the conclusion that Home is the people who live there. It’s their spirit permeating the place. It’s their joy spilling out into the rooms and their laughter floating out the windows.
My daughter’s house is now nothing more than an empty shell. It’s a reminder of the life they lived there, holding remnants of days spent there. But it’s no longer a home.
All of this has made me reflect on the fact that I’d like this blog to feel like a home for myself and my readers.
Can a blog seem like home?
Drawing from lessons learned through the empty house next door, I decided that I want my blog to be a place where love is shown and where all feel welcome. When you visit, I’d like you to feel as if we’re sitting together, encouraging each other over espresso (or whatever beverage you prefer). Otherwise, it would be like my daughter’s empty house, just pretending to be a home.
I hope my blog can be a place where we inspire each other to change and grow. A place where you can take something away from it. Perhaps a little encouragement, inspiration, a fresh perspective, or new ideas.
A home without people is not a home.
If this blog has a homey welcoming atmosphere, it’s because of you, my dear readers. It’s because of your visits and thoughtful comments. It’s because you take the time to read and like my posts. So I want to say “thanks” to all of you. You help to make this blog a home!
A Home, after all, is really the family who live in it, even it’s just one person.
Our little family here at Signora Sheila blog is now growing because we are now including Italian readers! Many of our friends here have requested that we offer this blog in Italian as well as English.
So you’ll likely notice increased publishing activity as I slowly translate all the English posts.
I pray that you’ll find these posts uplifting and encouraging. And I hope they’ll help you in your pursuit of the dolce vita. The true dolce vita that comes with walking day by day with Jesus!
If you prefer to receive post notifications in only one language, you can now modify your subscription settings. The available options are: English, Italian, or all posts. Happy reading!
📷 Image credits: house
Your refreshed blog looks great–maybe it will inspire me to finally work on mine–I paid for the Prmium plan, also. It certainly must be hard to not have your daughter and her family so close now…I wish you well. I enjoy your posts, and will be back.
Thanks Cynthia. It is hard, because they are so very far away. But the important thing is for them to be happy. We’re just praying that they will adapt and settle in well. But that Atlantic Ocean is so very big!
Yes, so it is; prayers for your family and oyu.
Thanks Cynthia. It is hard, because they are so very far away. But the important thing is for them to be happy. We’re just praying that they will adapt and settle in well. But that Atlantic Ocean is so very big! Glad you like the new blog look. And I hope, mainly, that it’s easy to use. Can’t wait to see your new look too. You’re a very creative person, so it should be beautiful!!
I enjoy coming “home” to your posts! It is like home.
Oh Tom, I’m so glad. I’ll put the espresso pot, and Mario has just run out for pastries… A couple dozen with your crew!!
It is surely the people who make a house a home. I remember when my youngest daughter moved to a new city 3 years ago. Oh my, how I missed her and my three granddaughters. But the Lord filled that empty space inside me when I asked him to.
Planning a new community project must be fun. I’ll be glad to hear all about it.
Distance is hard, Belle. It’s not that we’re new at it, after nearly 30 years on the mission field. But, as I ask Mario every time, “Why doesn’t it get any easier?” It was hard leaving our families to come here. Hard when our kids moved back to the States, and then stayed to marry & have families. And hard now to have them go back again after 6 years here. But we’re trying to look at the blessing of having had them for 6 years. The Lord has taught us to focus on the blessings he gives, and not look at what we don’t have or wish for. I do hope you get to see your daughter and granddaughters often. I’m excited about our project, and to let you all know about it too! Have a great Sunday!!
You have been making great sacrifices for God. I know he understands and appreciates what you have been doing for Him. God bless you and your family.
Thanks for your encouragement. Distance happens in most families. But in comparison with what Christ did for us, what we’ve done doesn’t even make a drop in the bucket. It’s just the initial period is hard. You know how it is! My kids may be nearly 40, but they’re still my kids!!
Yes I do. I miss my younger daughter, who moved away. I’m glad she only live an hour and a half away, but soon they will be moving further for her husband’s job.
Not easy, but I know for us what helps is knowing that our kids are happy, and following the Lord’s will. That really makes a difference!
I love the wonderful memories that I have from all of the homes I have lived in during my life. I lived in the same home for 18 years, until I married my sweet husband. Then, we rented our first apartment, first house, finally purchased a home, and later built a dream home. Times and income changed and we moved to a smaller home. But, in every home, there are precious, special memories. Home can be anywhere, filled with love and laughter, and being with the ones you love. :-)
You’re so right, Mimi. Home is not about a building or a place. We’ve lived in a tent, a tarantula-infested camper, fine apartments. In many places of the USA and Italy, and even in Mexico. Home was having Mario & our two sweet kids with us. Watching movies together or making cookies. Getting ready for guests. Yet, parting is sweet sorrow. I don’t know who said that, but it’s true. Sweet, because we had them. Sorrowful because they leave, and leave an empty shell behind them. Much like we will do when we leave this earth for our real Home!!
You are so right, Mimi. It’s the memories, the love, and the laughter that truly make a home. They are what linger on in the heart even years after that place is no longer home. They are what made it special for us!