Home Is Those Who Are There

There has been much written, sometimes realistically, and sometimes sentimentally, about what makes a home. There are of course the comforts and conveniences, and a sense of belonging in a familiar scene and setting. But wherever it is, and whatever it is, and whatever else it is, home is those who are there. It is a warmth of welcome, and the understanding of those we love and live with.

And in these times of so much concern and of so much searching for the solution to so many social problems, surely it would be well to remember that there never was (and in this likely never will be) a simpler, more direct solution to some of the most perplexing problems than good and enduring homes where children feel welcome and wanted.

And at the risk of oversimplifying the situation, it surely would seem that much of trouble, much of lawlessness and delinquency, much of maladjustment could be corrected by happiness at home. And it must be apparent that we have sometimes almost too successfully organized too many activities outside the home, with too little emphasis on the hallowed place where the deep and enduring ideals first are fixed.

One of the most blessed memories of childhood is to return home from school (or from anywhere at all) and find mother waiting with a cheerful warmth of welcome, and love and understanding. Returning to an empty home—or house—leaves so much lacking. And one of the richest rewards of parents is to have young people want to come, want to bring their friends to a home where all feel wanted and welcome.

Home should be a place of mutual responsibility and respect, of encouragement and co-operation and counsel, of integrity, of willingness to work, of discipline when necessary, with the tempering quality of love added to it, with a sense of belonging, and with someone close to talk to. In such homes can be solved many of the social problems without so much outside seeking for the solution.

For the young, (or for any one else) there is no more important part of life than the memories of the sincere and happy home, with someone waiting, with an understanding heart, with someone close to talk to.