A Regret That is No More
This year, my family built our very own house. It was an exciting milestone for us, a dream come true. However, I was away at college and couldn't be part of its development. Although I managed to visit home a few times during the construction, my visits were brief, lasting only about five days each. During those visits, I mostly focused on rest. I felt regretful and guilty. This was a big moment, and I missed it. My mom and siblings were there, making decisions and witnessing the progress, while I could only hear about it through phone calls. But I was a little happy for I atleast attended the house warming ceremony.
Finally, my semester break arrived, and I am home for a few weeks. I was thrilled to see the new house as it had some changes from the house I saw during my last visit, but also, I felt strangely detached. It was beautiful, with its fresh paint and new furniture, but it didn’t feel like my home. I hadn’t seen it grow from a plot of land into a house, and everything felt unfamiliar.
During my first few days back, I wandered through the rooms, admiring the space but feeling like a guest. But I found a chance to bond with the house after a week. I was asked to help choosing mica for the TV cabinet along with my sister. This seemed like a small task, but it was the first time I felt involved. We went to the store together, examined different colors and textures, and finally picked the perfect one. It was a bonding experience, and it helped me feel more connected to the house.
Another turning point came when we decided to do a deep clean of the house. My siblings and I scrubbed floors, wiped windows, and dusted shelves. This activity made me feel closer to them and the house. As I cleaned, I discovered little details that made the house special: the intricate patterns on the tiles, the view from the kitchen window, and the cozy corner in the living room. Slowly, it started feeling like home.
Looking back, I realize that while I missed the initial stages of building our house, I found ways to make it mine. The regret I felt has faded, replaced by a sense of belonging. I learned that being part of something isn’t just about being there from the beginning. It’s about finding moments to connect, contribute, and create memories. Now, I know that no matter how far away I am, this house will always be my home.
Comments
Post a Comment