Good-byes are hard..... I don't care what anyone says.

Splenda has a childhood home. I don't know what the feels like. I lived in a trailer until I was 11, we moved into a home. My parents got divorced, my dad died, we lost the house. We lived in a duplex for a year and then my Mom got some government help for a home out on the west side of the valley. I was only there a few years until I got married.

So as everyone in Splenda's family gathered Saturday to load trucks, and clean out the family home, it was bittersweet.

Their family has lived there for 43+ years. It's the only home Splenda ever knew. It's where he lived when we met.

It was there that we got married. Right in the back yard.

After my oldest was blessed, that is where we gathered as a family for food.

Its where my kids spent the night and had adventures with Grandma Joy and Grandpa Dick.

It's where my mother in law spent countless hours planning and preparing service for others and where she taught her kids to do the same.

It's where we sat around the table after Splenda's dad died and planned the funeral.

It's where Christmas after Christmas, the Nativity story was re-enacted in one way or another.

It's where we have had too many family gatherings to count, that include spirited discussions, laughter, jokes and even a squabble or two.

It's where the boys all learned valuable construction skills as they worked together on remodeling projects.

It's where my granddaughter and her mother sought refuge for a little while at the beginning of my sons divorce.

It's where my husband learned the valuable lessons needed to become the wonderful husband and father he is.

And finally, it's a place where anyone and everyone was welcomed with open arms by a woman who's charity knows no bounds. Grandma J is the epitome of charity. An example that I aspire to be like. It's been a home of love, of the gospel and of service.

Grandma J digging the last bulb out that Grandma buried before he passed.

The last bulb.....

A true antique we found. This is an old ironing board that Grandma's mom' first husband built her.

Splenda working hard.

Pic of Dad, Mom, P, S, J, M, D, D, S (oldest to youngest)

Mom and Dad

Splenda still working hard

The back of the home. Niece S, staring off......

Re-enactment of our first kiss as a married couple. That day 25 years ago, was the most romantic kiss I have ever had. He still is a great kisser. And a romantic!

Prepping for "the" kiss

25 years ago, right in this spot. We got married. Time sure flies doesn't it?

At the time of our marriage there were stairs leading down this way, that I walked down. Now. the stairs are the other direction.

Granda, Splenda, Sissy, Me and the Tuffster

Grandma and Tuffy

This room USED to be Splenda's bedroom as a kid. It's since been remolded into a laundry room. Growing up with the large family they did, they made many a unique situation out of every nook and cranny.

I only hope the new owners realize what a treasure they have gotten. There has been much love, laughter, tears, sorrow and joy in this home for so many years. And while Grandma moves on to bigger and better adventures, that old brick home in WVC will hold a special place in my heart.