This Old House, Part 2

Liesl Schiavone reflects on letting go of her childhood home and her hopes for family fun in new locales.

As we all know, life has a way of twisting and turning in ways you don’t expect. The old house I wrote of over a year and a half ago is still with us, but not for much longer.

Those best-laid plans of getting her on the market last spring were delayed by an unforeseen and significant medical event and recovery for my dad. As it always had, this old house held us through days of rotating travel, uncertainty, and hope. Through prayer, remarkable medical care, patience, and determination; Dad has made a full recovery. He moved into his new house after his hospital discharge last summer and in the last several months has set out to build a new home while getting back to the hard work of cleaning and purging the old house we loved so much.

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To Dad and my siblings and me, this process has felt a bit drawn out, like a slow removal of a bandage. Yet, in that time, treasures have been set aside: furniture and dishes ready for grandkids and new homes. Lost things have been found, like Mom’s engagement ring and the heirloom rosary I carried at my wedding. These have felt like small parting gifts, giving us the assurance that these walls were as honored to hold us as we were to have been held. The vitality that this old house once had has now taken residence in our memories and it is time for another family to enjoy.

The Old

I went over to this old house last week, and it’s pretty wild to see it empty. As I walked around, snap shots of time were frozen in my memory and I stood there, grateful for the sturdy walls and tall ceilings in which I was fortunate to grow. There are sights and sounds that I will never forget; like the way the back door sounded when it opened, or the specific creaking sound made by the step at the top of the staircase. I’ll remember the feeling of the key in the door and the way the light hit the entry hall chandelier. There are things about this house that will run forever in my veins, and I am grateful for its sturdy foundation and its humble service.

The New

For all that we knew and loved about the old house, there’s something pretty beautiful about the new one too. It’s on a lovely property, secluded and peaceful, but accessible, bordering a church and a cemetery. It has plenty of yard for grandkids, a slew of wildlife visitors, and all the familiar décor. After the trials of last summer, this year has been full of wonderful family gatherings; a baby shower, a wedding, and graduation parties have brought us together with joy and gratitude.

Dad’s new house has had many visitors and has received a 10/10 rating from grandkids. It’s proven to be a stellar party spot with is beautiful lawn and garden spots and there is talk of a future pavilion and fire pit. Mom would be proud and delighted to see her family embrace this new space.

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