I always lived in the same house growing up. Twenty-four years ago, my parents got married, and after a year of marriage, they moved into the house we are currently living in. This is the only house I have ever known.

A few weeks ago, we decided to buy a new house. My parents, brother, and I are all very excited to start this new adventure as we move across the river into a new home.

But this house on Nursery Avenue is the only home I’ve ever known. There are so many great memories and events that I have experienced within these walls. From birthday parties to family holidays, and from Christmas mornings to the many sleepovers in the basement, this house has helped our family fill our lives with wonderful memories.

A goodbye is always hard. It is especially hard when it has something to do with your childhood. It is strange, leaving your home for college, but you can always come home to your familiar, safe, comforting old childhood home. Now, when I visit home on breaks, I won’t go back to my same old house on the same old street. I’ll have a new house on a new street with a new bedroom. I’m not saying I’m not excited and happy to move in to this new house because I am, but it will definitely take some time to get used to the new atmosphere.

When you move, you aren’t just leaving behind just four walls and a backyard. You are leaving your childhood, your neighbors, and your familiarity with the area. So many of my favorite childhood memories have happened in this house. I learned to ride my bike, and how to play card games, and how to cook, and use power tools in this house. We played home-run derby in the backyard, and raised our beloved 4-H pygmy goats here. Cinnamon and Jimmy Sue started our little herd that numbered seven at one time.

We had some great times and went through some hard time in this house too. Memories are everywhere in this house and it will be hard to say goodbye to the blue house on Nursery Ave. I have grown to love and care for our neighbors. We all look out for each other and help everyone when assistance is needed. I will miss our neighbors greatly. I will also miss how familiar I was with the neighborhood. Growing up and riding bikes through the streets, I have become accustomed with the environment and the people. I will definitely miss seeing those familiar faces and homes.

Even though we are moving out of my childhood house, I will always have the memories that house has given me. Those will never fade. And now, in our new house, we have room for many, many more memories to create, more adventures to be had and more parties to host. I cannot wait to take on this new journey with my family.

This house was more than just a house it was my home, my safe haven. So, goodbye to my home on Nursery Ave., thank you for the memories, I will miss you dearly.