Dear House

Dear House, Its true that our time together has run its course and soon we will be parting ways. The therapist in me needs some good closure to our relationship to end it in the spirit in which we have enjoyed our time together. So I thought I'd share some goodbye thoughts with you.

You were a great starter house for us and the memories we've shared together are some of my most cherished. I finally felt like an official grown up when we first met and now I'm a mom and am into my 30s as we say goodbye. 

You were a welcomed sight at the end of those days during that challenging first year out of grad school.    When I was first working with children and adults victimized and hurt often in their own homes, I would crawl into bed and be thankful for the safety and security I felt with you and deeply wanted all people to have place that they could call a real home; a place to find comfort and replenishment from the wear and tear of the world we live in.

You were the site of countless friend gatherings, enjoying new year celebrations, wedding showers, birthday parties and just for no special reason get together's as well.  You saw us through some of our most joyful times of bringing home our first family dog, the rasacal of a puppy, Rory:

Once we passed the puppy test we decided it was time for the real deal. You were the setting the night we found out we were expecting our Ava bear! You were where we brought her home too that first day and where she continued to grow through her first 18 months. You were there through the sleepless nights and first steps. Her laughter and first words echoed on your walls.  You were also the just perfect place to celebrate her one and only first birthday party.

So dear house you will always have a special place in the life of this family for all those reasons and more. You see you were more than our house you were our home. You were just right for just the right time for us. No matter what stress we faced or bad days we had we could count on you to be here at the end of each day to wrap us in your comfort and security (and when needed you also could be counted on for an amazing bubble bath!). I will remember you fondly and even though the new house is bigger, newer and nicer - I have to confess there is part of me that will miss you! Good-bye house, thank you for the blessing you've been to this family.