Being in Germany in November for the annual Jaschok family reunion has been a poignant reminder of the deep meaning of home. For some of us, home is not merely a physical place where we stay, but rather a place that continues to live in our spirit.
My father's childhood in Germany was marked by profound loss. He was forced to flee from the home that should have been his sanctuary, leaving behind the familiar streets, the irresistible smell of bread from the corner bakery, the beloved animals (they had a small farm) and cherished friends. What should have been a haven of safety turned into a place of fear. Yet, even in his departure, he carried with him something that could never be taken away — the idea of home.
In the ensuing years, he learned that home is not only where you are born. Home is where you are welcomed, where you rebuild and where love flourishes. Each step he took away from Germany was also a step toward resilience. He discovered that home could be rebuilt through small, yet significant acts: a meal shared at a new table, a story told in a new language, or a family gathered in warmth despite the shadows of the past.
His journey serves as a powerful reminder that home is not defined by geography but by the courage to keep moving forward and the determination to create a sense of belonging wherever life takes us. The house he lost became the seed of the home he later built for his family, for me and my brother. A home not of bricks stolen by history, but of love, strength and memory.
His journey inspires me to support every one of our homeowners, making sure each of them has the opportunity to keep their dream alive. Our mission at Cenlar is about nurturing the spirit of home and helping our homeowners build with resilience.
The Idea of Home
