Boyhood Home Going Away

This weekend my Mother and Dad are moving to a new home. They have been there for 50 years! I am very happy that they are moving into such a nice new home, and still in their home town. I know they will enjoy it and I am proud that they finally made the decision to move.

But, that was our home for 50 years. It was my childhood home. I think I lived a few months in another house after I was born, but all I remember is this one. It saddens me just a bit knowing that soon someone else will occupy my childhood home. It was the home around which we played for countless hours. Friends from all over town would visit. We each had our own private room, as private as you could get in a small house. I remember having pictures of cars hanging around my room. I was kind of a neat person, but my Mom may disagree. I remember rearranging my room one day, with the bed coming out of the corner at an angle. It was so “cosmopolitan” for a teenager’s room. And I recall building an end table to fit specially into the corner created by the bed and the walls.

Growing up I remember it being a great place. When I was still pretty young, I remember a major remodeling effort, to add a new bedroom, entryway and bathroom. Shortly after the remodeling started, my Dad was laid off from his job. Even without money coming it, somehow the project completed. I always remembered us being rich, even though now that I am older I realize that we were not so rich. Kudos to Mom and Dad for bringing me up in a way that did not treasure wealth! Then the huge pole shed was added. It seemed the largest expanse around, yet over the years it was filled. Some may call it junk; I call it memories!

Then, as I started having children, this home was the one we sang about, “Over the river and through the woods, to Grandmother’s house we go…”. It was a special time, particularly at holidays, like Christmas, Thanksgiving and Easter. The home was “homey” and a welcome respite from our daily lives. Every time I visited I always felt a sense of relief from the stress that seemed to be with me. I recall wishing at times I could just move back home. I guess living in big cities and moving around a lot made me yearn for returning to a simpler way of life.

Soon the home will belong to someone else. I guess it is possible that someone may move in and leave it alone. Or they may do some major remodeling. Or they may raise it in favor of a new home. Personally, I hope the latter does not happen. I do hope that someday I am allowed to visit, or at least drive by. Even to this day, when I visit places that I have lived, I often drive by the old homes and apartments where I have lived.

I guess this is the time to recall the old adage that “Home is where the heart is”. No matter where Mom and Dad live, it will always be our home. I am anxious to see the new place all decorated with their unique items.

Thanks, Mom and Dad, for being the best parents ever!!