Anusuya Datta, a writer and journalist from Saskatoon, shared her experience of finding a sense of home in a new place. Despite the absence of snow during the holiday season, she felt a deep connection to her new house. The abundant natural light streaming through the windows made the home feel warm and welcoming, prompting her child to express that it felt like home.
The simplicity and coziness of the house, along with its spacious front lawn and backyard with swaying poplar trees, captured Anusuya’s heart. Reflecting on her childhood memories in India, she appreciated the opportunity to recreate similar experiences with her family. The transition from their previous home in Delhi to renting in Saskatoon brought a sense of impermanence, which was amplified by the impersonal nature of their rental apartment.
The COVID-19 pandemic added to the challenges of moving, but the decision to purchase a house in September marked a new chapter for the family. Their new home in Saskatoon symbolized more than just bricks and mortar; it represented the beginning of a settled life where they could build new memories and establish roots. Saskatoon, once just a location on a map, had become a place of hope and belonging for Anusuya and her family.
The house served as a foundation for them to feel at home, allowing them to personalize their living space and create an environment that reflected their identity. As they filled the shelves with souvenirs and shared moments of laughter and love, they embraced the idea that home is not just a birthplace but a choice. The journey from uncertainty to a sense of belonging in Saskatoon showcased the transformative power of finding a place to call home.