Sunday, May 8, 2011

Temporary Home

I wish I had all the time in the world to break down our last weeks events. I'll spare you the boredom (this time) and fill you in on our where-abouts. I can finally take a deep breath (ironically on Mothers day) and do what I have missed dearly for several days now. Write.


Without hesitation we are settled in our new home (for now anyway) and waiting in high hopes that in six months we will find ourselves planted firm in our final destination. 


There will be plenty to do over the summer with our new project, but I'm really looking forward mostly to spending time, and living with, one of the greatest people I know. My mom.






I grew up in this house and lived here for 20 years. When Justin and I decided (or rather we had no choice really) to live with my mom for the next few months, I wasn't thinking about all the memories that would surface when we pulled into the familiar driveway, and entered through the familiar back door. The house smells the same. My room looks the same. Heck I still have A+J carved in my wall closet, and a few mentions from my grade school/junior high years.  And then I remembered........the last stretch of time spent here, was when my dad was sent home on hospice to finish out the last four weeks of his life. I can still picture him set up by the living room window, talking with friends and family, sharing his final words, and humbly waiting for the new life ahead of him.


It's sort of bittersweet. Our family pulled together during a time of loss. And this home was our "mourning grounds" while we waited for dads final breath. We all took shifts feeding and nursing my dad to make him as comfortable as possible. I was thinking "it wasn't all that long ago that dad was doing just the same for us kids".  As I look up now from this screen I stare out that very same window my dad looked through for days. The flowering cherry tree sprouts it's blossoms, and the sun, nearly blinding, warms every bit of my soul. I wonder what his thoughts were. If he had any regrets. And how life must have seemed so short as his last days came so quickly. 






What I do know is he and my mom made this a place of security. A place of growth and vitality. A place of rest. A place called home








I feel honored to be back under this shelter of life, love, and loss. And while we are only passing through, we're passing through with purpose and direction. With hardship and pain. With laughter and joy.


For now......


We share the same bathroom, living room, dinning room, laundry room, and lets not forget the most important......


The same kitchen.






And hopefully making a whole new set of memories to last and take with us.















15 comments:

  1. What a wonderful post Ang! I love how you get into detals so much that you are bringing my imagination so close like I am there with you re-leaving some of your memories! I wish you the best, and almost forgot, Have a Happy Mother's Day(I know it is over midnight but it is never too late to wish a mother happy special day!!!)

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  2. That was a lovely post.. nice family picture.. and such wondeful memories..

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  3. A beautiful post. It is amazing how many memories come rushing back when you return to the home you grew up in. I was just back at the house I grew up in and it brings back so many memories of my Mom, much like with your Dad. So familiar. Thank you for sharing this part of your life with us. Best wishes on settling in and preparations for the next part.

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  4. Beautiful Ange:) Crying and smiling!! Love ya

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  5. Just a beautiful post Ang. Thanks for reminding me of the comfort and security that my parent's home always offers me.

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  6. This is so lovely and bittersweet to read. I can only imagine how the memories of your father's final days pull at your heart strings. It must be strange living there again, if only for a short while - I don't know how I would feel back in my childhood home with husband and children in tow!

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  7. That was a really beautiful post! I think so mnay people can really connect with what you are feeling and going through. When Gene got out of the Navy, the job he had lined up fell through. We had no idea at the time, but the worst recession in nearly 90 years was just starting. So we had do go back home and live with my parents for a few months. At first, I was mortified. I had lived on my own for so long, and here I was 31 years old (at the time)and back with my parents. It felt like such a backwards step. Folks who have never lost a job or their home, will never truly understand what that feels like. I have very supportive parents & they never though twice about it. It truly was just our temporary home and looking back, I treasure that time living with them. I think it brought us closer (as times of trouble often do). God is watching out for you and your family. Your Mom may need this as much as you all do. You are where you are meant to be right now. The Good Lord will take care of the rest.
    By the way, love your Momma's kitchen. It looks like home.

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  8. Man if those wall could talk:) Thanks for sharing the post Ang it brings a tear to my eye but I love remembering all of it too!! All the laughter and tears and fun we had growing up!! I love how wverything looks just how it has it makes me feel warm and cozy looking and those pics:) You could have takin the same ones years ago and it would look just the same:)I love it it makes you feel like even though there is a ton of chaos there is still a place to call home and feel normal:)

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  9. @The Country CookI can't agree with you more Brandie. I know this isn't meant for our journey alone. With that said~ it makes this process that much more exciting:) Thanks for sharing your journey.

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  10. @Meghan SteeleMegs, Let's make some grape juice this summer:) luvs

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  11. Such a beautiful post. You took me to a similar place in my own family history--thanks for sharing this.

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  12. That is such a sweet and beautiful post. Thank you for sharing from your heart like that, I went through times in my childhood where we would have to go live with my grandparents in between jobs and homes so I understand what you're going through. But now that I live 2,000 miles away from all my family I am SO thankful for that time I had with all of them, especially my Grandparents. Now that I'm an adult my parents are still in the same place of not knowing if this job is going to pan out, and here I am their back up plan. Life is a funny thing sometimes. I will keep you and your family in my prayers, and I hope you enjoy this time with your Mom.

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  13. Hello! Just stopping by to say "hi" and thanks for your comment on my post on Brandie's blog today. I used to live in Richmond, too, but it has been many years ago. My son attended Eastern. This post brought tears to my eyes. You should have been a writer! Family and home is so important today. Your blog is beautiful and I really enjoyed my visit.

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  14. Oh, my "snookums"! You're pretty sneeky walking around taking pictures of the house (-: Yes, it is a blessing having you all with me. Our time is and will be precious. Not to mention all the great meals we will get to try out together. Heart warming post!

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