We are moving one mile south of where we currently live. When we moved to Northfield in 1994, we moved into a house on the edge of town, with a cornfield in the backyard. The community grew and houses were built up all around us. Thirty years later we decided it was time to downsize and move into a smaller place. We are having a twin home built one mile south of us, and the backyard is the same cornfield view that was behind us 30 years ago. Only smaller.
So, moving into a smaller, one level space is exciting, but challenging. It is bittersweet to be leaving this beautiful green house on the corner, which I love. We have so many wonderful memories here. We were a happy family in this house. But now it’s time for a change, and to downsize.
In doing so there are many decisions to be made. It was easy to sell some stuff, donate some stuff, toss some stuff, but what about family heirlooms? Thankfully, family members wanted them. I cherish these items, but have no room for them in our new house. That they remain in the family brings me comfort!
My grandma’s desk: When my mother was given this wooden drop-front desk, she painted it. When she handed down the desk to me years later, I stripped off the paint and brought it back to its natural wood beauty (that was many years ago).
My grandmother’s china: My grandma’s beautiful, Noritake china set included more pieces than the average china set. The dishes were given to me by my beloved aunt because she knew I loved dishes. I thought of keeping part of the set, but when I knew it was to stay in the family, I gave it all away.
A military flag: The Department of Veterans Affairs provides a US flag to honor a deceased veteran’s military service. We framed this military flag that was given to my mother at my father’s funeral.
A cedar chest: My mother bought this cedar chest in 1947, the year she and my father were married. It cost $54.95 and included a 2-year moth insurance policy! Imagine that. It’s all recorded on papers inside the sweet-smelling chest.
A Norwegian painting: A 28”X38” print of the famous Bridal Procession on the Hardangerfjord is a framed print that my mother and father brought home from their trip to Norway in 1969. My mother had it hanging in her house for many years. It’s beautiful, but it’s large and we have no place for it.
A roasting pan: My mother made the best roast ever! Of course, when I asked for the recipe, she told me how she made it without any measurements. I tried to recreate it, but never got it right. So, when I brought her roasting pan home after her funeral, I thought roasting in that pan would be the secret…but it was not. My roast never did turn out the way hers did.
It would have been hard to part with these items, but it was made much easier to keep them all in the family. I am grateful.
Valerie, I am thankful these cherished heirlooms will remain in your family and remain much loved and treasured. What a process you’ve been through in downsizing. I must say that I absolutely LOVE that writing desk. My parents had a similar one and I would have loved to have gotten it given I am the writer in the family. But it went to a sister, who refinished it while in high school. If only I’d refinished it, it would apparently be mine. I look forward to seeing your new home on the edge of the cornfield.
I refinished the writing desk a couple years after high school…I guess that’s how I inherited it too. 😉
I look forward to your visit to our new home.
Me, too. I miss seeing you in-person. But soon, hopefully, post-holiday and after you’re settled. You’ve had a lot to deal with in recent months.
Yes, hopefully soon!
Hard to believe it has been 30 years since you moved away. I still miss you!
I don’t envy the work you will have with your upcoming move but I’m sure you will be happy in your brand new home by the cornfield! How exciting!
I loved seeing some of the things you are passing on to family. We received Jim’s grandmother’s china when his mom died. It is the same pattern. So lovely but so seldom used these days.
Wishing you every joy as you downsize and transition to one level living!
I know, 30 years…crazy huh? You know the work and stress involved in moving.
The china pattern is so pretty…but her set had so many pieces! I’m happy it’s still in the family.
That was a meaningful blog with stories in this life transition. I’m so glad you can make decisions about things. You also have a grateful heart and attach meaningful stories! The generosity to your family is precious!
Thanks Starr.
So many decisions, and so much to be grateful for.
I remember so well when the beautiful green house was the new home.. your plan to have fresh flowers regularly
May it be a blessing to a new family and May you bring beauty and blessings to a new home.
That’s amazing you remembered about the flowers.
I made it happen probably 90-95% of the time! Many flowers from my gardens in the summer…always a poinsettia for December.
I hope to continue this is our new house.
Valerie, I am so glad that you have found homes for your family heirlooms. Some items really carry the heart of a family within them. I am so happy that others can cherish these family items. Family history is invaluable.
Yes, I am glad too. And I’m happy to have saved a few to bring to our new home.