Closing

We closed on Mom's house today. I didn't mention it really here, but over the past few months my brother James ripped up the carpets, had the walls painted neutral colors, and did odd jobs to depersonalize the house in preparation for sale. He did it very well.

The house was for sale for only five days before we got an offer. The buyer is a young, single woman; this is her first house. Apparently families buy bigger houses now. But I guess the good news is that the house didn't hang on until we really wanted it sold.

But the real problem is that I picture this house with Mom's things in it, of course. Things that are now partially in self-storage, in friends and relatives' homes, and spread all over Hell's half acre thanks to Value Village. And with the house gone, the certain fact that Mom is NOT in her kitchen whipping up a batch of maple syrup muffins, she's NOT cuddled into bed under an ungodly high pile of blankets reading, and she's NOT fucking anywhere is very hard to ignore.

So that woman - I signed papers with her name on it, but I didn't read it - is moving in today. And I really hope she loves the house. I hope she adores it, and is thrilled about living there, and is full of plans for it.

I just wish this wasn't.

Comments

[Stacey]

It is a sad event, I can kind of relate...but think of it this way: You're giving this woman a great new beginning. A home of her own!

(Just trying to look on the bright side, which is soooo unlike me by the way. If you want to wallow, then I totally understand. Just ignore me.)

[Holly Jo]

The logistics of a loved one's death seems like such a surreal thing. Stuff that is under "normal" circumstances very unpleasant becomes a complete nightmare.

[Kristin]

I'm so sorry Katherine

[Cathi]

I'm sorry that this is yet another tough day for you. My thoughts are with you.

[Jody]

I know where you're coming from. It's been four years and I won't let my dad clean out her bathroom cabinet. I just like to look at all her stuff. When we donated her clothes, I kept things I didn't want just becausse it reminded me of her.

It does get easier, but you never forget. Good luck with today!

[knittingnurse]

{{hugs}}

[Karma]

So hard. My memories of my mom are so closely entwined with her home. But I like what someone else said, that you (and your mom) are giving a young woman a new beginning; that's a hopeful way of looking at things. xo

[sue]

This is a hard one. While I see your photos, my mind's eye doesn't get it. The house and all your mom's treasures are there as they always have been. But when I get moments of this reality, I think the woman moving in has such a find! A home with great energy and a great back garden!May she be happy there.

Love you
Sue

[Kari]

I am so sorry K.