The next couple of months mark 10 years since the time we transitioned into our current home.
I happened to be driving past our previous home on Greenfield Street several days ago and I noticed it was for sale. Whoa! Our family had 17 years invested in that home and there are some warm memories. My thought was that “we can go back”. Here is our chance. We could repurchase the Greenfield home, sell our place and return to 2002.
The same feeling surfaced several years ago when Grasshopper No.1 called one day and said our old cottage was for sale. I admit I had some trepidation about selling the cottage in 1998 because there was so much family history. There were things like the smell of lake water in the breeze, speed boats, brat frys, birthdays and graduations. Finding out our “old” cottage was available, my thought was again “we can go back”.
In the case of the cottage, money pretty much squelched the fantasy. The sale price of the cottage was triple what we listed it for 6-7 years earlier. The cottage still isn’t sold today which confirms the price is ridiculous. In the case of the cottage we could go back but it would be a stupid financial decision. Now, I’m waiting for one of you 5 Grasshoppers to buy a summer home and invite your parents over.
The house on Greenfield is another matter. It is selling for around the same price as we asked 10 years ago. It is smaller than our current home. Taxes are less. Many of the same home decorations your mother added years ago are still there. Going back seems like a reasonable venture. But, all the neighbors are different. Our family is grown. Grasshopper No.4’s messy bedroom (a closed door always hid the problem) is now clean. Grasshopper No.5’s unique decorations and powerful computer are gone. Nope it wouldn’t be the same.
The reality is that you can never go back. Life is meant to be lived looking forward and realizing dreams. Live your life to the fullest. Cherish fond memories.
Love,
Dad