My Front Porch

I officially retired as of June 27th. That is a great reason to celebrate. It’s both exciting and scary for me. I been in survival mode for so many years and that switch is difficult to turn off.

D said he wants me to focus on my health and writing. He helped me to make this big decision. I can’t begin to tell you how amazing he is. We have become each other’s world and there are no words. It’s simply beautiful.

So this week my focus is on cleaning my house and doing minor repairs so we can sell it. It is strange walking in here. The first thing I did today was call out Mattea’s name like always, but, of course, she didn’t answer. My heart swelled and then sank like a rock. Tears filled my eyes. Life has changed so fast.

But as I was deep cleaning the kitchen, I was thankful this is my last time to clean it. I got to thinking about all that transpired here over the years. Compared to life now, I realize that there was a lot of sadness, pain, and depression here. Even so, it was a safe haven for my kids, although it wasn’t actually the house that soothed them or even me. It was being with each other and this is just where we happened to be. We will always have that closeness even outside of these four walls. So I’m fine with leaving this house and the stresses that went with it. The good memories, and my kids, go with me wherever I go.

I’m taking a break from cleaning and trying to cool off a bit on my front porch swing, which is actually a glider. The robin parents have a nest in the lilac bush next to the porch and they are screaming at me to leave this porch. Not quite yet, Mr. & Mrs. Robin.

This will probably be my last post from this porch. I’m taking the swing with me as long as I repaint it. D has this thing about the color red, so I will paint it grey or maybe a groovy hot pink. (I know he will be reading this so I’m sure he just laughed while shaking his head no.)

As long as I can take the swing with me I am good. It’s like an old friend. It’s glided me through laughter and tears, and everything in-between. I’ve written a boatload of posts from here. Now I’ll just have a different, but beautiful view. I look forward to writing new posts from its new location.

For me to make this transition easier from my home to his, some things need to remain familiar. Like my red porch swing, my Italian decor, and yes, even my silverware. Yeah, I need my silverware. 😊

Goodbye porch. You’ve been good to me. I will miss you most of all. ♥️

Andi