There’s No Place Like Home

Tonight, I’m driving home to attend a close girlfriend’s bridal shower and bachelorette party. Even though I’ve done it at least a hundred times, I always get a little misty-eyed as I approach my parents’ exit.

Something about “home” just makes us emotional — or at least, makes me emotional. It could be all that’s gone down in that house, from Dad’s stroke to Sandy puppy’s last days. But, I’m willing to bet that even if I’d only spent 10 months, instead of 10 years there, the memories would be enough to ignite those fond feelings I have for it.

And true to form, many musicians have made careers from songs that bring us all back to that special place. In no particular order, here are some of my favorites:

• “Home” by Michael Bublé – He has the voice of an angel, and the lyrics are all too sweet. Personally, I think Blake Shelton’s remake pales in comparison.

• “Feels Like Home” by Chantal Kreviazuk – You may recognize it from “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days,” but this powerful ballad (about a boy, not a house) is earmarked by her remarkable voice.

• “Temporary Home” by Carrie Underwood” – I don’t think I’ve ever heard it without getting a little bit weepy. The girl can sing, and again, the lyrics just pull at your heartstrings.

• “Home Is Where the Heart Is” by Lady Antebellum – More upbeat, the country trio’s single had me at the catchy intro.

• “Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver – I refuse to think of it as the anthem of WVU (read: couch-burnin’ hillbillies). Instead, I enjoy its crowd-pleasing nature — play it at any bar, and you’ll instantly have 20 new best friends.

• “Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynyrd Skynyrd – I can’t listen to it without being taken back to the first time I heard it. This classic’s staying power is undeniable.

Although this weekend’s celebrations will likely bring a lot of laughs and tears, I wouldn’t have it any other way. Just as much as the four walls around us, those girls are home to me.