Saying Goodbye

In the spring of 1993, my parents moved me out of the first house I remember (the second one I lived in). They moved just a few miles away into the house we would live in for the next 19 (almost 20) years. I was in the third grade and so excited to move in to this big, beautiful, new home they were building. While I had to switch elementary schools, however I was excited to go to a new school and meet new friends.

I'll never forget one of the first moments in our new home. Mom and dad took us there to have a Chinese dinner picnic on the kitchen floor. There wasn't any furniture moved in yet and not everything was finished, but we were so excited to have a candle light dinner picnic.

I know a house is just a shell. What's important are the people and memories inside. But this house is so much more to me. It's family. We brought my sister home to his house. We had five dogs at this house (two sill living). I left for college from this house and came back to this house. I had my graduation party on the driveway and in the garage after our backyard was flooded and we had to carry the tent in the street to get it onto the driveway. We spent hours outside building forts. We had birthday parties, holiday celebrations, and neighborhood deck night. We've had bad times but so many more good times in the home.

We will always remember all of the special times we had there but I'm so sad we can't make anymore. I had always looked forward to having my baby shower in the back yard and to bring my baby there for a Sip 'n See. J and I even talked about having a destination wedding and then having a reception in the backyard for our friends.

We all love this home and we will truly miss it.

I know that my parents love their new home. I know that they've been wanting this for a long time. I know that it's better for them too. I'm truly thrilled for them and know that this is all supposed to happen for a reason. The house sold just days from taking it off the market. It almost didn't sell at all. But everything worked out. In perfect timing. In the perfect situation. This is obviously the perfect move for them.

So I guess it's time to make new memories in a new home. It feels quite odd to be in a different place than what I'm used to. But I know my mom will take her great sense of style and have the house just like their home should be.

1993-2012