Since June 9th, we have been living in the Airstream on the driveway of our old house. Technically, we are full timing in the Airstream but emotionally, it didn’t quite yet feel the same. We had a lot of work to do to get our stuff packed up and cleaned out and it took all of the time we had to do it. Today, after 4 trips with U-Hauls and 11 days of driveway living, we finally departed our beloved home of 8 years and left the town that has embraced and sheltered us for nearly 12 years. This time for good.
It was a bittersweet moment to know that we are moving on to something new and exciting yet so many memories were left behind. Mila is a little too small to know the meaning of our move but Ava has been dreading this moment for many, many months. It is the first time she has been this attached to an inanimate object in her life. Between leaving her preschool teachers and friends, moving out of the house and leaving the town she was born all at the same time eventually brought her to tears as we did a final walk through and took a family self-portrait on the doorsteps one last time.
It is hard to tell in the photo but Ava was doing her best to eek out something that resembled a smile through her sadness. We didn’t really have any words to say to make her feel better, or at least ones that actually worked, as we were feeling those same emotions.
We drove away only about an hour before the new owners came to take possession knowing that we will probably never be back again. I sure hope they take good care of that old house and our stray cat Sivi when he comes back looking for us.
over and out,
dan
2 Comments
jerry · June 20, 2012 at 4:50 pm
Tell Ava, she gets to keep the memories for a lifetime. Have a great journey!
Claire · June 21, 2012 at 4:24 am
Good luck, guys!!!! As five, you look like a really complete family!! Happy adventures ahead!!