Each return trip to Ferguson finds the family home at 411 at yet another stage. Sitting with Theresa and John after Mom's services in February, Theresa asked me if I thought I'd ever return to the house? I had to say that I didn't know, but here I was again at 411 during this most recent May trip back.
It's been a long haul with estate sale, auction, appraisals, options, and the smack of the reality of the housing market. And, not just the housing market, but the housing market in Ferguson.
When I saw the suggested as is asking price for the house, I cringed.
Frankly, it is heartbreaking.
As Kat and Tom work hard to get the house ready to put on the market by the end of this month; I offered to help again while I was there. I was able to do a little on my own and then on Saturday, Kat and I spent a couple of hours at the house together.
I went to work on the bookshelves in the living room one week day on my own. It is amazing how a place can sparkle and shine with just a wipe or two. I've often thought about what I'd do with these bookshelves if they were mine!
On Saturday, Kat attacked the first floor bathroom while I worked on the basement bathroom and the butler pantry. We wrapped up our time together wiping down the paneling that takes you from the kitchen down the steps into the basement.
There's something about touching a house for me. It happens at the Chatette all the time. It happens in the barn. They speak.
Before Kat arrived at the basement steps,I was sitting alone and polishing at the landing corner right before you turn to make the rest of the steps down.
The paneling was beginning to shine. The wood edging looked brand new. As they both came together at the corner, there it was: "You know, Laury...you could find a way to keep me." The message was there. The feelings were strong. It could have been easy to be swept along, but I found myself actually saying outloud: "Be quiet, house!"
A friend of mine once said: "Just because you can do something, doesn't mean that you should." I remember her remark often. It spoke to me louder than 411 spoke on those basement steps that Saturday. Yes, I probably could find a way to keep 411. But, why would I? I already have two places in two different countries that need special attention of their own. 411 needs someone to live in it, love it, and give it all of the love, attention and special touching that will bring out its specialness and make the whole place shine and smile.
I'm focusing my energy to divine the universe to send us just that kind of person or family. I believe that they will come.
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