Dear First Home

I know you were old and broken.

I know you were falling into the ground, it was time for you to go.

But you were strong and stable for me.

You kept us safe from the elements even in the scariest times.

You supported our family as we grew, and I thank you.

I took my first steps on your plush green carpet.

The giggles of every funny story ever told floated in the air above us.

I may have gotten hurt within your walls but you never hurt me.

My brother and I would go on grand adventures in the caves of our imaginations.

My walks through the rooms searching for secrets hidden in the walls.

You housed endless sleepovers in every room.

Summer days were the greatest of days.

With the windows open the breeze turned the patio door room into a wind tunnel.

The kittens we snuck in scampered back and forth, and in and out of the doors.

The dogs claimed you by christening the floor when they were puppies.

Countless coats of paint covering the odd sized walls in the upstairs.

Many hours spent on rearranging and rummaging though our belongings 

Remodels that had gone wrong, while we tried to make you bigger. 

We made small rooms work for growing kids.

Slipping out the window onto the roof enjoying the sparkling sun.

My small window let enough air through to give a fresh clean scent.

The irritating hum of the old white fan as it spun around and around. 

Starring out at the large maple tree sheltering my room.

Winter snow would cover half the window, causing me to live in an igloo.

I hated the countless hours of cleaning to make an imperfect house perfect. 

I know I was embarrassed to show you off when people came over.

But I loved you, even with your problems.

I know you needed to go.

I know you were a good home, my first home.