Selling My Childhood Home

Trying to sell the home I grew up in.

WOW!

What a weird mix of emotions this is causing.

After my fathers passing I knew this was something I was going to have to do, but nothing really gets you ready for this undertaking.  Just walking into my dad's bedroom felt like I was crossing into a foreign country illegally.  Then having to go through all his clothes and personal effects was almost to much to bare.  But, today was the icing on the cake, receiving the MLS link to the place I called home for my entire childhood.

http://www.coldwellbankeronline.com/property/details/2924300/MLS-08235204/1225-Jamie-Lane-Homewood-IL-60430.aspx

There are so many stories and memories made in and around this home.  From snowball fights across the driveway to making the front stairwell into a slide.  It was the one place that was consistently in my life, till now.

But, at some point I guess we all have to let go of some of the physical items of our past and just focus on the memories of them.  Still, this is not an easy undertaking.  I am so happy I have my friends and family by my side helping me get through it.

Through Your Neighbors Eyes

When I first decided to come and stay in my dad's house after he passed I was not sure if I was doing the right thing or not.  But, today I was reassured my decision was the right one. 

A neighbor of my dad's for over 13 years came by to ask him about the dumpsters in his drive way, not knowing he passed.  After sharing the news of his passing she broke down.  Once she was able to speak, she shared with me that though they did not talk much, he was her only friend in the neighborhood.  She told me stories how he would come help her get her snowblower running each winter, and give her pointers on keeping her yard looking good.  She said every time she spoke to her family out of state, she always would tell them about John, the amazing man who lived on the corner.

My dad was an extremely private man, but always eager to offer a helping hand whenever he could.  He lived his life to serve others, in the military, working as a teacher and deacon, raising me, and of course how he treated his neighbors. 

I wanted to share this story with everyone today so you can think about it the next time you see a person needing a little help, to make sure to help them out.  Because, hopefully after you pass, your children can be at your home and hear such a touching story from your neighbor like I did today.