Your piece is very moving, particularly when you write about how the pain of explaining the situation to your children, and then accompany the text with pictures of your adorable little ones playing so contentedly in front of the only home they've ever known. Many years ago I lived with my family in a house in Charleston SC that was constructed in 1845. As with any house so old, it was full of quirky character; I don't think there was a single right angle anywhere in it, for one thing. The night the decision was made to move to Texas, I couldn't let myself feel altogether happy because I was leaving a place I loved and the only house my children knew. But for some reason I started wondering about all the people who had moved into and then out of that house in the 160+ years of its existence, which was something I'm embarrassed to admit I'd never given much consideration to before then. I realized that, in a house as old as that one, it was almost certainly the case that some children had been born in it, and some people had likely died in it as well, and I realized that surely those people had a greater claim on ownership of the house than I could put forward. And thinking about these things for some reason brought a certain peace to me and helped me to let go of my feelings of loss. I hope that you and your family grow to love your new place even more than the old one, and I wish you health and happiness and peace as always.
Dave, this made me feel warm and light and a bit teary. Thank you. Yes my overwhelming feeling in the end was gratitude - that we could be here in this little spot for a small spell in its long life. The man who died down the road (that I mentioned in this piece) had once told me that he and his siblings were born in that house he lived in. I believe he still had a wood burning fireplace to heat the home. We’d see his kids stop by to chop wood monthly. That sort of longevity impresses me.
I loved reading this, especially that sweet letter to your house! Having to move is a real bummer, but you'll find your way (as you always have!). Sending my love to you and yours and hope to visit soon! ❤️❤️❤️
Heartbreaking to leave homes where babies were born & raised! I’ve
Comforted myself through moves by hoping that even if I can’t give my kids as long-term of living situations as I had growing up (same neighborhood for a decade), the feelings of home I want to cultivate (balance, honesty, stability, humor, creativity, etc.) can be modeled and rebuilt in any home, and that for kids, watching that process and learning flexibility with solid family support could be valuable and educational in unique ways. Within reason, ha. But it still can be real grief to negotiate!
Also, so hard to give in to trust for a partner in a big moment like this, even if we know that they’ll do it best. But also somehow so gratifying/bonding when it works and we can say “you were right”? Wishing you peace and surprisingly quick happiness in your new home.
Yes yes yes - this made my throat choke up a bit. You nail it. My boys have had some heartache on these first nights, but I do feel it’s a gift to help them navigate that. And yes, I’ve already told Joe he was right. One of those big moments where a true partner is soooooo fuccccckkkkkkiiinnnggg helpful. I feel lucky. Thank you for this comment ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Oh Abby, I’m so very sorry for the loss of your most special home and all that I know that means to you, and to your little ones and Joe. I will carry you in my heart with love in these coming months as always. Warmly, Judi
Even so, the classism involved in the way housing is conducted is wrenching, when the owner changes things around for whatever reason. I’m glad that your new place is feeling good for you though! 🤗
Great and very moving post. I confidently predict you'll love life in your new apartment ❤️
Thanks so much, Cindy - I think you’ll be right ❤️ It gives meta meanings to outside perspectives 😘
Hi Abigail-
Your piece is very moving, particularly when you write about how the pain of explaining the situation to your children, and then accompany the text with pictures of your adorable little ones playing so contentedly in front of the only home they've ever known. Many years ago I lived with my family in a house in Charleston SC that was constructed in 1845. As with any house so old, it was full of quirky character; I don't think there was a single right angle anywhere in it, for one thing. The night the decision was made to move to Texas, I couldn't let myself feel altogether happy because I was leaving a place I loved and the only house my children knew. But for some reason I started wondering about all the people who had moved into and then out of that house in the 160+ years of its existence, which was something I'm embarrassed to admit I'd never given much consideration to before then. I realized that, in a house as old as that one, it was almost certainly the case that some children had been born in it, and some people had likely died in it as well, and I realized that surely those people had a greater claim on ownership of the house than I could put forward. And thinking about these things for some reason brought a certain peace to me and helped me to let go of my feelings of loss. I hope that you and your family grow to love your new place even more than the old one, and I wish you health and happiness and peace as always.
Dave
Dave, this made me feel warm and light and a bit teary. Thank you. Yes my overwhelming feeling in the end was gratitude - that we could be here in this little spot for a small spell in its long life. The man who died down the road (that I mentioned in this piece) had once told me that he and his siblings were born in that house he lived in. I believe he still had a wood burning fireplace to heat the home. We’d see his kids stop by to chop wood monthly. That sort of longevity impresses me.
I’m sending my love to you and your family xoxo
I loved reading this, especially that sweet letter to your house! Having to move is a real bummer, but you'll find your way (as you always have!). Sending my love to you and yours and hope to visit soon! ❤️❤️❤️
Thank you thank you ❤️ I hope we’ll get to have you at our new spot!!! ❤️
Heartbreaking to leave homes where babies were born & raised! I’ve
Comforted myself through moves by hoping that even if I can’t give my kids as long-term of living situations as I had growing up (same neighborhood for a decade), the feelings of home I want to cultivate (balance, honesty, stability, humor, creativity, etc.) can be modeled and rebuilt in any home, and that for kids, watching that process and learning flexibility with solid family support could be valuable and educational in unique ways. Within reason, ha. But it still can be real grief to negotiate!
Also, so hard to give in to trust for a partner in a big moment like this, even if we know that they’ll do it best. But also somehow so gratifying/bonding when it works and we can say “you were right”? Wishing you peace and surprisingly quick happiness in your new home.
Yes yes yes - this made my throat choke up a bit. You nail it. My boys have had some heartache on these first nights, but I do feel it’s a gift to help them navigate that. And yes, I’ve already told Joe he was right. One of those big moments where a true partner is soooooo fuccccckkkkkkiiinnnggg helpful. I feel lucky. Thank you for this comment ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
❣️❣️
You will get use to the new apartment once you get in and arrange it all to suit your needs.
Happy Trails!
It only took two days for me to tell Joe he was right 😝 I feel very lucky to be here right now. Thank you for your wishes ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Oh Abby, I’m so very sorry for the loss of your most special home and all that I know that means to you, and to your little ones and Joe. I will carry you in my heart with love in these coming months as always. Warmly, Judi
Thank you, Judi ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ We are feeling (mostly) settled already ❤️ It was a big emotional and physical moment, but already is paying dividends.
Even so, the classism involved in the way housing is conducted is wrenching, when the owner changes things around for whatever reason. I’m glad that your new place is feeling good for you though! 🤗
Yes, yes, for sure… it’s devastating that homes can be obligatorily removed like this… it feels wrong!
Because it is wrong. 🙂 If I could I would free all of the people in the world from classism.