The Fireplace in Life

Within a reading done, "The Family Endures: A Look At Utah History," it describes early settlers in Utah and their living conditions. In one case an Italian immigrant built a home in Spring Glen, Utah, where "the main living quarters were on the second floor and cows were kept on the first floor" (Notarianni 4). Down on the first floor is where the family went to spend the day. That was their place of gather.
In my home, it is by the fireplace that people gather. I don't know what it is about that primitive warmth that keeps the stories coming and the smiles growing, but that fireplace knows the history of each of my family members, including parents, brothers, siblings-in-law, friends, and uncles. As I mentioned in my previous post about Thanksgiving, this is our gathering place (Giving). That dang fire just draws everyone to it even if you're sweaty from an outdoor run and heat is the last thing you want. That fire just invites you right in.
In my apartment in Utah, our kitchen and living room seems squished and cold so friends like to meet in my room! There will be someone sitting at the desk, one on the floor, and one sprawled across the bed. My room is by no means a spacious living room with leather couches, a massive television, or a coffee table. My room has what a college student should have: bed, desk, dresser, closet, and of course the nitty-gritties such as a laptop, books, lamps, and cute decorations strewn across the walls. But it is in this room that secrets are unleashed, confessions are made, decisions are made, comfort is given, tears are shed, and encouraging words are shared. It is within this room that is home: it is a place that no judgement is passed and the secret pact is unspoken for the spoken words to never cross that door. This room is the fireplace in apartment 3.
As stated in "Park Valley Community Clan," reading, "Home is not simply a structure built of brick and mortar; it is a place where a body can feel at one with its community, a place of shared experiences and distinctiveness" (Thornley 50). The fireplace is home for me, even if it's not actually a fireplace, even if it's a room in a college apartment. There are places in which people feel comfortable and that is home and home is where family is.
Family doesn't mean you were born to those parents and have those siblings born to them, too. Family is dynamic. I had a family during summer as I was away from home. I have a family in college. I have family in several friends. There's always different family members being added and taken away. Family is people that came into your life and changed it positively, and there is always room for more.

Norarianna, Philip. The Family Endures.
Thornley, Rosa. Park Valley Community Clan.
Romney, Carly. Giving Thanks for a Week.