Jesus replied, "Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head." ~Matthew 8:20
This past week, it becomes official. The property in Oxford that belonged to Mom and Dad, and enjoyed by our family for twenty years, is now in the hands of its purchaser, Emory (Oxford) University.
In my head, I realize that this day has to come. My brother, Bill, and I need to shed ourselves of the responsibility and potential liability a house as old as this one can conjure up when least expected. Knowing how good Emory has been to my parents over their lifetimes, I can't think of a buyer more capable of treasuring the rich history of this property, and preserving it for posterity.
In my heart, however, a different story emerges. One full of sweet memories and good times that have come and gone. Ones I'm sure to visit again and again as the years roll on. As I sign all the closing papers, tears threaten to spill over. I have to steel myself that this is one of those moments when I have to accept that I can't go home again.
What I can do, though, is invite you to take a trip with me down memory lane. The following photos are not in chronological order, but I do hope they convey the love and happiness this special place created in our lives.
Mom and Dad with baby Virginia
Virginia and Alexandra playing in the yard
As painful as it is to part with this historic property, so rife with precious memories, I remember to be thankful for the roof over my own head. Jesus reminds us in Matthew 8:20 that He had no place on earth to lay His head, because His true home is in heaven.
And, my friends, that's where our forever home is, too.
Amen!
Can't wait to see you at home one day "litle sister." Until that day, we sojourners will use these weekly reminders of how the lives of those we have loved create enduring tracks upon our hearts and minds. The place may no longer exist or be accessible to us. The person much the same. But, oh, the memories of those and those things we've loved; like God, they endure. Praying a peaceful rest and wonderful reminders of a life well-lived for your gentle friend.
ReplyDeleteGod has blessed us all with the precious gift of memory, J. D., and I know how much peace remembering those I love and have loved bring to me. One day, we will all be together in our eternal home.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Oh, Martha! I can only imagine how painful it is to let go of the place that holds so many precious memories! I love the photo of your parents working side by side. That is just so priceless. What a blessing to be able to have so many photos to jog memories and bring such sweet emotions to the surface. The house is just gorgeous and I hope the new owners will allow it to house a family who can make more special memories in it. God bless you as you work through each stage of grief and letting go, my friend.
ReplyDeleteNo, letting go of this beautiful place wasn't easy, Cheryl, but it was necessary. Isn't that the way it often happens in life? We want to hold on too tightly to something when our touch should be light and open to change. Easier said then done!
DeleteI, too, love that photo of Mom and Dad; it truly reflects how close they were to one another.
Love and blessings!
OH, Martha, thank you so much for sharing these poignant pictures of your family home with us. I can feel the love exuding from each and every picture. It has brought tears to my eyes as I remember my own family home that I can never go back to again, except to drive by and weep for those who are no longer there. But the joy in our hearts is in knowing that we WILL see our beloved ones again someday, in that home that was not built by human hands, and where "neither moth nor rust will ever corrupt". When we come to Easter, we can rejoice in Christ's resurrection and know that "Because He lives...I can face tomorrow..." I loved walking down memory lane with you. I have been weeping with you as well, but we know that "weeping endures for the night, but joy comes in the morning." Praise God for that hope and blessed assurance. (((hugs))) You have been blessed with such a wonderful family heritage. God is good!!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for your kind words of empathy and understanding, Pamela, and for joining me on this journey down memory lane. I had such a good time searching my photo files for good pictures from Oxford over the years. So many more I could have shared, but then, the post would have been way too long - lol!
DeleteAnd yes, tears may come, but they are sweet ones as I know we will all be reunited in the hereafter.
Love and blessings!
Oh, Martha, I had a lump in my throat looking through your beautiful memories...I'm hugging your heart...
ReplyDeleteI can feel your hug, Diane - thank you!
DeleteLove and blessings!
My mother lived in my childhood home in New Orleans for almost 58 years. Until 2013, our family was the only family that had occupied that house. I don't think I can bear to go back and see it.
ReplyDeleteThat would be so hard, Glynn. Years ago, when we were vacationing in Jekyll, Danny drove by the home in Brunswick where he grew up. The owners actually invited him in for a tour when he told them why he was there. What a kind gesture!
DeleteLove and blessings!
Aw, look at sweet baby Virginia! Your childhood home is magnificent, Martha; that memories remain both in your head and on photos. 'Glad to know the new owners appear to be careful custodians.
ReplyDeleteActually, this is not my childhood home, Myra. My parents bought this after Dad retired from Emory. The home where I grew up and lived in for a while since Mom and Dad were in Oxford, was torn down, as was the entire neighborhood, to make room for new, more modern, developments. It's partially because my folks didn't have their original home to go back to that they decided to purchase the home in Oxford. I'm so glad they did!
DeleteLove and blessings!
A wonderful tribute to a cherished home. Thanks for this, Martha. :-)
ReplyDeleteYou are so welcome, Frank, and I appreciate you dropping in today.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Oh, sweet friend! I know this is difficult. I'm praying the Lord comforts your heart with all these precious memories. Thanks for sharing with us. I'm praying for you!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Beckie, for keeping me in your prayers. It is a bittersweet time, but I do feel confident that the memories will be beautiful companions for me in the months and years to come.
