
Well, since the big widening project that started a while back, I haven't had the courage to go take a look at the house that once was. In fact, many of the homes that were there are now gone, and I had a hard time even recognizing our old property. The only thing that helped me get my bearing was our apricot tree that my dad helped my kids build a tree fort in about five years ago. My parents actually moved about three years ago, and I was not prepared for the reaction I felt when I saw the old place. I was not prepared for the feeling of a fifty pound block of concrete on my chest, and the tears that welled up in my eyes. I thought I had made the break, I thought I separated myself from that house years ago when I got married. I guess not. As soon as I saw it, I burst into tears and I couldn't stop crying.
At least I had enough wits about me to sneak back and take some photos of the house and the old barn before they were gone for good. When my parents lived there, this little house was a lot cuter, and the old barn and garden area was better kept. That is one thing that my dad always took pride in and he always had a beautiful garden. At least I have something to remind me of what we had when we grew up there. Did you know that my dad built that old barn we had out of some old ammunition boxes that he picked up for free? I think they were from WWII. That is so cool, and he built a barn out of them, how handy. The memories I have of climbing up on that barn to watch the So. Jordan fireworks on the 4th of July are just some of my memories that are precious to me.
Now when I say that this old house was little, I am not kidding. I can't believe that my parents raised five kids in that teeny tiny house. I think that is one on the reasons that we were so close growing up, it's because we were forced to be! It wasn't much to look at but we knew that we could always go home and feel like we belonged, and you always had a friend waiting for you.
I sure loved that old house, and I cant believe how sad I feel that it's gone. It's just a house right? I feel like a part of who I am is gone now though. I can't even take the kids there and tell them stories about how I got knocked over by my dads blind sheep and I flew into the ditch, or tell them about how grandpa chased that stupid rooster down the dirt road with a 2x4 because every time I would go gather eggs from the chicken coop, he would attack me.

I may not have my childhood home any longer, but I have come to the realization that just because that is gone now, my memories live on, and we all have each other to remind us of where we came from. A home full of LOVE!
16 comments:
You're killin' me, Schmalz!!!
I am so sad for you! It is so hard to see time slipping through our fingers so quickly. Love your family picture!
Stacy. How wonderfully written.
Thanks for making my mascara run.
I look lovely.
I hope to have our family like that and my kids to love each other like that when they are older. How neat, it explains more about you and your sweet nature. This is as good as scripture. Love ya!
You are too cute! I'd love to hear more of your rooster stories sometime :). I hope you have written down all of your fun memories for your cute kiddos! Thanks for sharing!
I wish I could raise my children with roosters to chase them :) I am glad you got some pictures of your old house and barn. It is fun to see your family picture and see the same eyes and smiles I remember, just on slightly older faces :)
I remember that house, we dropped Matt off once, and I remember thinking how qaint and gentle (if you will) the house seemed.
I would be really sad too, if my mom ever moved from my childhood home.
You are a great writer girl. I love to read your posts. I feel your pain. When we moved to our home out here, we left behind a very timy home. I loved that little 965 square foot house. I loved that all my memories of my babies are in one little place. I love that my mom found that house for us. I love that everyone always said how cute we had made that little house. I love that that little house allowed us to use it until we no longer needed it and we were able to move on. I love that memories are vivid in my mind and in my heart. Even though we are in a much better place now, I miss that old house. I wish it still stood. I'm sad that my kids will never be able to take my grandchildren past their first home. But..I, too, am so thankful for family and for the memories we share. That's what's important. Anyway, because of that house...I get to know you! That's a pretty
terrific trade off! Love you!
Oh Stacy! That is so sad! Even Andrew has told me memories from that house! I know what you mean though...I just have this connection with my parents house too. Its the only place I really want to be when I am sick or feeling down. Its like I found my identity in that house and molded who I was. I can't imagine what it ould be like if it was gone. I am really sorry and you seem to have a great, wonderful family.
I think the first horse I fed was at your house but I don't remember roosters. And I sort of remember staying there when my parent's went to Hawaii. I miss driving by it too... and pointing it out to my kids.
Our house in SL is a parking lot. And the Redwood house is just different without my family there--so I totally get you. It was sooo country then-huh? I was crossing Redwood alone when I was just a little tike.
Wow...that is so great! It puts into perspective what makes a family great...what our kids will remember from their childhood, and what things are just not important. You are so blessed to have such a wonderful family and such great memories. Thanks so much for sharing!
Oh Stacy! You almost made me cry because I know exactly how you feel. When my parents sold our house that I grew up in, the people went in and COMPLETELY gutted it and changed everything about it, even the outside. And now, there is a whole new addition and garage and it's stucco instead of siding. Although it probably looks 100% better I feel like they stripped away all my memories. I lived there for 19 years and it definitely holds a place in my heart. I always drive past it and get a little teary eyed.
Whenever Dan and I drove down 104th when your house was there, Dan would always say someting about the horse he got bucked off of there. So, when we drove past it the other day and it was gone, I thought of you and I knew you must of been sad. It's crazy what they have done to that area. What great memories you will always have of that place!!
I loved hearing your stories, Stacy. It is hard to see things change that we want to stay the way we remember. It gives some security to know that you can go back and visit when you feel like it. They just tore down my elementary school, and it made me really sad too. You are such a sweetheart.
Stacy,
I love you dearly girl! And it has been my privledge growing up with you! In the wise words of an old friend....
Nothing that Matters is Lost! I believe that with all of my being and I am eternally thankful I can spend eternity with group of ya'whos!! Love you sister : )
I drive down that road regularly because we live so close and it makes me sad to see all of those poor boared-up and half demolished houses and I didn't even live in one. Now I'm really sad for you.
You doing ok? Just hoping you are busy playing Mrs Claus and that explains your absence. You know, from the bloggy world.
It has been 2 whole weeks, you know!
Where are you? I notice when your not blogging...
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