Home+Sweet+Home

Hannah Kloos 7/8 B Home Sweet Home “Oh no!”, I thought. “I’m going to be late!” I gathered all of my belongings and rushed out to the door of the orphanage that had been my home for all ten years of my existence. Being late for the train that would take me all the way to Denmark was not an option. I had to get there in time. The future of my life depended on it. From what I’ve been told, the people who run the orphanage found me when I was a baby on a small street corner in Munich, Germany, wrapped up in a small, thin cloth. “Come on miss, I don’t have forever!”, yelled the train conductor. “I’m coming!”, I shouted back. As I climbed up the narrow, dusty steps I felt a sense of relief. I was headed to my family’s home and felt like I belonged to something special. They had worked for over two years to try and adopt little old me. Someone wanted me and thought I was important. This would be a long ride, but definitely worthwhile. For years I had been trapped in my own little bubble and never had a real understanding of the outside world. This train ride was eye opening for me. As we passed the historic Castle Road, I could not get over how beautiful it was. The medieval architecture and romantic castles amazed me with their attention to detail. I wondered how old they were. “One hundred miles left, ladies and gentlemen”, announced the conductor. I just wanted this train ride to be over so I could meet my new parents. Everything I had heard of them had been wonderful and I was so excited. I was also excited to live in Denmark. I was told that the people were very friendly and the scenery was stunning. This would be the start of a new life for me. “Honk, honk, honk,” beeped the train. I was awakened by this sound and noticed people exiting the train. //Finally! I’m here!// As I walked into the train station, I searched for the couple with the descriptions I had listed. Mother: blond hair, green eyes, about 5’6”… Father: black hair, brown eyes, about 6’2”… They sounded like home. “Madelyn! Over here!”, called a voice. I looked over to a small corner of the station where two people with the exact descriptions I had listed stood. At the sight of them, I was overwhelmed with so much emotion that I couldn’t stand it. I started to bawl. Thick, heavy tears that represented everything I had been through and how all of that would be swept away. As I fell into their loving arms I felt safe. This was a sensation I had never felt before. I couldn’t think of a name for it. “Welcome to your new family!”, they exclaimed. //Family…//I thought. That was the feeling I couldn’t explain. I had an epiphany that I would be feeling it for the rest of my life.