Just Sayin’

When COVID-19 struck last year, we were all forced to stay at home. While I have always taken pride in and loved my house, I don’t think I ever fully appreciated its warmth, coziness and size until I was mandated to stay in it for an extended period of time. I started thinking about families who were locked down under much different circumstances.    

Growing up, we moved around a lot. We lived in apartments, townhomes and houses. In total, I think we relocated ten times. I went to five or six different schools. Even with the lack of stability, one thing I knew for sure was that the place we called home, wherever that happened to be, was filled with love.

When I was just starting out on my own in my teeny tiny cracker box apartment, I furnished and decorated it the very best way I could on my equally small budget. I kept it tidy and cozy. I took pride in what little I did have. It wasn’t much, but it was mine. 

My husband and I are approaching 18 years together as a couple. I’m so proud of all that we have achieved together. I’m proud of the house we built and all of the things in it. But, I have always told him and our children that while we are blessed to have all of this “stuff,” it’s just that. Stuff. 

It’s so easy to get caught up in material things. We’re all guilty of that, right? But, the truth is, as long as we have our good health and each other, we truly do have it all. Those words have never rung more true than right now. And as long as we fill our homes with love, that’s what matters. That’s the
good stuff. ■

Jenny Matthews was on the air at Mix 93.3 for 15 years and recently moved to Q104 to co-host The Morning Drive with Mike Kellar + Jenny Matthews, 6:00 to 10:00 a.m., Monday through Friday. Check out her podcast, Real Life with Jenny Matthews, follow along with her blog and connect at jennymatthewsonair.com.