Reality Check

Up until now I have been occupied with designing the new house, talking to contractors, obtaining bids, etc., all fun things for me.  But there is one “minor” issue that stands between our current situation and construction: DEMOLITION.  Because our design requires tearing down 95% of the present house prior to building, we need to vacate. Dale and Stacy have moved into a 1700 square foot rental located about 7 minutes from where we currently live.  It is a four bedroom rambler and our plan is to move in with them before demolition begins (in less than 3 weeks).  The reality of getting ready to move after 46 years in this home is beginning to set in.  Thankfully, I don’t have to move out of my two garages (shh, don't tell my son-in-law)!

Grandma has been sorting “stuff” by throwing some things away and boxing up the things we need to keep. Our plan is to separate the things we need for daily living and pack the things we want to keep for the new house.  I’ve been hauling boxes out to the car for charity and others to the garage for storage.  Grandma has been going through a lot of emotions with this process.  She expressed to Stacy that it is a strange feeling knowing that at age 74, there are some things she will never use again. 

Today I began removing the sprinkler heads around the construction area, removing flower barrels and the chain link fence next to house.  Now this plan is starting to touch my emotions.  The memories of installing them in the first place and the “pain” of getting rid of things (will I ever need this again?) bring back memories of when my parents passed away and the process of getting rid of their “precious belongs”.  Sometimes thoughts like- I wish I could keep all this stuff until I pass away and let the kids deal with it enter my mind.  But we need to do this, if nothing else, for the kids' sake. 

Working with my grandsons today reminded me how much I look forward to getting them involved in the construction phase.  I plan on working them really hard because we are going to need the help.  And I know it will provide lasting memories that they will cherish forever (even if they don't think so right now).  For now I will try to concentrate more on how much we will enjoy the future, and less on the emotional strain of the process of getting there.