On this day four years ago, I drove from Green Bay to Watertown through a torrential rainstorm. My destination: yet another house showing. The wild real estate market of 2021 saw us outbid on two homes previously (one in Fort Atkinson and one in Watertown), but I remained hopeful as the online listing looked promising. When I pulled up to the house, before I even entered the door, my heart knew that I was home. Could this be the one?
The house IRL did not disappoint. So many of our boxes were checked: A “forever” ranch home for aging in place. A basement space that could be finished if the manchild needed to live with us. A quaint and quiet neighborhood. And a sunroom. I’d always wanted a sunroom.
Our dream home was becoming a reality: our offer was accepted. Was this actually happening? Yes. Of course, our move occurred in stages as I had an interim to finish, Ryan would withdraw from high school, and Dennis was still teaching. Minor details. What a ride.
Why Watertown? Good question. I was serving as an interim in Shawano at the time, and was considering future interim opportunities. Watertown sits nearly at the edge of two synods, so I figured location, location, location. Plus, we would be much closer to Dennis’s family, who we didn’t get to see as often as we wanted. Another bonus: Watertown is close to equidistant from Madison and Milwaukee for times we’d want to venture into a city.
You know where this is going. Without Dennis, our dream home obviously feels different. I can understand why the internet claims that 30% of widows move from their homes. Home ownership comes with many responsibilities and expenses. Our homes are filled with our loved one’s possessions. Hopes and dreams for the future were discussed over meals shared around this table. Memories were made here, good and not so good (like the last time he left the house). Home sweet home can easily become home bittersweet home for some.
Before you get all excited, I’m staying put. While none of us knows what the future brings, I’m choosing to carry on in the place we called home together. Yes, I’m making it my own with touches like pink bedding, a kitty cat welcome mat, and the “smelly” candles that he never liked. Maybe I’ll even consider hosting some holidays (the ones when I’m not working haha). Please wait for your invite as my mindset remains the same on drop-ins: Nope.
May your hearts and homes be filled with every blessing, friends. Cherish every moment.