I stepped into your home today. Your home. I wondered how long you'd been dreaming of saying those words. Well, I actually do know. A long, very long time. And there you were, sitting in the living room of your own place. You had your own keys, your own doorbell, your own doormat. Your very own home.

As simple as this sounds, I walked through your door and was stopped in my tracks. The words felt physically removed from my mouth. All I could muster out was "wow, this is beautiful." I wondered how many times I had said that phrase out loud, but I didn't care because I was in awe. All I could do was smile. I felt like I had walked into a warm blanket. Your atmosphere was soft. That look on your face was indescribable. Your home was safe.

I know this home didn't fix all your worries - it wasn't a magic wand. But it certainly did something because this home - your home - has changed you. It was as if you'd lived there for years. It was as if your laughter and memories were already hidden away in the walls. I truly couldn't stop smiling. You were radiant. You were home.

I sat at your dining room table and ran over some logistics. It didn't last long, I could tell you didn't need "case manager" me today. So I moved on to express how the atmosphere in your house was beautiful. You called me a hero. I didn't feel like one, in fact I was sure I wasn't because you didn't need saving. You just needed a home. A dignified place to call your own. You needed someone to believe in you and you deserved that investment. You needed a door no one else could break through. You needed walls that had only your memories hung on them. This place truly was your home, simply yours & forever safe.

& just like that, I had to leave. I wish you knew how much I didn't want to but my calendar called me onward. As I drove away from your home the roads turned treacherous. A cold snow blizzard whipped around my car but my heart still felt warm. All I could think of was you, safe in your home and it melted me into thankfulness. It took me longer to get home because of the storm and for that I am forever grateful. I got to reflect on every hour I poured into your case. I felt selfish for ever being taken over by stress when it came to paperwork and deadlines. I laughed off the days where I came home panicked, wondering if what I was doing for you was good enough. My dear, I would do it all over again just to see that look on your face when you ushered me under your roof.

So, welcome home.

Oh beautiful, you are home.

Home; at last.