This is the house I grew up in, with my three sisters, and it is being sold, after all these years. I stopped to see my sister Joan today, and she said our family has lived here for 64 years! It is too big a house for Joan, and shoveling two sidewalks, one down each side of the house is a killer in the wintertime. And then there are the drafty windows. So it will seem strange not to be able to visit our family home anymore. I guess we have taken it for granted that we could always come here. It is a wonderful house with large windows and bright sunny rooms. How lucky we have all been to have grown up here.
That really is a beautiful house. And 64 years is a long, long time. What an enormous part it has played in your lives and ours for all those years. It makes sense why it's time to say goodbye, but I'm sad for you guys that you have to let it go. But one thing I'm still figuring out, Dad: Saying this is the house you grew up in implies that you -- the guy with the remote control helicopter and a Go Pro -- actually "grew up." ;)
ReplyDeleteYou've probably got a million pictures of your family home, but I suggest taking shots from all angles on the inside, including the views from the windows. When the new owners make all of the changes they plan, knock on the door and tell them you grew up there and would like to see the old homestead. It's so much fun to return to see the differences and to remember what used to be here and there. Take a picture of you and your sisters outside the home before it's sold. You'll always have memories, but there's nothing like photographs to bring everything home.
ReplyDeleteThank you both for your comments. Amy: OK, I am busted! I have never "grown up!" You caught me out there! :-) And to Anonymous, thanks for your suggestions. The interesting thing to me, is that the house has changed a great deal from when we grew up there - my sister Joan has a lovely sense of taste and design so the interior has changed a great deal since my mom lived there. I think the memories that matter are permanently stored in my mind. And I find it strange to say that, because I always photograph EVERYTHING to save the memories.
ReplyDeleteKen, I am so glad you took a photo of the outside of the house. I have lots of pictures of the inside from the time I was an infant through last month. But nothing from the front of the property. Always had family photos at Christmas, July 4th picnics and most definitely of birthdays with cakes decorated by mom. Lots of great memories...Of course, it's very difficult to realize it won't be in the Spencer family anymore. But it will be a positive change for Joan as it was just too much work for her. Betsey
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