The end of an era

So I don't know whether anyone really drops by here anymore except people conducting random Google searches, but perhaps I am going to write this as much for me as anyone else.

Tomorrow morning we will officially close on the sale of our home at 2809 Hollywood Drive.  We moved out about a month ago and it's been under contract for several weeks, but tomorrow is the day it goes from being our house (albeit now, "the old house") to belonging to someone else.  It was our first house and selling it is bittersweet, the end of an era.

Terri and I moved to Arlington in August 2000 shortly after I took the bar exam.  Our first home was just north of Division in a rented duplex on Matt Lane.  It was small and not the best neighborhood and I wanted desperately to find a house we could (1) afford and (2) feel at home.

After a year in the duplex I found 2809 Hollywood.  I saw it on line and drove by on my way home from work.  It was a quiet street in the middle of a neighborhood.  There were lots of trees and it just looked right.  We ultimately made the plunge into home ownership and moved into our new home in July 2001.

2809 Hollywood will forever hold memories for me, as I know it will for Terri, Jacob and even Stella.  The backyard we created from next to nothing.  When we moved in there was a chain link fence across the middle and a falling down wooden fence in back.  There were large flower beds, small trees, and a place that had been an old metal shed.  It wasn't kid friendly or dog-friendly for that matter.  Over time (and through much blood, sweat, tears, and blisters) we transformed it into a great yard with green grass, a trampoline, a swing, a dog run separated by a picket fence and even built a small deck.  The crowning achievement may have come when we felt comfortable throwing our 10th anniversary party as a backyard party.  It was hard work making that backyard what it is.  I hope the new owners enjoy it.

There are other stories like that.  Late nights stripping wallpaper in the kitchen, the toilet that had to be replaced when Jacob tried to flush a ninja turtle.  Jacob's room that started out as yellow and magnolias and changed to red and little boy.  Stella's room that was just an empty room when our friends Matt and Angie helped us paint and convert it into a nursery, first for Jacob and then for Stella.  New carpets, new floors, new appliances when old ones broke down.  There are stories that go with all those things.

And then there are the family stories.  Terri and me before there were kids -- learning what it meant to be married but not newlyweds.  Quailty times and fights and laughter and tears.  I can see it bright as day in my mind.  The day we brought Jacob home from Russia, arriving to our home only to see that friends had hung up a swing in the front tree and child-proofed the house.  Teaching Jacob to walk in the living room.  Potty-training (sometimes in the living room there too!), talking, feeding Jacob in his high chair, his first birthday, and especially his sixth birthday a couple of months ago which was regaled by one attendee as the best birthday party she'd ever been to.  All memories tied to place.  And the same with Stella.  As I've written before, she would barely acknowledge me much less want anything to do with me while we were in Russia but as soon as she came through the doors of 2809 Hollywood, it was like she knew she was home, and she was okay and we started to bond right then.

We had good neighbors.  Jacob and Stella had friends across the street and down the street.  Elijah would just wait by the door hoping Jacob could come out and play and Cody was over all the time. 

Our satellite dish didn't always work because of a giant tree but I have great memories of Chris putting it up before he got sick with cancer.  Even in something so small as the dish I have strong emotion and memories.

We learned to entertain at 2809 Hollywood.  I remember when we first started attending Pantego Bible Church and learned about this thing called "Home Group."  Next thing we knew we were hosting and leading and that turned into dinners and parties -- Halloween and birthdays and our group expanded with babies everywhere but the house remained inviting to everyone.

And we developed our family traditions there.  Traditions like Jacob Day and Stella Day celebrating the days we met them.  And traditions like Christmas candles and our Russian Orthodox feast and gifts on Christmas morning. 

So when I say it's bittersweet it's because while those memories will live on, the place to which they all attach will no longer be ours.  I still question whether we should have moved.  I think the timing was right.  We plan to adopt again and wanted another bedroom.  The kitchen was smaller than we wanted.  Terri needed a dedicated office.  All those things are true, but it is still hard to close that chapter.

We'll bring the next child home to Shadycreek.  We'll develop memories there and traditions.  So far the memories have been contractors and fences and pool equipment and air conditioners.  Not the kind of memories I would want but I realize even now I'll look back fondly on those some day.  We'll finish hanging things on the walls, have family celebrations, make it home instead of just the "new house."  And our kids will grow up there.

But all that won't mean we'll forget our time at 2809 Hollywood.  Before we moved out we sat at the table and drank a toast to the house (with milk and cookies).  Jacob had suggested it.  He started by raising his glass and saying "It's been a good house."  Yes, Jacob, it surely has.

Comments

[Trudy]

It's been a good house indeed! Thanks for always opening your doors to us. I think our first time at homegroup was at 2809 Hollywood.

[Syd]

Of course, I am crying reading this post. Great post. Great memories. Our first homegroup was at 2809 Hollywood. And you are right, the traditions will (and already have started to) continue on Shadycreek. But there is something about that first place to call "home". Makes me a bit more thankful for Easy Street today.

[Tara]

I can still remember the first time I walked into that house. It was the first time we were all going to hang out together in Ft. Worth at the 4 Day Weekend. I remember walking into your house and thinking "I think these people might end up being our friends". Your family and your house have been a huge blessing to Ryan, Owen and me. Thanks for all of the great times at 2809 Hollywood. And just as you did at 2809 Hollywood, I look forward to seeing how your family wil use this new house on Shadycreek to continue to bless others.

[Terri]

thanks for making me cry in the middle of class.

[Deena]

I too remember those first home groups, hanging ceiling fans, babyproofing and bringing the kids home. Your house will always hold sweet memories for us also. I can hardly wait to see what memories you create in your new home!!! Jacob was right "It's been a good house" and I have a feeling the Shadycreek house will be a "Good house" too! You guys create great memories!

[joel]

good stories. hope to see your new place soon!