By Joe Mazzella
I grew up across the road from a 4-H camp. During the summer months it was always busy with various camps coming in for a week at a time. During the rest of the year, though, it was largely empty and I would ride my bike along its roads and shoot basketball at its courts, but I was always home by the end of the day.
Then came the time when I was finally old enough to go to 4-H camp myself. It was a week spent away from home, even though home was just across the road. At first I was so excited. It was an adventure staying in a cabin with other boys and the days were full of fun classes, sports, and activities. There was always some free time each day, however, and it was then that the loneliness would creep into my heart. I really missed seeing my Mom and Dad. It was the first time I was ever away from them. One day during the free time I decided to sneak back home and pay them a visit. But as I walked through the door I noticed something. The house was empty. I guess Mom and Dad were enjoying their free time somewhere. I walked through the house and it felt so strange. It was eerie. It was scary. It was lonely. Soon I took off back to the 4-H camp fighting back tears in my eyes, and not really understanding all the feelings I was feeling.
I realize now it was the fear of losing my parents that I was feeling then. Being home meant nothing without them being there. It was the love they shared with me, not the house itself that made things so special, that created so many happy memories that I carry in my heart to this day.
It truly is the love we bring to a place that makes it special to us. A house is just a house, but a house full of love is a home. Fill all of your homes with Love then. Fill them with laughter. Fill them with joy. Fill them with happy memories that last a lifetime. Then your soul will be ready when you truly go Home to God and are reunited with all those you have loved here.
