a letter to our second house

Dear our second house,

I realize it’s weird that I’m writing you a letter, but I did it for our first house, so I kinda felt like you deserved one too.

You were the result of a long, exhausting but rewarding search.

We sold our first home and searched for a new home to call our own for 9 long months before we found you.

Empty. Abandoned. Unloved and clearly worn-down.

But we wanted you so desperately. Days before Christmas, we signed papers and called you ours.

We had no idea what 2020 would bring us just a couple months later – but staying within your walls for Covid-quarantine & other unforeseen events was one of my greatest joys.

Aaron & I painted the kitchen counters, basement, living room, fireplace and dining room together (with very eager and willing toddlers) & I painted the master bathroom and playroom in addition to mirrors and other random projects. We tore-up the deck, replaced light fixtures and had countless more plans to straighten you up.

But our time was cut short because we found our next step – our next home – the one we’ve been looking for and dreaming of for years.

I’m sad to leave you, but I also know you were an answered prayer that got us through a very challenging year. Your walls heard beauty and pain, laughter and tears. Your floors felt dance parties and baby’s first steps, sweet gatherings and silence. You welcomed pets we never thought we’d have and purged items we didn’t really need.

So thank you for the memories – they will not be forgotten. Thank you for the protection, the joy and the creativity you birthed in us. I hope you bring the next family as much joy as you did for us, and that they can finish making you shine the way you were always meant to.

Goodbye.

-The Shaver Crew