The house is starting to echo. You know, that way an empty building does. We haven’t moved very much out, but today I called to Jayme from the room that I was packing, and I heard that hollow empty return that made my stomach turn. We are leaving home.
This little building has been our home for 13 years, and it has been a place of safety, love, warmth, and hope. We brought our babies home to lovingly prepared nurseries right here. We paced the hallway with scrawny infants for hours on end in the middle of the night here, and built blanket forts that stayed up for days. We put our Christmas tree in the same corner every year, and hang backpacks on the hooks by the front door. I can still picture the different backpacks, a new one each year, but there they have all hung.
Occasionally I cry. It’s not because I am sad, but rather because my heart is directly attached to my tear ducts, and when I reflect on all of the happy memories that we have built in this home, it shows up in wet little drops on my cheeks.
Our next house will be the first house we have moved into without our dog Max. Our first “child”, if you will. We got her in college before we were married, and had her for 14 happy years. It’s not good or bad, just something I think of.
I am so excited to buy our next house. It will be the first house we have bought as a family. We bought this house with the hope of a family, but we bought it for ourselves as a young, married couple with theoretical children who would probably like it too. The next house will be bought for all of us. Taryn’s bedroom will be larger, with space for a desk, and reading corner, per her request. Trevor’s room will be trickier, as he demands it be identical to his current room. Naturally. I don’t know what the house will have, but I know that it will be for us from day one- all four of us. That thought is lovely, and exciting, and worth the occasional tear drop brought about by an empty echo, or as my heart suddenly stumbles upon a scene from the past in an unexpected place.
I am totally grateful, and totally blessed.
The best is yet to come.
Beautiful Jen.....I know that the best is yet to come too! You and Jayme have put blood, sweat and tears into your first home and made it into a wonderful place. You will do the same wherever you land. We love you ! Mom and Dad.
ReplyDeleteYou are so very thoughtful and dear. You bring all the warmth of your heart and soul into every situation, wherever you are. So long as you are there it will be wonderful for all of you!
ReplyDeleteYou are so very thoughtful and dear. You bring all the warmth of your heart and soul into every situation, wherever you are. So long as you are there it will be wonderful for all of you!
ReplyDeleteThank you both. I appreciate your comments! :)
ReplyDeleteJen, it doesn't matter where you land or what house you buy. Whatever the case my be, it will be filled with much love and giving hearts. I know someone who's going to miss you very much. I wish you and your family a safe journey and a start on a new beginning.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Randall! It is so nice to hear from you! I will miss our dear little W so much! I am really not sure what to do! Take good care of her for me! :)
Delete