Returning home

By Semira Dikova

By Semira Dikova

Before my eyes flutter open, the delightful warbling of swallows and sparrows reaches my ears, carried on the gentle morning air from afar. The melody, as dulcet and comforting as honey and butter melting on warm bread, stirs my heart with its serene sweetness.

By Semira Dikova

A breath of wind tenderly caresses my cheek, prompting me to open my eyes. The golden rays of the sun play upon my face, tickling my nose, and before I can fully adjust my gaze to the panoramic vista before me, a sense of eager anticipation fills my soul, heralding the promise of the day.

By Semira Dikova

Still enwrapped in the tender embrace of slumber, I hasten to the balcony. There, standing majestic and grand, is the most exquisite tableau nature could offer, a divine painting wrought by the hand of God Himself. How fervently I long to hold back the passage of time, to absorb every detail of this sublime moment and share its boundless joy with the world. I inhale deeply, drawing in the invigorating freshness of the morning air, and luxuriate in the gentle warmth of the sun's kisses upon my skin.

By Semira Dikova

Returning to my cherished home, walking past the dusty library, I enjoy the familiar creaking of the wooden floorboards beneath my feet. Suddenly, my foot sinks slightly where a plank has always been loose, a silent testament to the years gone by, reaching back to the days when I first learned to walk within these hallowed walls.

By Semira Dikova

I descend the stairs with my eyes closed, tears gently bidding farewell to my childhood. Each step brings a poignant realization that everything is altered. The house, once vast and filled with wonder, now seems smaller and tinged with nostalgia, yet it is no longer the same. I cried rivers profoundly grateful for these moments, for they are treasures more precious to me than any gemstone that could ever be mined from the depths of the earth.

By Semira Dikova

With every fiber of my being, I acknowledge the profound blessings the Almighty has bestowed upon me. These cherished memories, these hallowed walls of my ancestral home, and the quaint, unassuming beauty of my hometown are gifts that I shall carry within the recesses of my heart for all the days of my life.

In this serene solitude, I find myself deeply indebted to Providence for the tender recollections that shimmer like morning dew upon the leaves of my memory. The laughter of my childhood, the whispered secrets shared with the walls of my sanctuary, and the joyous tears shed in moments of triumph and sorrow alike—all these are divine endowments, enriching my soul beyond measure. How bountifully has God blessed me, I muse, with the sublime joy of simple pleasures and the grandeur of love’s enduring presence.

By Semira Dikova

As I step into the familiar embrace of my home, the lessons imparted by its very foundation resonate within me. Every creak of the floorboards, every whisper of the wind through the eaves, every flicker of candlelight against the timeworn walls—these are the silent tutors that have shaped my spirit, imbuing me with resilience and grace.

The steadfastness of the pear tree rooted deep within the earth has taught me to stand firm amidst life’s storms, while its delicate blooms, brief and lovely, have shown me the beauty of fleeting moments. Its boughs, heavy with sweet fruit, symbolize the rewards of patience and the sustenance provided by nature's bounty, a reminder, that even in the most trying times, there is nourishment to be found.

By Semira Dikova

The village beyond these walls, with its cobblestone streets and verdant meadows, is a testament to the enduring spirit of community and belonging. Here, I learned the value of kindness, the strength found in unity, and the profound peace that springs from a life, lived in harmony with nature’s rhythms. Every face I pass, every friendly nod and knowing smile, reinforces the bonds that knit my heart to this place, a tapestry woven with threads of shared history and collective dreams.

As I stand once more on the threshold of my past, gazing out at the familiar landscape that stretches to meet the horizon, I feel a surge of gratitude for the divine benevolence that has granted me these treasured gifts. My heart swells with the knowledge that, though time may alter the form and substance of all things, the essence of these memories, these lessons, and this love, remains eternal.

By Semira Dikova

In this moment of reflection, I am filled with a sense of purpose and peace. I know that the wisdom gleaned from my experiences here will guide me, steadfast and true, as I venture forth into the unknown realms of the future. The blessings of my home and hometown are not merely memories to be tucked away; they are the bedrock upon which I shall build the edifice of my life, a sanctuary of faith, hope, and enduring love.

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." -James 1:17

Returning home

By Semira Dikova