Our dear friends are downsizing, leaving the house they raised their kids in for something smaller and closer to work. Twenty-one years ago when we moved our families to this fair city together, we hunted for houses at the same time. We saw theirs first, loved it, but decided it was not right for us. They bought it, and we bought ours in an adjoining neighborhood. Our kids grew up together, built forts in their back yard, made sleeping tents for overnights, etc. We all have an emotional attachment to their house, as most likely do others who frequent their wonderful hospitality as well.
We were hanging out last night, admiring the gleam of all they did to ready the house for selling, when the call came, finalizing a sale after just two days on the market. How very cool we "happened" to be there for this significant moment. Tears flowed in gratitude to God for His affirmation on their plans, and then flowed in sadness, realizing the house was really going to leave their hands. Our kids are sad, their kids are sad, we all are sad, nostalgic for the many memories over these 21 years.
When the new, young family moves in, if they listen carefully, the walls will have many stories to tell. Houses are like that...the keepers of family secrets, sorrows, joys, celebrations ... When we drive by our childhood homes, memories flood into our minds and hearts ... but no holding on allowed.
It's time for our friends to move on. May they find a house with much character and some trees to shade their new memories.
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