Wednesday, February 24, 2016

That Old House

I have been a little sentimental lately.  You see, my parent's house, the house that I grew up in, is going to be sold soon.  After my parents passed away, my brother rented it out for a few years, but now it's time to sell it.


Me and my brother were born in this house, so you can see how it has so many memories for me.


My sister and I shared a room growing up until she moved out of the house.   My mom covered the walls in our room with a calico flowered fabric, which she did all on her own.  It looks something like this.

 
She was always working on some kind of project, whether it was sewing, plastering brick on the walls in her kitchen, or making us costumes and dresses for all the special occasions we went to.  She even pierced my ears when I was a young girl, can you imagine?


Then, when my siblings had kids of their own, all the cousins would gather there for parties, get togethers, and holidays.

Jess and her cousin

This tree in my mom's front yard is as old as the house, and Nel and Jess used to climb it and talk and laugh and tell stories.


I'm going to miss that old house, and I hope someone with good character buys it.  Every time I drive by, I will think of my mom and dad who made a life here with their family and my brothers and sister who mean so much to me.......remembering a time when the world was a little more carefree and a little less rushed.  I can hear the whispers of children and their children talking and laughing and playing once again.


~Sheri

36 comments:

The Joy of Home with Martha Ellen said...

Oh Sheri, what a lovely post. I understand how you feel. You have wonderful memories of growing up and bringing your children there. What a sweet picture of you and your brother and then the one of your girls. I hope the new family continues the tradition of happy times that your family started! ♥

Row homes and Cobblestones said...

Sheri I feel this share my friend. My parents home was sold when they moved to Florida with my brother because of age and health issues. Both parents are now gone and I will forever remember their house with imprinted memories of youth. i was 2 when they moved into their custom built house. It was under construction for over a year and I remember my Dad picking me up and putting me on his shoulder when he walked around showing where the rooms would be. I was not nearly 1 and I have retained the memories, yes very strange with my early memory retention. All I can say is I understand Sheri but memories recalled live in our heart with the same emotional pull of yesteryear.
xoxo,
Vera

It's me said...

The old house....always in our heart we never forget....i drive belong a several time a month...always looking always remembering the good old times......so hard....but that's life Darling.....love from me Ria ❤️❤️❤️

Kim Collister Studio said...

Sheri,
This post made me tear a little. The house looks much like the house I grew up in, that I remember. My dad built a fish pond where the flower bed is in yours and my mom raised big beautiful koi fish in it. We used to sit on the edge and dangle our feet, which we got in trouble for all the time. We had the same kind of tree in the court yard and my brother and I climbed it all the time. I have pictures of my two children when they were little in that same tree on my wall, it is one of my favorites. I remember all my years in that house like a video. It was sold to a really sweet couple and they are raising their children there, so the house will have layers of happy memories. I am sure yours will too. Loved your post, it took me back to happy times!
XO
Kim

Grace said...

I hope a big loving family moves in! What a beautiful post and lovely memories. That is something you will always carry with you in your heart. Just think of someone loving the house so much and buying it. Grace xoox

Tulla and Catie said...

Sheri,
when reading your post, I remembered my own childhood in our lovely house. We also had a wonderful time similar to your childhood and the one of your children. So I really can understand your sentimentality. When I was 20 years old, my parents had to move out of the house due to a new working place in the south of the country and so I lost my "home". From time to time I come by, and then I am a little bit sentimental because of all the wonderful memories. There is no family living in that house anymore, it is used as a guest house for a company. This made me sad, because there is no more family life in it. But indeed, you and me, we really had a good time and I am very proud of it.
I hope for you that the new owners will respect your family house and keep it tidy and cosy for their own family!
Take care my friend,
Barbara

Susie Swanson said...

What a beautiful home and I feel your heartache. The same thing happened to our old home and I still can't help but go pass it now and again. Those memories will be there for a lifetime. hugs, xo

Susie said...

Oh Sheri, this touches my heart. You know what a sentimental slob I am. LOL. I still go by my mom's old place.. the yard seems smaller now. I know you have wonderful memories and it will seem sad that your old homestead isn't in your family any longer. Your house looked very nice too. The people who bought mom's place tore out all her lilacs...I bet my mom was not happy about that. :) Hugs to you sweetheart. xoxo, love, Susie

a writing place said...

