Refuge

So we didn't start off under the best of circumstances.  It was a snowy day.  It was late.  All of our stuff hadn't fit on the truck.  And I came to you knowing that our relationship would be temporary.  That you wouldn't be around forever. 

And I'm ashamed now that I murmured so much in those early days, comparing you constantly to your predecessor, my first real house.  I'm sorry that I didn't always appreciate what was so wonderful about you right from the start.  Because you were truly and utterly wonderful.  And you were just what we needed.

You grew on me.  You captured my heart.  You showed me ways that I could change things without banging nails in the walls.  And you housed many sweet moments of my girls learning to do wonderful and monumental things.  And I changed here, too.  I shed a lot of stuff.   Habits, thought patterns, possessions and what not. 

 You will always be remembered and loved.  You were a sacred refuge in a storm.  You brought beauty and joy to our lives each day.  Your lovely oak floors felt our evening dance parties.  Your driveway held firm as our kids rode bikes and frolicked in the sun.  Glorious trees lined your street and gave us marvelous walks to school and outings. Your gardens captured our kids imaginations and gave them reasons to come and check them again and again.   The birds sung constantly outside your windows.   And outside, as the worries raged and the trucks tore up and down the street, you gave us shelter and warmth. 

Thank you, dear sweet house.  You'll always have a place in our hearts and in our family's story.