I wasn’t going to do this. I had no intention of one last blog post from this house — this home of 20 years. But it just got real, folks, as I was walking around deciding what I would take in the car, and what would stay until we figure out just how much (or little) room we will have in the new place.
So many details. How often are we caught up in the minutiae and never do anything? I know that has been my distraction and downfall. Now, though, it seems like the minutiae is more than insignificant details. No — they are in fact quite significant.
I’m walking from room to room taking a mental inventory, not just of items to throw away or take, or a monumental to-do list of painting and repairs, but of the silliness and joy behind those things.
Only recently did I learn the full scope of the science experiments conducted by the kids in the jack-and-jill bathroom between the girls’ and boy’s room. Great. I would have killed them dead had I known. Now I laugh, and laugh with them as they confess. It also explains the state of the sink.
The scratches in the hallway from the dog running in place unable to get purchase.
The uneven air-conditioning that makes our bedroom a sauna and the rest of the house a meat-locker. It’s bad when guests refer to it as the arctic zone.
The view from the living room into a welcoming and soothing back yard.
The honeysuckles. And roses. And blueberries. And strawberries. And lightning bugs.
I sat in Adoration last night, thinking of all these things and what I would miss, and felt suddenly so very lonely and apprehensive about the move. I’m leaving everything I’ve known for 20 years, exchanging it all for a different view, a different house with memories not yet made.
I looked upon the altar in the chapel one last time, too.
Everything I settled my gaze upon would be replaced with something new. Except the One thing that never changes. He is here. He is there. And suddenly it was all ok. I won’t be going into the unknown at all.
That was a touching post, and the ending is really too good. An excellent write up. I wish you a happy move into your new house.
Thank you so much! I’m really feeling hopeful and excited!
We have so moved so many times during our 51+ years of marriage, and not once did I ever stop to reflect on those homes we left, as you just did… this piece you just wrote is now making me look back… and reflect a bit.
hmmm. I hope that’s a good thing 🙂
I wish so many good things for you and John in your new home! I talk all the time about downsizing from this house where we have been for 19 years, and we’re still raising teens here, but I know it will be gut-wrenching when we finally leave, because the most…fruitful…part of our lives will have been here. But then, new adventures and new views are always good! Enjoy it!
Yes! Thank you! Not so much bitter, mostly sweet!
So beautiful Maria. You are right – the Eucharist is wherever you go. I too sat in the Day Chapel remembering the past 24 years of our life before our move. I love that place and miss it, especially when I see a beautiful picture like you posted. But, he is always with me and life takes on new opportunities and adventures when there’s a move. They are waiting for you and so are the memories.
Thanks Karen. It is a great consolation, isn’t it? How joyful when we are all home in heaven! Oh how I aspire to that!
When we decided to sell our home of only 12 years, our son confessed and disclosed the hole he had punched in his bedroom wall and tried to repair. Just knowing you through your blog, no doubt in my mind God will put wonderful people and activities in your life when moved. How faithful He is to meet our needs!
Thank you! Yes he is good. all the time.
Now about that boy thing…hahaha. Boys. And girls. I’m not letting them off the hook!
WELL DONE MARIA,
NEXT STAGE OF LIFE,WITH PRAYER AND LOVE.
thanks love! now you have a new part of the States to explore on your next trip!
As a military spouse, I’ve left many, many homes and even though we only spent an average of 2 years in any given place, it was always hard to leave them. I can’t imagine how difficult it must be after 20 years. The closest I can come to that is having sold a Suburban that we’d had for 15 years! With all the moves and vacations we made with that car, it felt like I had raised my sons in it! Good luck with your transition and may you have many wonderful new memories to make in your new location!
thanks!
it’s tough, but so much excitement too!