Fabulous, Mark. We are currently in the same dilemma - should we sell our home where we both battle cancer and lived to tell about it, and where we hosted what seems like an unending number of holiday and just plain old dinner parties or move to a smaller house in a more senior-friendly community.
I am frightened to death about making the wrong decision. But honestly, it's time. Everything changes.
On a more personal note: I am from the Northwest Side of Chicago (Belmont & Central) and Barry is from Joliet.
Great post. But it's time to sell your house. They're just memories and you'll still have those. Let the leaf and snow removal be someone else's problem. We downsized to a condo six years ago...and while there are things I miss about the house (and a 2-car garage), this freed us up to spend a few months as snowbirds. As you get older, the winters get harder. Things change. This was right for us., probably you as well.
I just recently spent a year packing up a house I'd lived in for 27 years. Every square inch of it held memories; some joyous, some devastating. The last month of the process was truly an existential crisis and if not for the man grounding me through it, I don't think it would have come to fruition.
Our family homes are so much more than dwellings.
By the way, Mark, I think we grew up quite close to each other. If you're the Mark Rothschild I knew in suburban Chicago, your sister was a maid of honor at my wedding.
Amen to that! That's exactly how I feel about my home! Just my dog and me here now, and all our "ghosts"! This old house holds more than anyone will ever know.
My name is Trish and I am packing up my 30 year home and eating thai takeout. I needed this; thanks, feeling a bit less alone. Too close to home, lol.
My home has learned for everything there is a season
Absolutely loved this! The sentiments are mine, also. Where does it ultimately end? Only when we, also, ultimately end?
Fabulous, Mark. We are currently in the same dilemma - should we sell our home where we both battle cancer and lived to tell about it, and where we hosted what seems like an unending number of holiday and just plain old dinner parties or move to a smaller house in a more senior-friendly community.
I am frightened to death about making the wrong decision. But honestly, it's time. Everything changes.
On a more personal note: I am from the Northwest Side of Chicago (Belmont & Central) and Barry is from Joliet.
Very nice take, Mark.
I can relate. Tugs at my heart. What's a Substack?
Good hook. Well done piece without being maudlin. You inspire me to start a Substack. Thank you, but give away the tires.
Very beautiful and poignant. Some things you just can't sell.
Awwww, Mark! Now I'm all teary-eyed. The dinosaur egg oatmeal...💜
Genius.
Great post. But it's time to sell your house. They're just memories and you'll still have those. Let the leaf and snow removal be someone else's problem. We downsized to a condo six years ago...and while there are things I miss about the house (and a 2-car garage), this freed us up to spend a few months as snowbirds. As you get older, the winters get harder. Things change. This was right for us., probably you as well.
You cant sell….what about the open house..you need to think about others!!!!❤️❤️
I just recently spent a year packing up a house I'd lived in for 27 years. Every square inch of it held memories; some joyous, some devastating. The last month of the process was truly an existential crisis and if not for the man grounding me through it, I don't think it would have come to fruition.
Our family homes are so much more than dwellings.
By the way, Mark, I think we grew up quite close to each other. If you're the Mark Rothschild I knew in suburban Chicago, your sister was a maid of honor at my wedding.
thank you for your thoughtful essays!
🙏
Amen to that! That's exactly how I feel about my home! Just my dog and me here now, and all our "ghosts"! This old house holds more than anyone will ever know.
A beautiful story. I can still remember our first house. I was 5 when we moved. More than 70 years ago. I look forward to your posts