June 7, 2012

Nothing left but Memories...

Today a chapter of my life was closed when my parents signed the papers on my grandparents home...171 Brookwood Avenue has now been sold.

I am not really sure why I am taking it so hard because I knew this day would come sooner or later. Once my grandfather passed away there was no reason to keep it in the family because honestly it's just me and my parents. They could have rented the little bungalow but the neighborhood has severely gone downhill and the renters you would get would probably be more trouble than it's worth.

I feel like I grew up more in this house than I did in my parents. I probably spent 6 days a week if not 7 there until I turned 18 and even then I was over there at least 5 days a week. My grandparents were amazing and we made amazing memories in that tiny 2 bedroom home. Every Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day dinner was served in the dining room. That house was the one thing that never changed in my life; it was a constant reminder of my childhood. Everything had it's place and stayed that way for 33 years. Growing up it was like a museum....You couldn't touch anything!

I have so many wonderful memories that I will cherish until the day I leave this earth. Some of my fondest ones are chasing fireflies around the back yard and catching them in a Mason jar. On hot summer nights we would swing away and listen for the train at Plant 6 come by with it's whistle screaming in the distance. We would sing songs from CCR or funny little songs my Pappaw made up that would make me chuckle. Pappaw had a building attached to his garage and turned part of it into a classroom for me. I would spend hours teaching my imaginary kids while writing on the chalkboard he hung for me. I could go on for days about all of the shenanigans that went on at that house but we don't have time for that.

I can only hope that the new occupants of 171 Brookwood Avenue enjoy it as much as I did. I hope a lifetime of memories are made there and they are as heartwarming and precious as the ones that I will carry with me.

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