I do hope your family home, is bought by people, who will love it and live in it, happily.

My family home (in a small village, a ways east of our city) is now owned by people who do seem to care for it. I'd love to knock on the door and ask if I could just look around. But of course, I can't do that!!!!!!!

It would be fun (for me, not for them!) to walk in and see the rooms I knew so well... See them now. Because changes would certainly have been made.

Yes, I would love to. No, I will not be able to.

:-)

Karen said...

Sweet memories and cute photos! Our grandmother's house was made into a flower and gift shop after she and grandpa died. I thought it suited her perfectly because she also had a project going. She even wallpapered with fabric once.
I hope all goes well.

Patricia said...

It does look like a very warm and attractive home, Sheri, and I can feel your heart-ache as it passes out of the family. I am sure a good family will be attracted to your childhood place, and care for it well. My old father still owns my childhood home and a second home from when my children were little. It will be sad for me too when they have to be sold. Part of life's rich tapestry, isn't it. Lovely post. xox

Lavender and Linen said...

It's so hard to give up a piece of our past....hopefully the new owners will love it as much as you and your family. You can always think about the wonderful memories that you had while living there.

Cranberry Morning said...

I hope so too, Sheri. I hope that someone will buy it and learn to love it as your family does. That's always our concern when a new owner takes over property we've become attached to. So much of ourselves has been woven into the fabric of that house, making it a home.

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

I know the feeling.

When my parents' home in Los Angeles was left to me, Ruben and I rented it out for 10 years while we went to school in Boston. Occasionally, we'd revisit the old homestead on trips back to California, and I'd remember. Funny how memories come back to you; but I still can't figure out how to write about my life without getting too sentimental (or TWEE, as my poetry teacher puts it)....but we are made of sentiments, and this is what makes us human. We were created to create, not just with materials hard or soft to the touch, but in spirit, that which nourishes from generation to generation. Enjoy the memories dear friend. You have many.

Gypsy Heart said...

Such a beautiful home and the tree is amazing! I so understand your feelings. The house we grew up seemed so large at the time and years later when driving by it, I couldn't believe how small it really was. You have such treasured memories and that's a blessing!

xoxo
Pat

Unknown said...

Amazing the fond memories of years gone in whats seems a flash. As I read your words I was taken aback to memories of my own. Similarly, my Mom always working on some project while we kids, brothers and sisters played in and outside. The house Mom and Dad owned now transformed into somewhat a tri-plex with a giant Hilton hotel planted right behind it where once a 40 acre field we played in was. Thanks for the share of your lovely memories and photographs and I hope whom ever buys your folks home cherishes and cares for it as much as you all have.

Blessings,

Dave

Donna said...

Sheri,
I know how you feel. We had to sell our family's home, too. But you will always have the memories of how it used to be. That's how I handle it.
Donna

Mary Palumbo Collings said...

Very sweet memories Sheri… as they say, you can't go back home, but, you can dream and cherish all of your wonderful childhood memories! I hope too that someone with good character buys your parents' home…
with love, Mary

ThefashionFlite said...

wow, Sheri this is such a beautiful memory. we can never forget the house we grew in. I love that tree, and super adorable kidoos u all were.
New Post on my blog, do drop by soon ,<3
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nuria said...

What a beautiful and warm post! ❤️
xxx
www.travelera.es

Mary@mydogsmygardenandmary said...

So many special memories for you in your parents. I am sure a very special family will buy it and raise their children there.
Such a beautiful post and you have so many wonderful memories.
Have a great week Sheri.
Hugs,
Mary

Holly said...

Oh such sweet memories, and the red door you spoke about. Hopefully the next tenants will fill it with as much love as your family has. My mom actually pierced my ears herself when I was only two weeks old, she used a potato and needle. have a great rest of the week.

Stephanie said...

Sweet friend, it was a joy to walk down memory lane with you. It's truly amazing how a home can hold so many memories... The home I lived in when I was only a child was built by my dad and I helped him and my mom with it. There's not much a little one can do, but my dad gave me a tube of paste and I helped fill in the holes in the wall :) To a child that meant a lot that her dad would trust her with such a "big job."

