So Thankful

As I am writing this a few days before Thanksgiving, I am thinking ahead as to how I will feel on Thanksgiving Day. You see, this is the last holiday that we will be celebrating in our home as we will be moving out by the following Friday.

We built our home. With the help of a local architect we planned everything in it that we wanted. We subcontracted and did work ourselves as well. What cherished memories I have of my daddy and me sanding and finishing every single piece of wood on the tongue and groove ceiling and the wainscoating. What beautiful memories I have of my mom and dad sitting in the kitchen bay window with their morning

coffee when they would come to visit. How God has graced us with our eyes to see the beautiful sunsets outside our front door.

We have had many holiday celebrations in our home. Our children watched and help as we built our home and then grew up there before going off to

college and getting married. The floors have held sleepovers and parties with dancing galore. The walls have seen them dress up for special events such as their proms and one for her wedding. While our daughter was in the Homestead Senior High Band for four years, the entire band would be at our home for swim parties. Our home has hosted the Sacred Heart Woman’s Club for many Christmas parties.

Our home protected us during Hurricane Andrew. As we huddled in the hallway with the roof vibrating and the walls breathing in and out around us, they held to keep us safe.

We have had Christening parties and birthday parties for the grandchildren. All nine grands have visited as newborns in our home and have, over the years, enjoyed running around the property and learning to swim in the pool.

Mr. Wonderful and myself have watched our family grow from inside that home.

Come Thursday, as we all gather around to pray before the meal with about 40 family and friends, I know the tears will come. Sad tears and happy tears. They are already flowing as I am writing this.

I know the time has come to move on and allow another family to enjoy our home. Thankfully, we were able to hand pick the family who is going to move in and we are so happy that it is a young family with little children who I know will have many years to come in what the husband says is, “our forever home.”

The time in our life has come for us to move on. We are older now and the property is just too big for us. It’s time.

I am and continue to be thankful. I am thankful that God has allowed us to live where we have, on the edge of the Everglades where every day was a new adventure. I am thankful that He has allowed us to share our home with so many family and friends. I am thankful that He has given us the grace to invite others into our home during their times of need. I am indebted that He has allowed the home to protect us through the storms, both physical and emotional. I am thankful…

Happy Thanksgiving to all.