Saying Goodbye

So, this visit home has been one of reminiscence. I've spent a lot of time with "Romeo" (who you can read about here) and his family. Most of you know his sister is who is coming on the cruise with me. None the less, it's been a partly emotional one and it's all starting to catch up to me. Here's one of the reasons why.

(Sorry for the back shot. All my pics are back in NC and I had to rip this off one of the girls FB pages)

Yep, a house. This house holds so many memories. I never lived here, but it's just the same. I wish I could give you all a slideshow of my brain to show you all that it holds here. I grew here. I learned here. I loved here. The sad back story, is it is now changing hands due to the divorce of Romeo's parents. Something nobody thought would ever happen. We all envisioned children running around, exciting sleepovers to grandma and grandpa's house, and amazing days on the lake with kids, sisters, brothers, and in-laws. It's now just a shadowy dream that has come to pass. I'm a super sentimental person (as you can see) and for some reason, there are two houses that hold a special place in my heart. This one, and the one in Ocala that J&K built (read here). A part of me will always look back fondly on the memories made.

Christmas 2004

Women of Faith 2005

The Triplets 21st Surprise Party

Lots and lots of drinking and beer pong :)

And yep, a cigar or two on the boat dock late, late at night

I survived Hurricane Charlie in this house. We all convened in the downstairs living room and entertained ourselves by watching the wind, rain, and trees sway while we were without power and water. We foolishly stood by the sliding glass doors as a MASSIVE oak tree came crashing down on the back patio and lightning ripped through the air. The clean up was intense and really frustrating. Days and days we spent clearing branches and bagging leaves. We were without power and such for A WHOLE WEEK and couldn't leave our street because a tree and power lines covered our only exit. We learned to live and make the most of it in the midst of a hot and humid Florida summer. Memories.

It's amazing how attached you can become to something that wasn't even yours. I know the trips must feel an immense amount of sadness too since I know they agree that some of the best years of their lives were spent here. Sad that this house was built with such different intentions and now, it goes on to serve a new purpose. With another family.

I also spent a little bit of time with Romeo's dad whom I haven't seen in YEARS. If you read our back story, you know some things transpired that caused a major rift within the family and I. Nothing that directly involved them, but something that was enough for them to be disappointed in me. None the less, it's been about 3 years since I spent time with his dad. He's been going through a lot with his divorce and it was really nice to connect with him again. I love him dearly and always have. He is a very insightful, wise man who has worked hard his entire life to have what he has. I can't wait for him to begin his next chapter in life and live it for himself and himself solely.

And as far as Romeo & I, you know my feelings if you read my Britney/Justin Syndrome post I linked above. We'll always have a special relationship. Somehow, God blessed me with someone who understands me better than I understand myself. The same thing for him. No matter who comes along, we'll always have this divine understanding of one another. We've pissed each other off to no end. Gone years without speaking. Hurt each other more than you can imagine, yet somehow...we still love each other to pieces. It's the most bizarre and amazing thing ever. It truly boggles my mind. I enjoy nothing more than hanging out, watching TV, cruising with the windows down and the music up, and just reminiscing on old memories. We have a feeling when we're 65 and single (don't ask) we'll end up back together. We'll board our boat and sail away into infinity. Sounds like a plan.

So, do any of you guys have houses that hold special memories? People from your past you still love with all of your heart?