Thursday, May 28, 2009

Moving On...

I'm sitting in the midst of our cluttered - from vacation - apartment wondering where to start with packing boxes. I have to admit that I didn't think this day would come for another 2 years until after John had finished School. This house has come as such a blessed surprise to us and the reality has not set in. So as I sit on my couch wondering where to begin, I think of what this apartment has held for us and our first three years of marriage. I'll never forget the first time John swung the door open to reveal our new home filled with our boxes unloaded by my brother and sister in law and their kind friends. White walls, white floors...breath held as I walked in a daze (we had driven through the night) through the apartment - not too long of a walk. It was close to church and school, but not in a kind of location that I had ever lived in before. With some time and a scrub brush though I think we made it our own 'ghetto apartment' as we some times affectionately would call it. But wow... think of how much of our life has been formed in these four walls...we grew from newlyweds to comfortable husband and wife and best friends. We shared our first Christmas and our first Anniversary and our first family visits. And I suppose many of you are thinking, 'Sheesh, if she's this nostalgic over their first place I can't imagine what it's going to be like in the future'. Well... boo. I love filling my heart with memories and the emotions of each part of my life. I want to sit here and remember everything just as it is in our first home before I put it in a box to move on. I want to remember it when I'm old or when our son or daughter gets married and we visit them in their first home. It's been part of us. I have learned myself and I have learned and loved my husband more in this place. I believe that is worthy of a few nostalgic moments.

4 comments:

Tim, Kristen , Megan, Emily, and Anna said...

Bethany, you sure did make it into a beautiful home!! You did have many memories in that wonderful home. Let me join you as I reflect the memories I have from your house! Of course, James,Tim and I and others helped move you in...that was my first time in your house! Then helping you unpack, and Tim helping you rearrange the furniture I am not sure how many times:) Of course, you can't forget all the wonderful entertainment you provided especially with Thanksgiving. Also, your house is where Tim and I first told you and John we were engaged and then later we told you over an Easter meal at your house I was expecting! Tim's memories includes the rabbit on your back porch we thought was dead/staying there on our first day home from our honeymoon/good food/ and Thanksgiving with Karis and her wonderful conversation about Tim and I when we had broken up. (I just asked him his memories as well so he could share his!!) I can't wait to see picture of your new home....you will make it beautiful!

MnM said...

I don't blame you one bit for wanting to store up those memories in your heart before moving on! I think I do that for each place we move from! Hopefully this next home will include some amazing memories as well!! Congrat's on your first home together!

Karis said...

I completely understand. Each place we have lived has very special memories for me too. Looking back brings so many good memories too. For some reason, the other day, I thought about the route I drove to Food Lion when we lived in the duplex and how I would often end up at Goodwill before I went in to Food Lion -- that made me feel so sentimental. :-) And there's no special people even involved in that. :-)

juliechall said...

I totally understand what you are feeling and it's nice to hear I'm not the only nostalgic one :) I loved our first little apartment and still enjoy fun memories from there. Lately as I've been thinking about selling our home and moving out, I've been so sad. It's so weird, cause we moved in knowing we were just going to fix it up for someone else - but I still can't believe all the work we've done and we'll just hand it on to someone else who will never appreciate it like we have :) I'm so thankful though...sorry so long - just totally related :)
Julie