Downsizing and Upsizing

     
    The time had finally come to downsize our home but upsize our lives. 


This is something I kept reminding myself, as I got ready for the big move.  We took a month to pack and because we knew the transition would be tough we wanted to give ourselves time. Condo living here we come!

     On Valentine's Day we got the keys for the condo. We decided we would have sushi and champagne while looking at the view. When we opened the door there was a bouquet of roses and a teddy bear from Hunny and a bottle of champagne. Friends of ours had them delivered knowing he would not have time to do anything special that day, and the champagne was from the person we bought the condo from. We made a special toast to new beginnings and then I lit a candle and said a prayer for God to bless this house. I then went room by room and said a special prayer. More condo pictures: 

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150411059805515.627947.683105514&type=1&l=56e381a272

 Back at the house...

    I only wanted to take what we were going to use, that meant a lot of things would be going. In my closet so many skirts and shoes would not be making the journey.  You see I love shoes but I knew I would not be wearing heels any longer or pencil skirts. These shoes I gave to a sister who also shares a love for shoes. Being all dressed up and staggering is not a good look for anyone. While cleaning out my closet, my daughter reminded me that if and when I do end up in a wheel chair I would still want to have nice shoes so I should not get rid of them all. I took her advice.  Very wise daughter for how young she is.

     Each day, when I was in the house alone, I was packing and crying.  I was not only purging my closet but my soul as well. I was truly mourning, not only the house but also myself. I knew I would never be the same again no mater how much I exercised, how many steps I took, or how much I practised, things are going to get worse much worse.

    
    
We had three levels, a garage and a shed, which we had to downsize to one. So much furniture, clothes, and tools.  Luckily, our kids live in town so we gave a lot to them, so, we were just helping them. We have lots of family and friends to give stuff to.  While packing, I came across this prayer someone is sending me a message.

     The first order of business was too bittersweet. It was giving our children ownership of their "stuff" we have been carrying around the globe for the past 25 years. That part was very liberating. Even though they were taking their possessions, there were so many memories that went along with them. We rented a U-Haul because not only were we giving them their own belongings but we were also giving them furniture and the gym equipment. It was a very tough time. 

     We then rented a U-Haul to move our furniture.  Some good friends and my family came to help us move the big items and to pack. They did such a great job moving us and it was great because they set things up as they moved them.  We stayed at the condo that night. I always left the drapes opened a bit to let the street light shine in. At one point my husband woke up and asked if I were okay, I asked him how could we not be?  Projected on the ceiling was a three-foot cross.  I knew then that I was in trusting hands. Those of My Hunny, sent by God, and those of God himself.

    The final day at the house I went up to my son's room with him.  We talked and reminisced; I know for him he does not have the same attachment to the house. He was only in this house for two weeks and it was off to Military College.  But for me I remember lying on his bed at that time crying because my boy was gone. We had a lot of good times here. All the times he came home with his friends from RMC, and friends that stayed because they were passing through, even though he was not there. Times he came home on vacations and when he helped his dad with remodeling for me.

      Our daughter stopped by as we were finishing up and to get a few more of her items. Her and I went to her room.  She had done so much growing here, so many friends and had so many parties. She had finished high school, started University, met her true love, moved to her own place, got engaged and so much more. I remember her moving out with her fiancé and crying thinking my little girl is all grown up. We just held each other and cried.

     It was time for Hunny and I to leave, we went to each room and remembered all the remodeling, plans, good times and the celebrations we had. I cried so much it is a wonder I have any tears left. We have moved so many times before both but we knew this is different; I am moving away from more than just a house. We left and went to join our kids for dinner at the restaurant.  My family is everything!