Mommy’s Groove

Dear House,

You have been so much more to us since those tentative early days of 1999. Remember when we first met? You were nothing more than joists, new shingles and a dry foundation.

In those first months, you came to know what a loving couple could do for you and must have resolved to repay us. Our debt to one another is paid. While we embraced you from those first days, visiting, attending to every detail to ensure you were sound in form and function you emerged to be our strong, safe home base. You sighed with us as we navigated those first complicated months, and you cocooned with us when we needed reassurance and refuge.

As we brought in pieces to make you a home, you stood with pride, steadfast in your resolve to meet our needs. Then you were witness to our marriage vows and welcomed our new family for the first time. You watched as Kate came into the world, as startled as we were by her first fierce yells. Then less than 2 years later, as you held our first babe tight, we welcomed our sweet boy into your safe den.

Our family was made here. Our family as grown here. Our family has had happiness, prosperity, security and laughter. Blessedly, you turned a blind eye to our weaker parenting moments and allowed us to celebrate the tickle fights and the new puppy’s arrival.

When I leave this house on Thursday, I will cry like I am leaving a old friend forever. Something will be lost that day. Your neighbourhood where we have made warm, loving friendships will no longer be our path through life. We will have to find new friends, favourite tea shops and trusted advisors. While we cannot take you with us, we will keep our beach friends. And we will leave you with a sound foundation, beautiful energy and the blessing of a new family for which to care. Be as good to them as you have been to us.

Thank you house for giving us the many blessings of our 9 years together here: The laughter, the love, the wonderful food and lovely wine, the baby clothes and the colourful snowsuits, the cribs turned to big kid beds, the workout room adjacent to the playroom, the tub big enough for 4, the candle light nights and the Jane filled days. These are among many gifts I am thankful for this week.

And for the friends to whose doors you lead me, for the schools who nurtured the love of learning in Kate & Michael and for the local beauty, I am grateful. House you will be missed, fondly remembered and a mark on the map as the house where I joined the love of my life and were my children were born. You’re the best house on the map from where I sit; still right here with you.

All my love, Kath