This morning a ton of realtors buzzed through my house.
They were enthusiastic about its space, layout, and workmanship.
They kept saying things like "it just goes on and on, doesn't it?" and "wow, this is very nice."
Considering we have dropped the price $150,000 over the last year, I'm thinking one of them might actually sell it in the next little while.
We NEED to sell our house. We have no work, we have debt, we have three people in a five-bedroom house. We could use the money we'd get from selling our house. It is time for a change. We need to downsize. Selling our house would be good.
So why do I feel so sad?
This is more than a 68-year-old Hoover Dam Electric Company house. This is our HOME.
This is where we basically raised five children, two of them knowing no other home. This is where our children brought their friends and their future spouses to meet the family. This is where we spent every Christmas morning for the past 19 years (minus one) in a giant pile of wrapping paper and bows. This is where myriads of people were scrunched around makeshift tables for a plethora of Thanksgiving dinners and desserts. This is the place where countless birthdays were celebrated with lighted candles and off-key renditions of "Happy Birthday." This is where five grandchildren have entered the door running to give GrammaLinda/Nana a multitude of hugs and squeezes. This is where extended family has occasionally filled up the bedrooms that have emptied as our children have grown up and gone. This is where countless games of "Apples to Apples," "Trivial Pursuit," "Nerts," and "Imaginiff" have been played around that same dining room table and on the family room floor. This is where entire DVD seasons of "24," "Alias," "Gilmore Girls," and "Magnum, PI" have been devoured while piled on Mom and Dad's bed or flopped on the floor. This is where photos were snapped in front of the green door on the way to each new grade of school. This is where entire books of scripture have been patiently read nightly, chapter by chapter. This is where voices have been raised and yes, occasionally things have been thrown (!) but always apologies have been made and things have been learned. This is where yearly "first-day-of-school" and "sickness-healing" blessings have been given. This is where bids have been prepared that have resulted in the work that has supported us, gotten us ahead, and sometimes just kept us afloat. This is where a daughter with a broken neck in a halo was nursed back to full and complete health. This is the place that has been filled with laughter, tears, happiness, sorrow, contentment, and joy.
This is home.
It will be hard to leave it, when the time comes.
I don't like change.
9 comments:
So I am sitting on my couch crying. It wasn't my home, but a home away from home. Although change is good, it is also hard. I will miss knowing you live there, but I hope it sells, so you can meet your needs. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
AHH!!! That must be so hard. I am so sad to see that you have to sell it. I hope you can find someone who will take good care of it for you...like us! :)
Your post made me cry, homes are very special places, made special by those that live in them, especially mothers. You are a wonderful mother, a wonderful home will always be wherever you are.
Wow, no kidding. What really amazes me is how many memories I have been able to share with you in that wonderful house.
From the days of the office in the back of the house on the cement floor. To the remodeling days when David, Brian and I got to practice our demolition skills on the old "garage" outside by wrapping our hands in duct tape and punching out the old windows. The countless games of "hack and sever doodad" and "sumopillars" on the trampoline. The trips to the lake after long days at work. Falling asleep on the couch with little Maddie watching Winnie the Pooh. Blowing things up in the alley. (Wow you really had to put up with a lot while I was there). And so many more. Thanks for letting me share so many great memories and good times! We love you and hope everything works out!
I'm teary, too...this was like a 'home away from home' for me too! I know that wherever you end up, it will still feel like a 'home away from home 'to me, though...that's just who you are. We're thinking of you...please let us know if you need anything! Love you!
I know just how you feel. I have felt that every time I had to sell a house (home) of mine. They have so many memories. I always dread the sale and I always dread selling yours for you but what must be must be.
Just for consolation, I always feel a lot better when mine close and there is money in hand. Hope you will too.
Love you guys,
Mom
I got teary eyed as I read your post. Lovely writing and repetition :) (The English teacher in me had to say that!)
I have many fond memories staying at your home, too; I always enjoyed going to visit you all. It makes me sad knowing you need to leave it, and that it is a hard change for you. You are constantly in our thoughts and prayers.
Why you wanna make us all cry! :( I have to agree with Sarah!
When you move, you must have a long discussion with your cat so he knows to come home to the NEW home next time a wanders away! You will be OK Linda ~ your grandchildren will rush into your arms in your new home too. That's a promise. xoxo Amy
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