Sunday, May 16, 2010

How Strange the Feeling

August 2008

Our house is almost empty. When we talk our voices carry with a strange echo.

It felt strange to be at the new house. Dean was moving the heavy dressers into the girls rooms & I was trying to figure out where everything would go. Beds, toys, & clothes. There is a place for everything now. The girls rolled on the floor giggling while I made a mental checklist of things to get at the store tomorrow. It all felt surreal. I kept thinking how strange it felt to be there. How odd it was to see our things in this, this, place. It doesn't feel like home yet. There aren't any memories to make it feel like home. Aris told me yesterday that she didn't want to go & live at the new yucky house. She said she wanted to stay here in our home. At bedtime tonight Zoe cried & cried because she was so worried about not liking any of the kids when we go to our new church ward. I tried not to giggle. If you knew my Zoe you would have laughed out loud. She's never met a person she didn't end up calling her best friend. I listened sympathetically and snuggled them in. Sloan on the other hand is super excited about the move. For her it means she finally has her own room, new school & more friends to play with in the neighborhood. I understand my littlest ones apprehension. This is the only home they have ever known. I'm feeling a twinge of sadness in my heart over the move also. This is the home Dean & I came home to when we got married. It's where we brought home our Zoe & Aris. It's where Sloan played the piano for the first time. Where so many other wonderful memories have been made. Some so sweet & special I tear up just thinking about them.

Right now I take comfort in the fact that I know the Lord wanted us to have this house. It feels like the right place to be in our lives. I also know that new memories will be made that will make this house feel like a home. It's a testament to me that a house is just a house. Brick & wood & plaster full of empty rooms. It's the human spirit that can make it a home. Family, friendship & love. I'm so grateful we will have a chance to do just that.

6 comments:

feather said...

it's strange how we become so attached to things. Things! but a house is such a part of who we are. and to leave a house that you've built your entire family life in...i can understand the sadness. but it won't be long before your new house becomes a home for your family. blessings, summer.

Unknown said...

Hi Summer,

Moving is so stressful but exciting too! I hope everything goes smoothly for you and that the girls adjust quickly...hope that Sloan is feeling better.

xoxo,

annie

Elissa said...

AMEN to all of it and so, so thrilled for this new space for you to create new memories and a new home.

hugs.
e

Sharon said...

change always makes me sad, but most of the time its the best thing that could have happeded. I'm excited for the girls to make some new friends, cause who wouldn't like them?!

Unknown said...

I think change makes all of us a little bit sad but HOW EXCITING that you have a new place withlots more space to put your things in!!

Cathy ~ Tadpoles and Teacups said...

Best wishes in your new home!