My parents lived in the same house since I was 3. My brother and sister were born and grew up in that house. I lived there until college, then again for a few months when we first moved back from Israel and then from Chicago. It has really been over 15 years since I lived there though. I 'gave up' my room to my little sister when I moved to Israel (I had the biggest bedroom). It was an homage to the 90's complete with laminate kitchen, vintage John Morgan designed built ins and textured walls in the dining room. BUT, I still felt that it was my comfort place. They did do some updates recently (I wish I had pictures of the 90's style to show you!) to make the house more appealing and bringing the style slightly closer to the new millennium. All of the meals and holidays that we celebrated as a family felt so comfy and cozy when we were at my parent's house.
My parents have tried on and off to move since I was in middle school and there was always something that did not work out. Now that they are truly empty-nesters, they decided that they needed to move and we were all so surprised at how fast the house sold.
Now at age 31, I was having a crisis that my parents were leaving my childhood home. My feel good place of refuge. I know that we all felt it and were so sad that my parents were leaving the house. We heard from the neighbors that the new owner cut down 2 of the big beautiful trees in the front that we planted as kids and our hearts were heavy. But I do know that I will always have all of the memories and there will be new family gatherings at my own house that have that happy feeling for as all since the most important thing is our family and not a house.
Now at age 31, I was having a crisis that my parents were leaving my childhood home. My feel good place of refuge. I know that we all felt it and were so sad that my parents were leaving the house. We heard from the neighbors that the new owner cut down 2 of the big beautiful trees in the front that we planted as kids and our hearts were heavy. But I do know that I will always have all of the memories and there will be new family gatherings at my own house that have that happy feeling for as all since the most important thing is our family and not a house.
Here is the video that the Real Estate Agent Made if you want a peek into the house I grew up in.
I know what you mean about your childhood home being your "safe place." My parents sold their empty nest a few years ago and it was definitely bittersweet!
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