Today is the first anniversary of my being a house owner. The anniversary of when I first saw the house won’t be for another couple of days and will require yet another celebration. Today, though, is about the house.
I bought the house sight unseen, though I had seen photos. I have been eminently pleased with the house itself — the spooky basement and the now defunct garage not so much, but both those disappointments are being turned into . . . whatever the opposite of disappointment is. Satisfaction, I think. It should be “appointment,” shouldn’t it? But I’ll stick with satisfaction for now.
I never wanted to own a house. It seemed too much of a responsibility. The first time I ever saw the possibilities in owning a place was when I visited my sister a few years ago. Her house is a delight, with art and artifacts and artful displays wherever I would look. But even so, I didn’t want to own, which was good since there was no way I could ever have afforded to buy a place. At least, not then. The years passed and, as luck would have it, a house showed up in my life.
When my brother first broached the subject of my buying a place, I didn’t immediately shrug it off as I normally would. I knew I needed to do something to situate myself for my old age, and since it didn’t matter where I lived, I went where the house was.
And what a joy! Not only do I love my house, I love owning it. It makes me feel good, as if I were wearing a warm cloak on a cold day.
Adding to the luck, the town that came with the house has been a good place for me, complete with a nearby library . . . and friends.
A couple of those friends brought me flowers today to help me celebrate.
They stayed for tea and cakes served on a gorgeous new plate from my sister.
There were several very long years where I thought I would never be happy again. There were other times I knew something wonderful would be in my future — since the universe is balance, I figured only something really special could offset the pain of losing Jeff and the horror of grief.
In twenty days, it will be ten years that he’s been gone, and not only did I find happiness again, I found the “something wonderful.”
And so today, I celebrate my house.
***
Pat Bertram is the author of Grief: The Inside Story – A Guide to Surviving the Loss of a Loved One. “Grief: The Inside Story is perfect and that is not hyperbole! It is exactly what folk who are grieving need to read.” –Leesa Healy, RN, GDAS GDAT, Emotional/Mental Health Therapist & Educator
Bertram's Blog 
March 7, 2020 at 6:15 pm
Happy First Homecoming Anniversary! It looks like a lovely house…one that you’ve made into a real home, and I’m so happy for you. It’s a comfort to have a special place of one’s own. At least, it always has been for me. Of course I realize that a “home” means different things to different people, but mine feels like a personal sanctuary…a place of security and serenity. I hope yours always will, too.
March 7, 2020 at 6:24 pm
Thank you. That sounds lovely — a place of security and serenity. And so far, it is.
March 8, 2020 at 4:40 am
Dear Pat,
Congratulations of your new home. I know it feels like home, a place to call your own.
As the saying goes, “no matter where you roam, there’s no place like home. ”
Enjoy your home and many blessings to you.
March 8, 2020 at 8:00 am
Thank you!
March 8, 2020 at 8:33 am
Congratulations! What a great milestone to reach.
March 8, 2020 at 8:33 am
You’re next!
March 8, 2020 at 8:45 am
From your mouth to God’s Ears!
March 8, 2020 at 8:36 am
Happy anniversary! An appointment with balance perhaps?
March 8, 2020 at 8:55 am
For sure! Balance is what I need.
March 8, 2020 at 10:29 am
Happy house anniversary! “[T]he town that came with the house” (I love that). – Marty
March 8, 2020 at 11:43 am
Ooh. “The Town that Came With the House” would be a great title for a book. Or even just, “What Came with the House.”
March 8, 2020 at 4:02 pm
Ooh, I like those titles.
March 8, 2020 at 4:50 pm
I was going to stick with the “nightmare” theme, for my next book starring “Pat,” but these are better.
March 8, 2020 at 3:56 pm
Congratulations pat on your house I’m very proud of you. I know I have enjoyed my house for a long time and you get things put right where you want them. It brings you peace and contentment and safety. We are very glad you moved to our little town. Have a great
March 8, 2020 at 4:01 pm
What a lovely welcome. Thank you!