This is part of Two Writing Teachers’ Slice of Life. Find out more, and join in here!
Home. It’s where the heart is. Home is where your family is. It’s certainly not the big box you keep all your furniture in, right?
Let go. This is my mantra these days, as we have gotten our house ready to sell.
I said it to myself as I boxed up, threw out, gave away stuff. I said it as we staged the house, making it look like we would never in a million years leave legos all over the floor, or crumbs on the counter, or clutter on the dining room table, or laundry in the washer.
Let go. I said it as I stood outside in my green backyard next to my apple tree, painting the last of a few doors that needed to be finished. I repeated it as I looked at the view of mountains and blue sky.
I say it each time I ask my husband to remind me why we decided to move. (We need more space, it’s time to move closer to my school, it’s good for the kids in the long run, it’s best for our family. Repeat after me; We need more space, it’s time to move closer to my school, it’s good for the kids in the long run, it’s best for our family…)
Let go: As we turned on all the lights, put never-used white towels on hooks, never-used tablecloth on the table, never-used throw pillows, for showings and open houses; and as we took all those things off again. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat, each time we ushered kids out of the house.
I remind myself to let go when I tell L that, “Moving is hard. And, we can do hard things.” I also remind myself that deciding to move when your daughter is 12 is maybe not the best decision.
Let go: As we initialed 20 times accepting an offer.
Now I sit in my dining room. It’s pleasant. It’s clean. There’s no clutter. (Well, a little has crept back on shelves and the coffee table, corners…. if you know where to look, to be honest) Our personal pictures are packed away from the staging, and Mr. Thought tells me this is good. We are slowly letting go of this being our home.
So I work to let go. I focus on the positives.We finally made the decision to move after years of debate, and we followed through! We had a fast sale! (Well, knock on wood… still lots of hoops to jump through, t’s to cross, i’s to dot…) We are blessed with the chance to get a house that fits our family better! A new young couple gets to start their life in this great house, in this wonderful neighborhood! It feels good to think about their excitement.
But, I still tear up when I talk about it, and it’s still hard for me to think about this not being our home.
On a Thought 
Moving is very hard, we did it last year as we retired and moved out of state. Quick sale is very good, less emotions to deal with. You are moving for a much different reason but sounds like you made the right choice. I just hope you still have the “view” 😀
Thanks! Me too — luckily the surrounding area is full of beautiful views. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by and commenting. 🙂
I went thru these same emotions earlier this spring when we put our home on the market. It was difficult and I, too, had to keep reminding myself why we were selling, downsizing and getting something easier to care for. Ours sold within 60 days and in July, we moved. It was hard – all the memories of the last 16 years, but we are so very happy with our new home, new neighbors – we feel very blessed and truly believe this was a “God thing” to sell quickly and find another home of our dreams. Good luck with your move and enjoy your new home.
Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting. It’s so good to hear that it can work! I am trying to have faith right now as we search and search for the house we need! 🙂
We moved a little over a year ago. It was very hard, and my kids were only 2 and 4 years old. It’s okay to cry, it’s a sad thing. Know there are more happy memories on the horizon. I promise.
You’ve captured the bittersweet beautifully here. Good luck.
Thank you! Bittersweet for sure. 🙂
We will be getting ready to do this soon – your post
really resonates with me.
Thanks, Tara. It took us so log to make the decision to do this… and then BAM! Now we are on the search… Good luck to you when you begin!
The repetition in your piece helps me really feel your struggle. Good luck as you embark on a new adventure and make new memories.
Thanks so much for stopping by with a thoughtful comment. We are hoping for a great adventure!
This slice brought back memories of our move 4 years ago. I felt the sadness all over again, but the good news is that our new home really has been a better fit. Our boys were 11 and 9 when we moved; and they have made wonderful memories (and many new friends) in our new neighborhood. Best wishes!
Thank you! This is what I need to hear… that we are doing what serves our family best… and that it might just work out! 🙂
Oooooh! Good luck. You’re in for changes. Change is hard, but necessary and I hope it’s good for you and your family.
Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes! Yes. change is hard! But (hopefully) good!