It almost marks one year ago that Jeff and I took a snowy & cold drive one Sunday afternoon to “peek” at a 100 year old house that popped up on our radar. At that time, yes we were looking for a new house and were searching for a new place to call home. No, we were not expecting to fall in love with and eventually buy a historic home. But we did, and we have not a single regret in doing so. We talked and planned and dreamt of this house from the moment we pulled in the driveway. We knew exactly what we were getting ourselves into and the dreams began to unfold.
When Jeff passed away, I was immediately surrounded by people who wanted help in any way that they could. And we’ve spent the past 3.5 months primarily with volunteer and a handful of small contractors trying to complete it and get it ready for us to move into. I’ve seen scores of people come through that house with a familiar look. One that’s sort of glazed over, a little (ok, a lot) overwhelmed at the amount of work and some of them even brave enough to mutter the words … Wow, Mishelle. This is a ton of work … We even had one contractor come out that said sure, for $xxx,xxx I’ll have you moved in 6 months. (Don’t worry, I politely asked him to get the heck off my front porch.). So I get the questions and the looks, and they drive me even more to get it done. I’ve even had a few people say … what are you doing? You can’t do this without him here.
But one thing Jeff and I never did was run away from a challenge. Ever. And remember, we’ve done this before. Not to an old house, but we built the house we live in now from the ground up, complete with a total gut, a new foundation and memories of making toast in the upstairs bedroom while the kitchen was being built. And we know it’s not easy, but totally and completely worth it.
So here we are and I’m happy to say that we are in the home stretch. Home stretch!! Although the mountain standing in front of me is intimidating on most days, I know with certainty that I can conquer it. My faith is stronger than it’s ever been. I am surrounded by people who are more than I could have ever imagined. And together we’ll do this. I’ve learned how to work power tools, install lighting fixtures, fix toilets, use our industrial size snow blower and trust me when I say I’ve been to hell and back in the past 3 months … so building a house made of wood and drywall and nails and wires pales in comparison to what I’ve been through. But we’re here on the other side, and I can see the light coming through only if even a peep at the other side of the tunnel.
So why? Why do this? Why not just walk away from this house and buy something brand new in the same city? Or maybe even stay happy & content where we’re at? Because life isn’t supposed to be easy. We’re here to face challenges to head on. To fill our lives with adventure, and to grow. To learn from our life lessons. To heal after heartbreak. To become closer to God. To nuture our soul. It’s the reason we were created, and the essence of the human spirit. But that’s the long answer of why. The simple answer is this.
This is why.
xoxo, Mishelle
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