Mom helped us with some packing, and then she and Lea helped us clean the new house so we were all set to move in the next day.
The next day was THE day. The movers finally got there, and we frantically tried to finish packing up the last few things. Due to Covid, we didn't think we could ask anyone to come help us move. Also, we wanted to take some of the stress away, so it just seemed the only way to go was to hire movers. Soon after they arrived, there was a hitch. Even though we had told them that we had a piano, and even though we told them that it was a player piano and incredibly heavy, and even though they assured us that they could move it, when they arrived, they decided that there was no way they could move it. Brian and I were pretty angry about that since we had been very upfront about the piano's weight and location within our house, yet still they refused to move it. They did, however, track down a piano mover that could come that day, but they wouldn't be able to come until around 4 or 5, which was a good 2 hours after we were supposed to be out of the house. The new owners were understanding, so it all worked out, but it caused us no small amount of stress.
I was a bit of a stress case until the new owners came and assured us that they were fine, and that we were fine. They hadn't planned on moving anything into the house that day, and their only concern was that their semi trailer full of stuff could be parked on the road in front of the house when it arrived. We got our moving trucks and cars out of the way before it arrived, so they were fine. With their multiple reassurances, I tried to relax. Around 5, my mom and I decided to go pick up some pizza for the movers since they hadn't rested all day and still hadn't made it to our new house. They were very grateful for the sustenance, and eventually, they got everything loaded, including all of our extra wood in the garage!
Unfortunately since the new owners were hanging out in their new house, and because the movers took too long, we couldn't say the goodbye to the house that I had envisioned. Brian did take a few pictures before we left.
Because of Covid, nobody stopped to say goodbye, at least not to me. It felt like we were sneaking away from there and that nobody cared, even though I know they did. I cried as I left Saratoga Springs. This place had been home for just over 9 years. The next day, I posted these words on Facebook as my final farewell:
If these walls could talk,
They would tell about the excitement of two first time homeowners with stars in their eyes walking through the doors 9 years ago.
They would tell about the toddler who couldn't believe he had all that space after living in a tiny apartment. They'd laugh and tell about that same toddler growing and scaring the neighbors with how fast he'd speed down the hills on his big wheel trike. How he would pretend to weed whack with a toy lightsaber. How he'd pull out his toy mower whenever Dad pulled out the real one. How eventually he was old enough to mow the lawn for real. How he could never get enough time climbing the tree. How he couldn't help himself from playing in the dirt, even after growing from a toddler to a strapping ten year old. How they lost track of the number of books that boy had read over the years.
They would tell of a little girl who loved to sing and dance. Who lit up each room brighter than the lights. Who loved on baby dolls, then became obsessed with all things Disney princess. They'd tell you about how deeply she loves the people that make up her world. They'd tell you of the countless little presents she made for friends and family from pieces of paper. They'd tell you how much she loved it when someone read her a book, how she learned that her red hair was her super power, and how many little friends she brought within their embrace.
These walls would tell you about the most relaxed baby they'd ever seen, how he never cried and was always content. They'd tell about how all that changed when he discovered how to walk! They would tell of how that little boy marked them up with Sharpie, and how quick he was to say sorry when he made a mistake. They'll tell about how he loved to help his parents, especially when it came to doing laundry, and how he'd climb up onto the washer and watch the spinning and swishing. How he'd have his feet sticking straight up in the air to pull all the clothes out of the washer and get them in the dryer (and how sometimes he'd get stuck and need help getting back out of the drum).
They'd tell of fabric walls in the basement, how much joy there was when the first piece of drywall went up. They'd tell of a crazy scheme for a two story castle playhouse... And how it actually came to fruition! They'd tell of a second kitchen whose main function was to make popcorn and provide a sink for crafting.
They'd tell of remodels, improvements, dance parties, baking sessions, costume making, crafts, refinishing projects, and a continuous battle against a black thumb.
They'd tell of all kinds of parties: birthday parties, Halloween parties, friendsgivings, reunions, family dinners, and Galentines lunches.
They'd tell about tears, grief over lost babies and grief over a lost parent. They'd tell about the sacred places where the most tears were shed.
They'd tell about the many neighbor's and friends who lent love and support through the hard times: the new babies, the hip replacement, the grief. They'd tell about the hands who pulled weeds while hoping to remain anonymous.
They'd tell about the torment felt when the decision was made to pass them on to to a new family, and the tears we shed today when we said goodbye.
Thank you, Fox Hollow, for taking care of our family for the last 9 years! We couldn't have asked for a better first home.
(And an even bigger thank you to our amazing neighbors who have loved us, served us, and blessed our family. We will be forever grateful for our Fox Hollow family!)
