How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
I said, "My mother said the same thing, that families should be there for each other all the time. She always used to tell me that no matter where I went or what I did that she'd be there for me, even if she wasn't somewhere that I could see her…" (8.134)
Even though she's not around anymore, Bud's mother is still with him in a lot of ways: she raised him well enough that he's able to get around on his own. He's also a really good kid, and that's partly because he remembers all the good lessons his mother taught him. For most of the book, Bud may not have a physical home, but having his mother with him in some form may help give him the strength to go out and find that home.
Quote #8
As soon as I had the jacket over me the smell of the spice and soap and the sound of the crickets and toady frogs outside made my eyes get real heavy. (11.67)
For the first time in the story, Bud feels safe enough and at home enough to fall asleep for a long time. This is on account of Lefty's good sense of humor, his kindness, and his nice-smelling jacket. Lefty brings a feeling of peace over Bud. If Lefty had invited Bud to stay, would he have felt at home with the Sleets?
Quote #9
All of a sudden I knew that of all of the places in the world that I'd ever been in this was the one. That of all the people I'd ever met these were the ones. This was where I was supposed to be. (14.92)
Once Bud really looks around, he sees each person clearly, and this is how he knows he has found a home. What is it that makes him realize this? This is the first place he's been in a long time where a group of people—a family—has really cared about him. It's almost as if Bud's not able to see things clearly until he's given enough love and comfort to let him see things clearly.