The Flying Sandbox!

Home
(Carina's article on home assignment)

 
  To some, the concept of home is entirely connected to a house: those four walls that have accompanied and sheltered us since we were born. To others, it is only the idea of feeling at home when they're close to someone or something that makes their heart feel light or at peace.
  But ‘home’ may not be a physical place nor a simple idea or feeling of being at home. To those who have experienced, the concept of home – of truly belonging – is totally unknown. And maybe there are people that, even though they have experienced both, were never truly able to find a place they could actually call home.
 I feel as though I belong amongst them, amongst those who are lucky enough to have all the conditions to find somewhere they can belong, but never actually belonging anywhere, though they have searched a lot throughout their life.
  I come from a big family. Till now, I’ve been able to count at least 200 people, and the numbers are still increasing. But I must admit that, though the contrary is the usual reality, we can not be considered a true family, for the only link connecting us is blood. Christmas has lost its meaning of unity to us, as did Easter, Birthdays and other important dates. And it is sad to admit that even if I can feel my parents’ love and pride, those feelings reach me as a reflection, or an eco if you will, of what I would be feeling if we really spent some time together.
  Alas, the only thing that’s left for me and for those in the same situation is to refuge somewhere far and difficult to reach, a place where we can be all alone and think about our lives as they are. And, if it’s possible, how we can change it, for our and everyone else’s welfare.
  Some choose the imagination. After all, it is the most isolated place in the world. But to completely lose contact with reality is not always the best of choices. We are human, after all. We just need to learn how to protect ourselves and those who surround and, without doubt, love us. To stay at home isn’t effective either, since our little bubble can easily be destroyed by the never-ending problems, gossip and intolerance our relatives amazingly seem to love to involve us in.
  Personally, I think the wild is the best place to find comfort and peace. To listen to the singing of birds, the water flowing, even if not so gently as one would expect or wish for, the wind hitting the treetops and all the other sounds of the forest. All of this creates that utopian environment of tranquillity I need to feel accepted, understood and completely at peace. Sure, reality will always come and drag me from this paradise on earth, but till then I can enjoy the real joy of finally feeling at home.
 
A.C. Morais
08.04.05