Hawthorn Home

Dear Hawthorn Home,

            When we met twelve years ago, I felt you were inadequate and unworthy of my affection. You were located far away from individuals my heart holds dear. This fact alone made me feel an ache in my heart and overwhelming fear. Dreadful chicken wallpaper (with sliding door curtains that matched) was only the foundation of a long list of criticisms I had regarding the inside of your walls.  It was a sticky, hot, and humid Iowa day when my family moved in. As we observed your crispy dead lawn, wild forest of shrubberies, and tall sunflowers in the most random places, we weren't sure whether to weep or laugh out loud.

            Almost twelve years have passed since the day we met you. Today, one of the many things I love about you the most is that you never let these feelings of mine get in the way of how you treated me.  As I sign you over to someone else, unmanageable sobs keep showing up as unwelcomed visitors. I think that is so impolite. The thought of leaving you behind brings an ache to my heart. Every inch of your surroundings carries with it a memory that I want to bottle up and take with me.  The wild forest has been replaced with manicured landscaping and recollections of little children playing sports with dad in the street.  Your backyard occupied our Sundays with family kickball games and bonfires. Last year, we spent hours painting your porch for Daxon's graduation party. You looked so happy when the project was complete. If I would have known it would make such a difference on your personality to have that one feature taken care of, I would have accomplished it sooner.  The thought of leaving your swing set and shed causes my heart to twinge. I remember how mad I was the day I found out my husband payed for you to have that insanely large swing set built in the corner of the yard. I wanted nothing to do with it. I find myself in a drastically different position today. I would not trade the memories made during hours of play on that set for any amount of money today.

            Hawthorn, you allowed our family to have a place to call home.  Ashlynn and I loved the way you kept us warm as we sat on a blanket eating taco soup in front of the fireplace on frigid winter nights. You carried us through deployments, helped us welcome home baby numbed five, and managed to bring us through many late teenage nights. You continually rose to the occasion for last minute parties as we sent missionaries out and welcomed them home.  You never protested when every square inch of you was covered in glitter and wedding decor for months in 2016. I felt an all-embracing joy as I entered your walls with Daxon following his brain surgery.

            Over the last twelve years together, we have done too many DIY projects to count. Three of our children have left your walls to venture out into the world, yet apiece of each of them is what I have come to love so much about you. I see them in you. Hawthorn, how dearly I have grown to love you. You are close to so many of those I now love and hold dear to my heart. You really could not have chosen better neighbors.  As I prepare to leave, I want to thank you for being a safe-haven all of these years. It has been a cherished journey together.

All my love and admiration,

Lori