Back to the Future

It’s been several months since I last posted on the blog.  But it’s certainly not because I’ve been lazy.  On the second anniversary of Michael’s death I asked God to show me what I should do with myself and I distinctly heard Him say “Live”.  And so that’s what I’ve been doing – going on with life.

In the months before Michael passed away, both my parents also passed away.  As my siblings and I settled their estates I acquired their house — a 3 bedroom, 1 bath ranch style house so typical of all the houses built in their 1957 neighborhood.  Michael and I had discussed on several occasions that, if the property were ever to become available, we would pursue building a new house to accommodate the final empty-nesting years of our lives.  And so this is what I’ve done.

Late last summer I proceeded to tear down the old home, the one that my mom brought me home to from the hospital, the one I spent the first twenty years of my life in.  The idea of tearing it down was one I had come to accept through the previous months as I worked with an architect to develop my ideas for a new home.  I will never forget watching with my brother as the heavy equipment was breaking down the walls.  “Is it kind of sad to you?” I asked.  “It wasn’t until you asked me!” he replied.

Through the last eight months the new house has gone from an idea in my head to a sketch on paper and now finally to a real place to live.  I think I’ve come to appreciate more than ever the work that Michael did as a contractor throughout his life.  The hours of planning, thousands of decisions and frustration of delays and unforeseen problems are only eclipsed by the excitement and satisfaction of living in the finished product.  And it couldn’t have happened without the encouragement and assistance from so many friends.  Friends who tirelessly sit with you through meetings to help navigate red tape.  Painter friends.  Electrician friends.  Decorator friends.  And friends who will drop everything to run over and turn off a blaring alarm system so you don’t have to race across town in the middle of the night.

So now begins a new chapter.  The same address that I was born at becomes my address once again.  The neighborhood I grew up in is my neighborhood once more.  There are neighbors here that still remember me as a child and a teenager.  The neighborhood children I once babysat have long moved away and are now parents themselves.  In fact the house on my left side is one of the original 1957 ranch houses, still occupied by the sweet family that watched me grow up.  While on the other side the lot is empty, the 1957 ranch house demolished in anticipation of a new one being built.

The past on one side, the future on the other.

   And here I am, a part of both.

1957

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 2017

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8 thoughts on “Back to the Future”

  1. Thank you Ginger for your blog. I love reading about your life as it gives me encouragement. When my mom moved in with us we had to sell it. The owners demolished our house that we grew up in. It was very emotional. We barely had A/C, we had to plunge the sinks every time we used them. It was scary taking a shower because we might fall through and there were not so good memories in that house. I believe I was emotional because it was my story as Phil says. It was a true closer of my life without God to my life with God. Your family is a reminder of God’s love and how I would like my family to be seen. Y’all are great Ambassadors of Christ

  2. It’s beautiful! We can’t wait to see the completed and beautifully decorated home. Who would have ever thought that we would once again have the opportunity to hang out on Moss Lane with all our childhood neighborhood friends … The Moss Lane Gang! I’m happy that our friendships have continued through all these years. We grew up in such a wonderful time and place, and shared so many memories together! Welcome home Ginger! We love YOU and are so happy that your vision is now your reality! See ya very soon!

  3. So glad you took your time deciding what to do and where to go. They say wait at least a year before making these important decisions and you were very wise to wait. I still keep you in my prayers as you made a huge impression on my life and in my heart as my spiritual mentor. Love you, June

  4. Ginger, congratulations on your new home. Who says you can’t go home again. You just did!
    I’m glad you’re enjoying your life because tomorrow is promised to no one. Embrace your children, your grandchildren, your family and your many friends as you have. And continue to enjoy your travels!

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