I signed for the closing of the purchase of my first home on October 24th. My children and I were fully moved in on the first of November. 

It’s ironic – after the fire, six of us were crowded in a tiny two bedroom home. By the time I moved, both my sister and my daughter, who recently turned 18, had decided to go their own way. 

Now we have a more spacious home with only my three boys and myself. I am in Heaven with all this room to move!

It has felt so wonderful to have a place of my own with plenty of space for my family. 

But it really hit me in the wee hours of Saturday morning a couple of weeks ago. 

I had gone dancing – my favorite extra-curricular activity but something I have not done much of this past year – with my sweetheart, Jeremy. 

Following dancing, a friend of mine hosted a midnight housewarming breakfast in my home. 

My living room and kitchen were packed with about 30 people sharing food and laughter. 

As I sat on the wood floor in my living room with my sweetheart, observing the friends surrounding me, I was struck with euphoria.

I turned to Jeremy and said, “I have my happy place again.” 

The following week, a dear friend came and stayed for a night – my home had been like a second home to her over the past couple of years as she would stay there during her many travels from outside the U.S.

She hadn’t used my home as her grounding place since my last house burned down. 

I was so excited to have her back!

Furthermore, because of the space I have to share once again, I was also able to provide a place for my sister and her four children to sleep for a few days while she visited her in-laws over Thanksgiving. 

And yes, Thanksgiving! I had a peaceful gathering with friends over a delicious Thanksgiving dinner.

I certainly have much to be thankful for this year!