It was 25 years ago today. I moved from Charlottesville to Northern Virginia, into a house chosen by my intended; one where we planned to merge our families and spend the rest of our lives together. The last never happened- but our children certainly flourished here.
Her oldest found her niche. Had her high school and college graduation parties at this house. Her youngest decided that food services was his calling. From being an executive chef to managing large food provider services.
My oldest girl became active in the youth group. Went to a great college, and became an outstanding development officer- and a wonderful wife and outstanding mom. Her younger sister traveled the world, met the love of her life, and still marches to her very own, private drummer.
The surprise addition was my son, born when both his parents were “old”. This abode served as his only home- but now he lives in New York, after completing his supreme college career.
But, now this home will be someone else’s. This six story, five bedroom home is way too large for someone without children running around. And, way too big with too many steps for one who has earned the right to be a member of AARP for way more than a decade.
So, on Rosh Chodesh Adar- 25 years to the day that the movers brought my furniture to this house- to be joined by my family some five months later- the movers are bringing my stuff to another home. To the next chapter of my life. With half the bedrooms, and half the floors, not quite a free-standing home, but still with a backyard.
Oh, and it’s snowing. Just like it was when I moved into this home. And, like it did when I moved from Ann Arbor to Charlottesville, some 13 years prior. And, like when I moved from Massachusetts to Michigan. Obviously, snow and my moving have a thing going.
I wonder what the next quarter century will bring…
moving home… http://t.co/1oAlNgB5b2
…it’s always a wrench, good luck with the move…
Caro Ness recently posted..A Dog Day
I did the hard part already- getting rid of the stuff (and their attendant memories) to let me make this first downshift. The next one will be another shedding.
Thanks for the thoughts, Caro!
I like http://t.co/rfrrZdquLB
All the best to you Roy! Down sizing is a wonderful thing. I’d like to downsize to a RV and travel the United States for right now.
Shawn recently posted..Include the Call to Action
I had a neighbor that did that years ago. It was a tempting thought- a way to see the US and enjoy the trip. But, that’s not in my cards…yet 🙂
Good luck with this new phase in your life! It’s all good!
Rachel recently posted..Alzheimer’s and my mother-in-law
Thanks ever so much, Rachel! I appreciate the support!
Roy, last night I had a nostalgic moment about the house I lived in for 33 years. I thought about my kids, their toys and the idea of leaving things behind like a snake shedding its skin. We are probably going to have to move, too, but I don’t see a backyard in our future. Plus we always seem to move in August. I don’t know which is the worst time to move. Maybe any of them.
Ann Mullen recently posted..Daylight Savings Time Happens Again: Are You For or Against?
I didn’t see a backyard, either. But, this house came with one- and I wasn’t going to argue. It certainly makes erecting my sukka rather easy!
May you find what you need, as well!
Rosh Chodesh Adar http://t.co/SEioClKR7R
Roy, this is so beautifully written, I got chills reading it. There is such a mixed feeling of nostalgia, happy memories, and sadness when moving from a long-time home like yours. I wish you all the best in this next chapter of your life!
Thanks, Suerae. It is always a bittersweet moment when one moves on…We always hope for more and better. Let’s see!
It’s bittersweet to downsize. My mother in law kept her house, the one she raised four children in. Now, she has mobility issues and a split level home where she has to use stairs to do anything, including using the bathroom. But, my husband still has his childhood home to go home to – a luxury I don’t have as I grew up in a NYC housing project. Still, I wish she had made a different decision.
I worry about such issues, as well. This house is not one where an elevator would make sense. (It could work for three floors, but not all of them. And, does your husband appreciate his childhood home as much now that his mom has issues with it???
Thanks for the visit, Alana.
Congratulations for bringing up such happy and successful children. That’s a great achievement. As for downsizing, well, I hope that it goes well. It is a new phase of your life. I say: onwards & upwards!
Muriel recently posted..A Glorious Past And A Selective Memory
Onwards and upwards are always the goals, Muriel! Thanks for the comments- I appreciate them.
Time to downsize for Roy. So, is it a blessing or a curse? http://t.co/BTpoeoeheQ via @Adjuvancy
I wish you all the happiness in your new home. I am having problems coming to grips that it might be time to sell the home that we have had in Wisconsin for 25 years and raised our family in. But we now have a home in Mexico that is much much better on the budget. The kids don’t need us so much any more but the house is still “home” when they do come to visit. And I am no longer a big fan of snow removal. Enjoy your new home and we will enjoy reading your blog for all the insight that you share with us..
Chef William recently posted..Foods Eaten in Mexico During Lent
This is a temporary move. One that does not really change the location (much) and cuts my living space. The next move will be more permanent- and will require even more “culling” of the Ackerman Family artifacts…
Snow removal is not a big issue for me…unless and until my age precludes my “exercise”…
Thanks for those wishes, William.