Chapter 1: The Call of Home

In the classic tale of the Wizard of Oz, Dorothy's return home is as simple as clicking her heels and declaring, "There's no place like home." Recently, while strolling with my son, I encountered my old residence. As I made my way through the neighborhood, I was suddenly confronted by the shouts of a family arguing outside. Their words were lost in the chaos, echoing off the carport walls. The commotion gradually subsided when one son sped off in his car, still hurling insults at his mother, who seemed oblivious to the fading sounds.

I was almost past the house when I paused, compelled to inquire, "Are you okay? Do you want to talk?" The woman responded, "I'm fine. He's just angry at everyone." I nodded slightly, acknowledging her response.

Just as I turned to leave, a man emerged from the shadows of the carport. His right arm trembled visibly, reminiscent of a flag waving in a gentle breeze. "Are you alright, sir?" I asked, noticing his wide blue eyes and the dark circles beneath them, suggesting a sleepless night. He appeared as if he were in a daze, and despite my instincts urging me to walk away, I felt an overwhelming need to remain.

"Would you like to talk?" I asked again. His trembling hand made it unclear whether he was nodding in agreement or if it was simply the tremor. He approached slowly and began to share his experiences, mentioning how chaos was a constant in his home. As another son stormed past with a scowl, the father added, "He's always angry too." I nodded in understanding.

Looking at the son, I was reminded of my own family—my mother, brother, and the anger that once permeated our lives. I empathized with the pain surrounding him.

I tried to steer the conversation away from his troubled home life. He shared his fondness for cartoons, naming a few favorites. Despite his childlike enthusiasm, I saw a man burdened by his struggles, wearing a Disney Villains T-shirt he received from a local church. My heart ached for him, as I recognized parts of myself and my father in this man named Ed.

We spoke a bit longer, mainly about local churches and food resources. I mentioned I had a list of places that offered help, and he seemed interested.

During our conversation, he often drifted in and out of focus, as if his gaze was pulling him into another world. I recognized that feeling, having experienced it myself.

As my son called for my attention, I told Ed I had to leave, but I hoped to return soon with the food resource information. As he slowly walked back towards his house, he asked, "What was your name again?" I replied, "Stephanie. Good night, Ed. I hope to see you soon."

As I walked away, tears filled my eyes, a mix of sadness and compassion, reminding me, "I no longer live in that house."

For those who have experienced a home like mine, I hope you have moved on. If you still find yourself in such a situation, I wish you the strength to escape and avoid repeating the cycle. Until next time, I aim to plant seeds of hope… nurture them as you wish.

Chapter 2: Understanding the Journey of Home

In the second part of this exploration, we delve deeper into the meaning behind the concept of "home," emphasizing the importance of emotional safety and support.

The video titled The Story Behind "Home" and "Truth," Edward Sharpe's Companion Songs of Darkness and Light explores how music can reflect our experiences and emotions related to home, offering insight into the healing journey.