Home

The glare of the bright morning sun streams through the kitchen window illuminating all in its path. A brightness not experienced other times of the year is shown in the kitchen space as summer is nearly upon us. As I gaze at the space occupied as the kitchen I recall the original room as it was before its transitional evolution to today’s design. The old wood cook stove sat in the corner of the room with suitably chopped wood in the bucket nearby. Near the entrance close to the hallway and back door was the old ice box. The ice man would deliver ice twice each week and that unit maintained refrigeration for a family of four. The old kitchen sink sat in the corner and was used sparingly as water was stored in the tank behind the house. Dad would crank the old gas engine pump near the spring to renew the supply of water each day. The power company had refused to extend power lines to the three houses on our farm because there were not enough homes in our area to economically justify the lines. Memories of those early years as a toddler on the farm were brought to mind as the modern kitchen of today was brightly displayed in the morning sun. I don’t recall a single instance of either parent complaining about their lack of power or need to take so many extra steps to prepare a meal. Instead, I recall how thankful they were for what they had and the blessing of a home and family. A house is but a structure that contains some functional elements for occupants. A grateful family enjoying the space together makes that space a home. May your heart find a place of gratitude that creates the place called home!