Sunday, October 4, 2009

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.

14 comments:

Unknown said...

MY childhood home is in WVC, too! Goodness, Melissa, are we just living each other's lives or what?

(We were at 3600 W. and 4100 So. Close to Splenda's home? Just curious!)

Plain Jame said...

How cool was that story! Nostalgia and all. It was hard when my parents left my childhood home, for sure...
I love that you got pictures in the spot you got married. Have I ever told you how pretty you are? VERY.

Pedaling said...

that is so sweet.
splenda's family are sure blessed with friendly genes. his ma looks great as do the siblings.
what wonderful memories..

Scrappy Girl said...

This made me think of that movie Father of the Bride 2 where they sell their house. Loved reading all these precious memories.

Vanessa said...

Awwwww. Lots of memories!!!

And PS, get a room.

tammy said...

It is hard. My parents have been in the same house for about 41 years too. A house that my Grandpa and Dad built with their own two hands. As much as I want them to get something smaller and newer (and with less crap in it), I know it will be hard to say goodbye to it when the time comes.

Wonder Woman said...

I'm so glad you've got pictures and such a list of memories for this house. I love that it was a home for you, as well, even though you never actually lived in the house.

My grandma has lived in her home for 60 years. I can't imagine what the day she leaves it will be like.

Heather said...

I can imagine how hard that would be. My parents have lived in the same house (and still do) for 30-something years. Every time my mom has mentioned moving, I get all huffy. It's a good thing my dad hates change so they'll probably never move. :)

P.S. Love the denim jacket. You look fab.

kado! said...

oh...his momma is so beautiful!

that looked like a very special day...I'm sure very high on emotions! What a great family!

...♥ the homemade ironing-board!

Erin said...

That ironing board is so cool! Who is keeping it?

How neat that you took so many pictures to remind yourself of those special times.

Just SO said...

I am not looking forward to the day we have to say goodbye to my childhood home. My grandma's house is still in the family but it is up for sale. Saying goodbye is hard but as long as we keep the memories alive...like you did with this post...those places will remain ours in our hearts.

CB said...

I loved this post! I too grew up in a crazy way and we moved all the time, I went to 14 different schools, etc...so I wanted something different for my children. I hope that someday my children feel about this house that they grew up in as your husband and his family feel about his parents home. Just beautiful, wonderful memories and happiness.

BTW 25 years of marraige does go by so quickly!!

Nancy said...

I don't look forward to the day we have to say goodbye to my parents home. They have lived there since I was 3 years old. Lots of memories.

tiburon said...

Right now I am singing that amazing Boyz II Men song.


How do I say goodbye to what we had?
The good times that made us laugh
Outweigh the bad.

I thought we'd get to see forever
But forever's gone away
It's so hard to say goodbye to yesterday.

I don't know where this road
Is going to lead
All I know is where we've been
And what we've been through.

If we get to see tomorrow
I hope it's worth all the wait
It's so hard to say goodbye to yesterday.

And I'll take with me the memories
To be my sunshine after the rain
It's so hard to say goodbye to yesterday.

And I'll take with me the memories
To be my sunshine after the rain
It's so hard to say goodbye to yesterday


And the lights fade...