DeleteLove and blessings!
I want to hug you Martha, such closure and wonderful healing memories where love lives and is alive. Neat legacy for your family's home too.
ReplyDeleteI'll imagine a cyber-hug, Jean, as that's the best we can do right now (though, I can still recall the hugs we shared when we met in person). In our sweetest memories, love most definitely lives.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Dearest Martha Jane,
ReplyDeleteIt is tough for having the full Faith to leave all earthly belongings, including memories behind and move on.
Both of us have done so literally as we've said our farewell about 67 times, seeing relatives, our home where we were born and grew up. Parents are long gone and the place has been vacated and sold and changed. All that remains are the memories and especially those of the foundation of our Faith where we got raised in a true Christian way. May that last till our final breath!
Hugs,
Mariette
Oh, yes, Mariette, may our foundation in the Lord see us safely through all of life's unpredictability and changes. We will say good bye to so many loved ones as we journey here on earth, but we can rest and take comfort in the knowledge that we will one day be reunited.
DeleteLove and blessings!
67 times flying to The Netherlands that is!
DeleteThat is one heck of a lot of flights!
DeleteI so understand your feelings as you sell and leave your parental home, Martha. Often, memories come flooding back when I pass by the home where I grew up. Times may pass and go but the memories of those who meant so much to us will always linger on and flourish in our hearts ... until we meet again.
ReplyDeleteGod bless you and your family.
How amazing, Victor, that you can still drive by the home in which you grew up. So many things change too quickly in the States. My childhood home has long since been torn down in preparation for a new development, so this house in Oxford, as well as the Dean's home across the street, are the only physical reminders of life when my parents were alive.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Oh, my dear Martha, this made me cry. It is so hard to let go, when you have so many beautiful memories. All is not lost; your treasured memories will always be alive in your heart. His and blessings.
ReplyDeleteThe memories will remain, Nells, of that I am certain. And I trust they will stay with me, my children and my grandchildren, seeing us through to the end of this journey we call life.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Such a bittersweet experience for sure, so hard to let go, and yet a relief in a sense also. So many sweet memories made there... oh how I enjoyed the beautiful pictures you shared! Your precious parents were so lovely, and I can only imagine the wonderful dinners and delights that you shared in that beautiful home. So thankful that the buyer is someone who will lovingly care for the home and preserve it, that is a tremendous blessing indeed!
ReplyDeleteYes, Marilyn, it's a bittersweet time in our lives, for sure. I'm thankful, though, that Emory fully understands the history of this property and their goal is to preserve it for the future integrity of the town going forward. The original part of the house dates to 1840, and was home to Emory President Hopkins who went on to found Georgia Tech. Wow! May we learn from our history.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Martha, such sweet memories, love the photos. Virginia still looks the same in the face, just much more grown up. I'm sure it is a bitter-sweet thing. Yet, it's a blessing the buyer is Oxford. God bless!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you enjoyed these memories here, Karen. I have to agree that Virginia is easily recognized as a tyke even though she's grown so much; I can't believe she will be turning 12 in July!
DeleteWe, too, are so happy that the college bought the property and will keep it maintained for generations to come.
Love and blessings!
She may be gone...they may be gone...but with pictures like this the memories will last forever. I'm glad someone you know bought the house. And may the God of peace and comfort bring that to you in overflowing measure.
ReplyDeleteYes, Bill, the photos will most certainly keep our memories alive and well. As for the house, which is on the historical register, I know Oxford/Emory will take good care of it. We are hoping that one day, down the road, we will be able to visit and take a tour of the home once it's fully renovated.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Certainly looks a great family home. Soon we'll have a home we'll never leave!
ReplyDeleteAmen to that, David! Yes, it is an historical home, the original part having been built in the 1840s, so we are relieved that it will be restored and preserved for future generations.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Such beautiful memories, Martha. It is hard to let go but those memories are with you forever and anywhere. Thanks for sharing the photos that illustrate so many of those beautiful memories. Peace be with you!! xo
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you enjoyed the post, Terri. Yes, they are beautiful memories, and I will treasure them for all the days to come.
DeleteLove and blessings!
I understand your sadness, Martha. You had so many good memories there! Thankfully those memories can remain with you even without owning the home. Such a blessing that you trust its care with the university. I was very sad as well when we sold our childhood home after my parents died. It's still hard for me to drive by there, even many years later, without feeling that nostalgia tug at my soul.
ReplyDeleteI really do hear you, Lisa. Losing a childhood home is, I think, much harder than having to let go of one you enjoyed later in life. My childhood home was demolished to make way for a new development of our old neighborhood; the whole street was bought at a fair market price, but knowing I really can't go home again to that place has left its scar on my heart.
DeleteLove and blessings!
I would feel the same way too when the time comes for us to sell and leave our parental home. Letting go would be so hard.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing these lovely pictures of your family home with us.
Happy Sunday, Martha.
You are so welcome, Veronica! I appreciate your kind words here.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Home is always in our hearts, Martha. I am thankful God gives us memories to warm us on cold hard days.
ReplyDeleteBlessings, My Friend!
I'm so thankful for the memories, too, Lulu. Home really is where the heart is.
DeleteLove and blessings!