Home

Beavers, termites and birds. What do all these animals have in common? Like us, they are all able to construct their own homes. Beavers live in dams made from twigs and mud. They can spand across several meters long and stand about 2 meters tall. Termites live in a structure which is composed of soil, termite saliva and dung. It can reach 1.5 meters tall and 10-20 meters in diameter across the base. All birds (with the except of cowbirds and most penguin species) are capable of making their own nest with grass, twigs, saliva and (on some occasion stone). They range anywhere from an inch in diameter (as in the case of hummingbirds) to almost 3 meter wide (as in the case of bald eagles).

So, that leaves a question. What is a home? Webster's Dictionary gives us 3 definitions in that regard. The first is a place (usually a house or an apartment) in which a person lives. The next definition is a family living together in a building or house. The last definition is a place where someone or something is located. Regarding human standards though, the first two are the most applicable. However, humans have progressed to the point where we have access to almost whatever we need. Food, water and trivial things that wouldn't be deemed as essential. Things like Pokémon cards, video games and other things one would use in order to make themselves more comfortable within their place of residency.

To address the first aspect of one's residence, the comfortability. When I say comfortability, I don't just refer to the host in question. Guaranteed, that is a big part. Due to the fact that the host spends more time there then anyone else. I also say comfortability in how the host treats their company. Do they provide them with refreshments? Do they make them feel welcome? Is their place inviting? These are all things to consider when determining if one should refer to one's place of residency as a home or not.

This brings me to my next issue. The company that is usually found within the home. I believe that anyone should be friends with anyone whom they deem fit to be friends with. However, once you let them into your abode, you need to ask yourself, how are they going to treat your home. Will they give your place of residency the same respect as they give you?

The last issue that makes a house (or apartment) a home is the manner in which one keeps one's residence. This speaks into how well kept the have their house and the manner in which they chose to decorate it. Everyone is entitled to their opinions, and as such, they may decorate it in anyway they see fit. However, one needs to find a balance between décor that they are comfortable with and décor that will make their guests comfortable. More important than the décor, is the cleanliness. Cleanliness shows pride in their home and shows that they care enough to present it to their friends, families and colleagues.

More importantly than that, I believe that home inspires hope. Whither you live with a significant other, you live with your family or even if you live by yourself, it doesn't matter. At some point, we all come to our homes to sleep. When we do, sleep will provide us with the opportunity of hope. Hope that each new day is as promising as the next and that we have many more to come.

For without hope we have nothing moving us forward to a better tomorrow. A tomorrow that could help someone's life for the better. Hope that a new opportunity might be able to present itself. Hope that everything will be alright.