Today was our thirty-ninth anniversary. It marked more than our thirty-nine years together though. It defined our point of transition, because today the young couple who are buying our home visited us, and our upcoming move became real.
For two months now, we’ve had to keep their identity a secret from our neighbours. The reason? The wife, who I’ll call “T,” grew up on this very street. She went to school with our sons. Her parents still live down the street. And more than anything, she and her husband “P” wanted to surprise our wonderful neighbours with the news that they will be moving into our home. Today was the day.
Could it feel more right? For twenty-four years, we have lived and loved in this home. It isn’t perfect, but it’s part of us, and one of the hardest things about moving was the idea that the new buyers might neglect it, or divide it into apartments as a business venture. Then we learned exactly who the new owners would be, and it was kismet. Bittersweet, but sweet nonetheless. This house will be loved.
While we women chatted, my husband walked the property with the young man who would soon be its owner. He already has plans for what he will do: a treehouse here, extension there, gazebo where the old poolhouse stands. My husband said the conversation reminded him of his own dreams when we bought all those years ago.
There was sadness, which we tried our best to hide. But there was also acceptance and happiness for this young couple. This home needs the spirit that their family will bring. As for us, it really is the right time for us to leave and begin a new chapter in our lives.
Tonight we celebrated our anniversary at a local Italian restaurant. We talked of what the future might bring, of the kind of life we want to live. Right now, it is surreal and a little frightening. We can’t help but compare it to abandoning a sinking ship. For three years, we plugged leaks and bailed out water, but it wasn’t enough. Now we have a lifeboat that’s seaworthy, at least for a while. We just have to find the shore.
ROADBLOCKS, DETOURS and ROUNDABOUTS 
Good luck Mrs. Potts! Congratulations on the wedding anniversary. Take comfort in the fact that the home that held so much love, will continue its journey and be able to breath that same love into a new generation…
And although you may be leaving your house – where you called home for so long, remember that the only reason it became a home, is because you, and your husband made it such that – and in your new “house” your love and relationship will make it just that again – your home..
Much luck and love – you and your marriage have braved higher swalls than this, and you two will get through it together…
Cheers to another 39 years!!
Lisa
Thank you so much Lisa. You are very sweet, and I know you’re right.
Dear Linda and Steve,
As you know. we moved from Toronto to Vancouver to start a new life — that was three years ago. We decided to go with the flow and to see where life would take us. Life is bittersweet as you write, Linda. When you close old doors new ones open before you in ways unimaginable.
Congratulations to both of you on your 39th wedding anniversary.
Love, Margie
Thank-you Margie. Though moving is hard, we’re really looking forward to living in a small town, as opposed to being in the country.