Let Me Tell You A Story
When I was a little girl I had a little house that sat underneath a big Weeping Willow tree in our backyard. It was White with Red Trim around the windows. I’d make pretend food, clean the corners and rock my babies until the sun went down. And Even back then I was dreaming up ways that I could make that little house better. I drew up remodel “plans” on lined paper and presented them to my papa. Maybe he could raise that roof and give me a loft for my growing family, I suggested. My friends and I would play and tell our darkest secrets right there in that little white house. It was a formative time for me and I still have many memories surrounding that little house that started my journey.
I Outgrew The House
Eventually I stopped playing in the house and my papa felt it was taking up space (or maybe he thought someone else could get more use out of it than us)so he donated it to our school auction.
Someone bought it that day but fortunately we knew where it landed so every time I’d pass the house I’d be sure to look to see how she was doing. The owners eventually painted the house the same color as their own.
If Only I Could Have It For My Kids
When I became a mama I started feeling more emotional attachment to that house of my childhood. I kept thinking about how fun it would be to have my children grow up with that little house.. Maybe I could finally convince someone that the second level would be a good idea!! I was just to scared to ask. So I just kept my eye on it waiting for the right moment.
Fast forward almost 35 years and New owners, who I happened to know, purchased the property where the little house sat. I knew this was my chance, so I put my big girl pants on and sent her a message telling her my story, I mentioned if she’d ever want to sell it I would like to know. . Her response was almost instantly, writing back that they were actually going to be getting rid of it in a few weeks and If I come and get it I could just have it!! WHAT?!!! Yes I did!!! This was such a good surprise and so kind of her to give back a piece of my history.
The Journey Back
Jason is about the best sport around. I don’t think I even had to ask.. after telling him the story he was ready to find a way to bring it home. So One Saturday morning he got his friend to help him move, the little house that could, back home to her original owner. Me!
What we found was pretty much nothing of value to anyone but me. The roof was bad. The floors and window were rotten. And it appeared as if this had been a habitat for rodents and small creatures for a good while. But still I shed a few happy tears when I saw that little broken house come back to me.
The Little House Made Her Way Back Home
It amazed me to see how tiny it actually was. It seemed bigger in my memory. Truly the only thing that could be salvaged was the siding… and that was up for debate. All the memories came flooding back and I smiled as I thought of all the dreams that had come true for the little girl who had played here. I spent several hours cleaning out nests of all the creatures that had been cohabitating here for decades. Jason re-shingled the roof, built a sturdy floor and reconstructed new window frames.I repainted the old siding white, the door blue and window frames black. We picked up some pickets at Lowes and put a small fence together. We Hauled her up to the hill with the Help of our son Micah. This spot in the woods is where she landed.
The Beauty of Redemption
There’s something in me that loves a good story. To see a broken down piece of furniture or house makes me so sad. But To see it restored and given a chance to shine again is beautiful and redemptive. We all have broken places that need healing. This little house is an example that no matter how broken something or someone is there is always hope for healing and restoration. We call it redemption.
The Future Looks Bright
We’ve had her for all four seasons now and this is where she belongs. One day I hope to see little grand babies running in and out her door. I can’t wait to see them make memories here whether it’s Sweeping the floor or playing restaurant at the window. I hope they will be as happy as I was when I was playing here.
We move quite a bit but this little house will be going with us next time. She feels like part of the family now and we never want to say goodbye again.
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