After 51 Years, They Moved...

Last year about this time my dad told me he was thinking about moving because the yard was getting too much to keep up with and my mom is requiring more supervision and can't be left alone. He got serious and started looking at lots. He found a 55 and older subdivision about 5 minutes away from our house where he could build a new house and put money down on it. Over the last year we have watched the house being built and now, here we are on March 18 and their house is all done! Their house is so beautiful and so perfect for them. 

One of the hardest parts about the move is that my mom can't remember that they are moving. Every time we would talk about it she would say, "well no one told me I was moving," or "how come I didn't get a say in this?" When we would try to tell her that she was a part of the process the whole time, she would get angry and deny it. It makes me sad because my mom always wanted to move to South Jordan and now that she is, she can't remember it. I know this move will be hard on her, but at this point, we have to choose who it will be hardest on, and staying in their old house is too hard for my dad. 

We moved them into their new house and as I was taking out some trash, I saw this rainbow. It was a good reminder of a new beginning. 

The following week I helped my parents clean out their old house. My parents were lucky to find a buyer without having to put the house on the market and deal with showings. The new owner is the son of a family in my parents neighborhood. The whole process of buying the house and selling their old one was a very smooth process, which helps me to believe that this was meant to be. 

I spent some time alone in their house while cleaning and I make a very conscious effort as I was in each room to remember memories. I remembered Christmas mornings in the living room with all of my brothers excitedly opening presents. I remember helping my mom in the kitchen making dinner. I loved summer nights playing on the tramp. Part of me is so sad that I won't be able to just walk into my childhood home anymore, but I am so glad my parents live closer now and some of the stress of keeping up with their house is over. 

I went with my parents as they closed on the old house. They cheered with sparkling cider

And this is it... the last picture of my parents at their old house. 

Here's to new memories.