In the days when we lived there, there was a screened-in porch and a detached garage. Now the porch has been opened up and the attached 2-car garage makes a nice addition.
Neither did the kitchen Mom worked in look anything like this. There was a dividing wall between the kitchen and dining room, making it much smaller, the cupboards were old and the kitchen sink was by the north window, causing frozen water pipes in the winter.
It was with delight that we toured the whole house, sharing memories and recalling how things used to be. They even let us peak into the attic. We sat at the dining room table and heard stories of days gone by, some of which were totally new to me. A beautiful link to Dad and Mom, who have gone on before.
And then we walked around outside...The old machine shed is long gone, along with the little garage. The old silo we used to play in was also gone but the milk house still stood. They talked of the "1000" trees Dad planted (maybe 2000!) for a windbreak around the whole 15 acres. It was refreshing to see how the current owners have kept and taken care of them.
As we drove away we all felt in a bit of a daze, as if we had stepped back over 40 years.
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I have lived in many places since that one. For a few short weeks I will still be living in the house Dad had built 26 years ago near Hutchinson, and then I, too, must say goodbye.
I don't recall shedding tears when I had to move at 6 years old. Then I was excited for something new and the whole world was before me. Although I have already said goodbye to Dad and Mom, this move feels like leaving another piece of them behind, but I know that it is good and I choose to reach towards the light with open hands and heart, with a bit of that 6-year-old excitement, for all that God has in store for the next phase of my journey.
Shedding tears,
Pauline
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