“Our house was not unsentient matter — it had a heart and a soul, and eyes to see with…. We never came home from an absence that its face did not light up and speak out its eloquent welcome — and we could not enter it unmoved.”
Mark Twain
Thinking back over my life I realize I was never one to get attached to a house. That is until now.
Virtually my entire childhood happened under the same roof. My parents brought me home to our little ranch when I was about one year old.
Growing up I didn’t know how deprived I was! We had one tiny bathroom and each room in the house was also quite small. The house was my home; my normal and it met all of my needs. Things like houses were different in the sixties.
As I entered adolescence, and my sister and I became more interested in peers, daddy took it upon himself to “close in the carport” and create a den. We’d have a place to gather friends. He’d work nights and weekends to get the project done; in his own time and own way. Looking back now, I can see why friends wondered if it was a house trailer.
At the time I thought we were moving up; adding a fancy den with indoor/outdoor carpet to our home. After the add-on our house was a whopping 1700 square feet! Huge.
I left that home to enter college and eventually marriage. I had fond memories of my home, but the future was where my heart was coaxing me.
Then, there was the little house that ultimately became a sad place for me due to an unwanted divorce. I loved that house and the way I creatively made it a home. It was the cutest 980 square feet you’d ever find. (Smile) But the pain from that era was all too close to the surface and I moved on.
Next came a long string of rental houses in another state. These included a mobile home. I was working full-time to support my little family. Over the years while I was at work, my friends moved me multiple times. (That reminds me; I need to remember to thank them for that!) I was in survival mode those years and guess I didn’t fully realize how much was done for me.
I came home from work on the day the mobile home became my home. Barbara walked me to the bedroom window and pointed to a small retention pond—a low spot that collected rain water, in the woodsy area. She pulled back the small curtain and said, “I put a chair here by the window so you can look at the water!” Her whole heart was encouraging mine.
All those rental houses were pretty easy to say goodbye to. Although there was that nice upscale house that had a swimming pool and just happened to sell right after I arranged furniture and hung pictures on all the walls. That one was a little hard to leave.
But now we are planning a move from the house we’ve raised our family in for 28 years.
I can’t look at the stairs without seeing Christmas garlands and decorations. In my mind’s eye I still see the kids sliding down on sleeping bags and other paraphernalia.
The dining room table speaks of celebration to me.
I love to open the front door into our foyer— it gives me that sweet happy anticipation upon entering.
I recall Tom and John side by side, building our deck. John had his own pile of scrap wood that he’d add nails to with his child-sized hammer.
This house…our home…it will not be forgotten. I’m convinced, even through my fears, that the feelings of sadness and sentimentality will give way to pleasant memories; just in time to create new ones in our next home.
“Where we love is home – home that our feet may leave, but not our hearts.”
Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.
8 Comments
Myra, your description of growing up in a small 3 bedroom rancher with only one bathroom and then adding on a den where the carport was is exactly the way my house was until I went off to college. My parents actually added another bathroom and master suit after we left home
It was my reality then, filled with much love and laughter growing up. My parents later on moved up to a newer larger house and then downsized again.
I think leaving houses where there are sweet memories makes it harder to let go, but new adventures await and so do new beginnings. Loved this blog too. I car relate. We have moved a few times. May you be blessed again with your next move.
Hi Jane- Thanks for your comment! Yes, it’s funny how “normal” changes, isn’t it!? Always nice to hear from you!
You know I had the same issues moving 2.5 years ago but NOW I don’t regret it at all. I think about all the memories we have already made in our new house. Time helps and so does new chapters in our lives!
Thank you Pam! I’m actually turning a corner and visualizing the good things about being there with Tom. I think I’ve needed a lot time to adjust to the idea :). Thank you for always encouraging me! <3
Myra; wow girl , how I relate to you, how much of your story of life in some ways is like mine , especially with the various rental homes, and how friends helped you.But oh I can only imagine , the bittersweet feelings of leaving your home now. I was only in one house for seven years and it was devasting to me when another move came along. But somehow each day The Lord has sustained me! I know this is a transition that has many many emotions for you and your family, but I am so grateful that each of you are grounded in Jesus and that He is your anchor!!!You are encouraging so many people with your blog as it so takes us back to all the goodness God has done in our life and how the memories of what a real home and family are to be, that’s the reason this move and this house is hard to leave! And that’s such a Testimony of Gods Goodness!!!!! I so know that u and Tom are navigating through this change with Grace and that there is so many stories ahead that will be as precious and happy and most fulfilling for you as ur journey is going in a different direction and I know to a “height ” that even right now is going to continue to touch the lives of many , many people . All of us are not called to minister from a pulpit, but some are called to minister in the market place and that I see with you and Tom, the integrity , and soundness you both have is touching people’s lives that some pulpits will never reach. With Toms career , and your grace in writing ,and oh my the two of you with your genuine quiet prayerful love and the way that God is usinging you, I know this new home is exactly in His plan and full of memories that is far above what you can ask or think of in fulling this next season of your life!!! Continue on my dear friend with your writing and journey with expectation!!! As you navigate through this move you will see His plan unfolding ahead daily, and your gifts are helping people in ways you won’t know until eternity. I so love you, and appreciate who you are.
Wow- thank you so much Jo! Your encouragement always means so much to me!
Myra I love your blogs. I remember coming to your “new” house after you and a Tommy moved it. It was the most beautiful house. I know life moves on but the memories will always be there and new memories are about to be made. Your new home will be just as beautiful. We rode by Tommys childhood home when we were down there and it’s nothing like I remember. It was huge in the 60’s. we had great memories ever summer there. I especially remember the siren. We could hear it everywhere. God has great plans for you and Tommy. Plus maybe now you’ll be closer and we can definitely get together.
Aw, thank you Emmie! I love hearing your memories and encouragement. Yes! We will definitely get together!