The House that Renovated Me.

My stomach flipped. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw the ReMax sign.  It had been 29 years since I bought that 752 square foot house.  I remember, so desperately, wanting my four-year-old son to have a yard of his own. 

 Looking back, the lengths I went to own that house were crazy. I memorized the code the realtor used to access the front door key, bought an air mattress and snuck in after dark, sleeping on the living room floor with Billy, pretending it was ours. Sent myself mail there and used that as proof to get a driver’s license with that address on it.  I was clearly not taking no for an answer.

 I had no idea how my life would unfold in that house.  I didn’t know the lessons I’d learn or the memories I’d make. It had been so uncomfortable accepting all the love and support from those who came out of the woodwork to help me. Every wire and pipe needed replacing.  The furnace and hot water heater were moved to the back hallway. Every room re-drywalled, taped and mudded. Even jacking up the house so new concrete footings could be poured. 

 Looking back, I can see that so much happened within that home to grow me.  So, when I saw the ReMax sign, “for sale”, I knew I had to go in again. 

 As I sat in the empty, newly painted space, I couldn’t help but think about how that house renovated me too and built me up from the inside out.  I’d have never reached that high had it not have been for Billy. And in the reaching, I grew into someone that I was proud to be.  I don’t know that I saw that then but I am so grateful to have the opportunity to see it now. 

CRAZY GOOD TIP: What experience changed you for the better?  Take a few minutes to consider all you have to be grateful for in that memory.   How are you different because of it? Who do you owe a debt of gratitude? Reach out and thank them.  It will make both of your day!