The other R and I are on this whole house kick...so here's my house story...
Well, it's finally happening. I didn't think it would ever happen. I thought we were going to be U.C. for life. But seeing the "For Sale - Coming Soon" sign posted firmly into the new lawn of 2571 pretty much confirms that all good things must come to an end.
Headquarters is finally up for sale.
This 3 bedroom, 2 bath home was the first major purchase for my parents and they raised all four of us wild ragamuffins in that place.
I didn't think I would really miss the place. In fact, just the other day I told my dad, "Dad. I'm not gonna miss that house at all."
But I do miss it - and it's not even really for real on the market yet. It's still just "Coming Soon."
However, here's what the next buyer may not know...or even notice:
#1. In the morning, when the sun is rising, the light will catch the peephole in the door just right and create a round rainbow on the wall next to the fireplace.
#2. Underneath two new coats of paint there's an artistic masterpiece drawn in orange crayon. The rendering resembles a Mr. Potato Head with glasses, but it's actually a portrait of my dad.
#3. Countless stray animals found refuge and were made comfortable in the garage and backyard.
#4. War and not much peace was waged in the front room and living room over who could watch what program on t.v.
#5. The sounds of the high school band practicing late on a hot summer night and the football fans cheering at the beginning of fall.
#6. The comforting sound of the train whistling in the far distance.
#7. The absurd looking fake Christmas tree that took up the corner in our living room, but held many treasures underneath its plastic branches.
#8. Easter egg hunts organized by my mom took place INSIDE the house.
#9. Much baking, creating, eating and fighting happened in the dining room.
#10. Four kids and two parents grew up all together and shared a lifetime of incredible memories within four walls.
The house was far from perfect. In fact, it was so messy that we ceased inviting friends over when I turned 6 years old. People always waited out on the porch for us.
But - shoot, it's still my house. And it's not just the house that I will miss. It's the whole area.
There's something about driving familiar streets and turning corners you've turned so many times. I can't help but smile.
I remember how all of us neighbor kids would play hide and seek, baseball, kickball and everything else. My sister and I sold snow cones on the corner, tried to burn the neighbor's house down when we were four and five and rode our bikes around and around the court before we turned 12 and were allowed to venture out.
Now, I have no reason to visit the Une. Well, except for when Joyce comes into town and we hang out at her mom's house. Or maybe I'll go visit my old high school. But the Une has changed too - a lot. So, maybe it's best to cut this last tie and move on. I don't identify with the direction my old town has taken. I'm a visitor now.
We were lucky - to have such sturdy, stable covering and shelter for so many years. The walls of my house absorbed every mood, every cry, every holler, every shout for almost 40 years. It weathered the storms, celebrated our joys and grew more walls when it needed to.
We had a good house.
Now it's time to say goodbye.
Goodbye house.
