Every once in a while the gas and electric company likes to stop by and read the meter. The meter at Mom's house hadn't been read in a while. I set up an appointment, partly to avoid a surcharge, and planned to spend some time cleaning out the garage today. Murphy's Law would say if I had somewhere to be, the meter-man wouldn't come until the very last minute (or later), but today, since I had hours to waste (ha ha!), he showed up about 15 minutes after I got there.
I was blessed to have both my sisters meet me at the house, and together we began the task of sweeping the dirt, dust, cobwebs, and leaves out of our dad's previously pristine garage. We also got distracted by the back porch and living room carpet... We're not done yet, but thanks to a few brooms and a good shop-vac, it's looking much better.
I am still torn when it comes to our childhood home. One of my sisters said we need to remember that it was the people (Mom and Dad) who made the place special, not the place itself. We aren't selling our memories. Those we keep forever. In spite of those truths, we all get a little teary when we go there. I'm actually relieved to know I'm not the only one. (The photos are a few years old. The yard and gardens are looking a little rough these days.)
I had the opposite emotion when my mom died. I hated the way the house felt without her.
ReplyDeleteI understand that. Everything there reminds us of home and those we loved, but I don't hate it. It just makes me sad.
DeleteMom and Dad made it a very special place, and I'll never forget it. Think of all the friends and daycare kids who have shared that home with us over the years. There was so much action there for so long. I think part of the sadness for me is not just it's disarray, but the emptiness of it. Now it's someone else's turn to love it and create cherished memories there.
ReplyDeleteThey really did make it special, Rachel, and I so desperately want to hang onto that, but the truth is it will never be Mom and Dad's house again (although to us it will always be that).
DeleteI agree with Rachel...
ReplyDeleteLet another young family make memories there...
Your Mom and Dad would love that!
Cheers!
Linda :o)
Yup, it's time to let go.
DeleteIt was at times the hub of the neighborhood. Remember all the bikes in the driveway during backyard bible clubs? The Popsicles mom passed out to multitudes of kids who came? I hope whoever lives there in the future will make it a happy place again.
ReplyDeleteAlicia and I went there today and picked up the commode (sp?).
It was the one with the invisible "Welcome" sign out front. Dad said so. What a great place it was when we were kids! I'll carry those memories with me forever.
DeleteI'm glad to know you took something home. Now if only I can get rid of all the little stuff.