aiSpring has arrived, and with it comes an even stronger wave of thoughts about how wonderful it would be to be home right now.

aiThis is the third spring that I can't smell the familiar scent of my home, can't walk through the yard, can't watch the trees and flowers slowly awaken after the cold of winter.

aiSometimes, I catch myself wondering—was it all really part of my life? And you know, that thought scares me. I'm afraid of losing pieces of my memories—of home, of my city, of a once-happy life.

aiThey say home isn’t just four walls, it’s the people. But how can I not think about the places that made us happy together with those people?

aiIt's hard to live with the feeling that a song in my playlist can instantly transport me to my grandparents’ yard, where that very melody used to play on the radio. That the sound of birds singing can bring back a memory of working in the garden with my family, wrapped in the warmth of the spring sun.

aiI want things to be as they used to be—when the whole family would gather around the table for celebrations, and spring was always full of birthdays.

aiI want to sit with my loved ones whom I haven’t seen in so long, then step outside after a delicious homemade meal, listen to my grandfather proudly show us the farm, walk through the garden to see where we’ll be planting potatoes this year.

aiThen, we’d talk about everything and anything—and we’d be the happiest.

aiThese memories will keep me warm even on the coldest, grayest days. And maybe, they will push me forward—to help make this world a better place, so that future generations can live and cherish moments like these.