Home away from home. When I hear these words my mind goes straight to my grandparent’s house in Minnesota. Recently, the family had to sell the house after my grandma passed away and it was time to let go.

I have the best memories of my life at that house. I’ll never forget the big columns in the family room and try to climb up them, but eventually getting caught and told to get down. Or the huge staircase that always got my cousins and me into trouble for sliding down the banister. Then there was the “Purple Room” as everyone called it because the walls were painted purple and there was purple shag carpet. It was so ugly, but it is also one of my favorite rooms because my cousins and I would hang out in there surrounded by purple and start planning out our next troublesome move. Or the scary basement where my grandpa did his woodworking. I would hate to go down there because of the spiders, but the moment my grandpa started building something new, I had to be there, right next to him, watching in amazement as he created something from nothing.

However, the rooms that have the most memories would have to be the family room and dining room. I can’t remember a time when the whole family was not gathered around laughing and telling stories. As a little girl, that is what always made me the happiest and even now it still does. Just sitting there listening to the adults reminisce and talk about the good ole days. The dining room is also where I learned how to bake. My grandma loved to bake and her apple pies were always a hit so getting to learn how to make such an important dish with her was very special and I will always remember it.

This house is really the place that made me who I am today. I learned to be a strong woman from visiting this house and being around my mom, grandma, and aunts. I also learned about respect and responsibility because chores were always done around the house and doing what you were told wasn’t even a question.

Even with the sad memories of losing my grandparents and cleaning out the house, this house will forever be my home away from home because going through all of their stuff and thinking about the memories that this house has allowed us to make as a family will forever hold a place in my heart. I really hope this second home to me will be just as good of a home to the new buyers. I hope they know how special it is and how much laughter filled its walls. But, most importantly I hope that one day I can go back and see it again and just say thank you.

Thank You to the house in Minnesota with the huge columns, large stair case, purple room, and the scary basement because you have forever altered my life with love and happiness and changed me for the better as a person.

So thank you!