Speaking of her childhood home, author Madeleine L’Engle once said, “It is only there I sleep deep in the mattress.”
About a dozen years after we sold our last house, I ran into the woman who bought it. The lady confessed to me that it was the feeling that the house exuded that made her want to buy it. With time she had come to realize what she sensed was not the house itself, but he love and contentment our family brought to it.
In the end it isn’t the house so much as love that makes a home. A real family home is a safe haven for all who live there. Family photos and treasures passed through generations send a message that family is valued over possessions and convey a sense of belonging.
The warm embrace of family cradles each member securely, welcoming them home. I hope that I have helped to create a home where my grown children are often drawn. Once here, I hope they “sleep deep in the mattress” and wake renewed.
Sleep deep in the mattress – I love that! Especially at my age.
I did not sleep deep in the mattress until I met Nick. And I have slept sound ever since. Maybe I shouldn’t take that for granted, right?
I am going to give my husband a big embrace when he walks through the door. Thanks for sharing this, May. I really get it. Home IS where your heart resides.
So, I think I need some of this. I know exactly what that feels like – deep in the mattress – and exactly what it feels like when it doesn’t happen. Like last night. Terrible. I went to bed early because I wanted and needed to and sleep did not come. Jealously, I watched the Hub as he slept soundly…long frustrated sigh. As a result, what a lousy day today was. I know it was the lack of good sleep. Going to try again…and so glad tomorrow is Friday and the weekend offers some respite!
Wow what a statement for that lady to share with you! That’s so lovely you and your family bring such contentment into your home. I hope she’s able to create that for her family too.
One of my favorites ever. I married into my “childhood” home – over the years I’ve slept deep in the mattress at my in-laws. I do believe we are home in this sense to our kids, and I am so grateful to have had this and to have been able to create it since I didn’t as a kid! LOVE this post – one of my favorites of yours!