Anusuya Datta, a writer and journalist residing in Saskatoon, shared her experience of putting up holiday lights at her house in early December. Despite the absence of snow, she couldn’t help but admire the sight of their home, emphasizing her belief that “Home is where the heart is.” After three years in Canada, they finally felt they had found a place to call home.
Upon first entering the house during their house hunt, Anusuya, her husband, and their teenager were captivated by the abundance of windows that allowed sunlight to flood into every room, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Their child expressed a sense of belonging, stating, “Ma, this feels like home,” a sentiment that brought a smile to Anusuya’s face.
The simplicity and coziness of the house, with its graceful front lawn and backyard adorned with swaying poplar trees, resonated deeply with Anusuya. The house, with its perfect size and charm, immediately captured their hearts.
Reflecting on her childhood memories in India, Anusuya drew parallels between her current home in Saskatoon and the home she grew up in, which featured a similar connection to nature. The move from Delhi to Saskatoon brought about a mix of emotions for her family, particularly the contrast between owning a home and the impermanence of renting.
Leaving behind their beloved home in India to start afresh in Saskatoon felt unsettling, with the rental apartment lacking the personal touch that makes a place feel like home. The sense of impermanence was heightened by the challenges of moving during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading them to purchase a house in September.
Now settled in their new home, Anusuya sees more than just bricks and mortar; she sees the foundation of a new chapter in their lives. The house has provided them with a sense of stability and the opportunity to create new memories and milestones, solidifying their roots in a once unfamiliar place that now feels like home.
Saskatoon has transformed from a mere location on the map to a place of hope and belonging for Anusuya’s family. It has taught them that home is not defined by where you come from but by where you choose to be.