by Richard Serra

Created on: November 06, 2011

While growing up at home with the family, there were so many things that make up what can be considered a home. A house is nothing more than an elaborate shelter to protect us from the elements. It has no personality, nor does it have any meaning unless it is shared with those we love and cherish.  

It may be beautiful and spacious, or just a small run down eye sore, but yet, both provide the shelter we need to keep us safe and warm during the cold months of winter. So what is it that makes a house a home? It's not the color of the walls, nor is it the furniture or fancy appliances.  

There is something else that is vastly more important than the four walls and it's content. Walking into an empty house with no one there to greet you, or to hold you tight to let you know that you were missed while you were gone, can be rather depressing.   A home is a place where not only do you have the comforts that a house provides, but where there is a family full of love for each other, and brings that house to life.  

There are many who "can" consider an empty house a home. These are individuals that enjoy being alone, and who enjoy what they have via what they've done to personalize the house.   They look forward to that quite time that an empty house affords them. They have made it their home by filling it with things that give them pleasure or satisfaction, and that is as much a home as anyone could hope for those individuals who chose to be alone.  

But what about a family? Does having a family always make a house a home? Quite often it doesn't. A home should be where the stress of everyday living is left out in the world outside.   It should be one whereas happiness is an every day feeling, because there is a togetherness in the family, who share love and respect for one another.  

How can one possibly feel a house is a home if there is nothing but gloom as a result of having a dysfunctional family to share the house with.   A house does not need to be big, nor does it have to be beautiful. But it can always be a home by the way those who live in it, share what it has to offer, and most of all, living as a family who loves and cares for each other.

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