The home was built in Canada and it's still there. Every time I go back to visit family I drive down Summer Hill Road and pause to look at the house my dad so lovingly built for his family.

Wishing you a joyous day! Hug and so much love!

White Lace and Promises said...

I remember with pain the selling of our old house. Then the packing up of all mama and daddy's stuff. The hardest time of my life. Prayers for you as you grieve that. It is a process. It takes a longer time for some. For me, I don't think I ever moved away emotionally so it was harder on me than my brother and sister. God bless you as you move forward.

janice15 said...

Awe so sorry... Im glad so far we are keeping mamas house. The good thing is you have found memories of it.. Much much love my dear...love Janice

Jemma@athomewithjemma said...

Sheri,

I am so sorry, letting go of these things is so difficult and painful. Another passage of time and it truly does hurt.

You will always have those wonderful memories.
Hold them close to your heart always, no one can take those away.

Love,
jemma

La Petite Gallery said...

Oh Sheri, You know the saying" you can't go home again." Well I went to my old house in Miami on Palm Island. Did I ever cry. They ripped the arched windows out and put in ugly awing things. They tore out the spiral staircase to the dock.
I kept thinking of Thomas Wolfe's book. You will always have beautiful memories
of your home. yvonne

Teresa said...

That circle has come to an end.
Although it pains it's wonderful to see that you're all building other circles so the Life and Love taught is shared for the generations to come. More laughs, whispers, brothers-sister-cousins love will be built. In other homes. With different faces and hearts. But that's what will guarantee that your loving parents keep witnessing - from beyond - what a truly great job they did.
Sending hugs of healing, hope and faith - in you and the others here and those who will come - to you on this post.
Love,
Teresa



:love: Priceless photo of Jess with her Gorgeous Cousin. I wouldn't trade that photo for the possession of all Castles in the World!!!

Lowcarb team member said...

Sheri - I can so understand your sentiments here, but isn't it what life is all about. Living, growing together and amassing some special memories that stay in our hearts.

Once again this post and your photo's were a most special read.

Enjoy the coming weekend my blogging friend.

All the best Jan

LoveT. said...

You have wonderful Memories, all sound so lovely :)

Lots of Hugs for you, kisses <3

Karen @ Beatrice Euphemie said...

Oh Sheri, such a touching post. Love reading about your sweet memories and seeing the wonderful photos of your childhood and your sweet daughter and cousin. I have the exact same sewing machine - I use the cabinet for my computer, so I am sitting in front of it right now. This home seems so filled with love and memories, I am sure it will attract a lovely family who will add more loving memories as the years go by. Sometimes it is just so hard to say goodbye to what was once so long ago. It will always be there in your heart. Hugs xo Karen

handmade by amalia said...

A lovely trip down memory lane, Sheri. I'm sure that it will be difficult to say goodbye to a house that has seen so many good times.
Amalia
xo

Angelsdoor * Penny said...

Oh Sherry,
This post tugs at my heart.. You know as well as I, that we can't go back...
But we can carry our memories with us always.. And you have so many wonderful memories that were created in this home.. And a beautiful home it is. I love what you said about hearing the whispers and laughter of children...
This was the way I felt when we moved from the Valley when I was a child..But that house will always carry some of my best childhood memories..

Thank you so much for your visit.. I know I am late in thanking you... I loved seeing the hot air balloon, but don't think I could ever go up in one..
Enjoy your weekend dear friend.
blessings,
Penny

Roses, Lace and Brocante said...

The past has such memories for us and brings back our childhood days.
I gather you are still living in the town you grew up in Sher.
I hope a young family will buy it and a new generation will make their memories.
Shane x

Draffin Bears said...

Dear Sheri,

I know exactly what you are saying and how hard it is to let go of the old family home that you had so many happy memories with.
Your Mother sounded a lot like mine, she used to always sew my sister and I pretty dresses to wear.
Sending hugs
Carolyn

Unknown said...

Oh Sheri,
This is incredibly touching. What a special place for you and your family. You have warm, lovely memories of a lifetime. Your mom was certainly a talent with the creative projects. Now I know where you get your creativity.
It is hard to say goodbye to a place so special. Just know it will always be in your heart and memories. In that way, it is always with you.
Beautiful post.
xx, Heather