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Just this morning, we were talking about the fact that none of the three doors into this house could be easily navigated in a wheelchair. Every few months I yearn for a view of water, of weather coming in from the west, of sunset skies. Three or four times a day, I mutter about the damned stairs. We twlk again about a smaller house. Then we look around and one of us says, "It's going to be hard to beat this place." And we decide to wait a while longer to get serious about a move.

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Our homes do tend to grow on us, don't they? We make them our own and then we wonder why it's so hard to leave them!

I'm at an age now where so many of my friends are forced to give up their homes and move into something better for their needs. None of them do it willingly, and often it's just heartbreaking.

I'm sure my time will come, but it isn't right now, so I'm going to make the most of it while I can.

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Well, Ramona, that gave me a good cry.

This would be the reasoning of the folks who were going to move, and were going to move, and were going to move SOON, and then announced they weren’t moving after all. This may end up being my wife and me, although I sincerely hope not and we are trying to commit ourselves as much as possible to move into a retirement community Real Soon Now.

Good luck, dear lady! 💚

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Aw, Jack, didn't mean to make you cry!

Just don't do it because you think you should. Do it as a last resort! If you're happy where you are, try and figure out how you can make it work. Ed and I rarely ever asked for help, but that's going to have to change if I'm going to do this.

For the first time in my life I'm going to hire someone to come in to clean. I'm thinking every two weeks should do it. I can do most of it, I just can't bend well enough to get down and under and in those places where dirt hides. I'm going to have to hire someone to do yard work, too. If that's what it takes, I'm going to go for it.

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After reading your piece and knowing that I may be in your situation in the next 10 years. (I'm 79 and my husband is a year younger and we are in relatively good health...

We live in VT and I was wondering if MI has Home Share Programs, such as we have here? I've read about them in some States and they sound interesting. Keeping you in my thoughts and wishing you the best.

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I didn't know about these programs but it looks like Michigan does have them! https://www.med.umich.edu/seniors/programs/homeshare.html

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Will it sound strange if I say that even though I don't currently have a home, I identify with how you feel? That's because I so love our nomadic way of living that even though I'm sure there are plenty of lovely houses we could live, I don't want any right now bc I love the way things are. And I know that one day I probably will have to give it up, so why do it now?

I'm glad you realized what you wanted and hope you find a way to make it work out.

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I guess there’s a reason “Home is where the heart is” became such a cliche. ♥️

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Just because it's a cliche doesn't make it not true!

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It sounds like you know exactly where home is. . .maybe that will change, but for now - perfect. Besides, it is your connection with Ed. I moved after Dan died, but I brought a lot of him with me - that makes it home for me.

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I'm so glad you were able to do what was best for you. Having Dan's things with you is perfect!

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It is for me. . . And it sounds like you have found your answer too. . .at least for now.

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Such a perfect journey through the heart and soul.

I understand exactly what you are saying and you have my wholehearted support.

Life's for living, Ramona, not looking for second-best. You know the risks and you crave the positives. Eyes wide open.

Go you!

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Thank you!

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So beautiful ...

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What a beautiful tribute to you, Ed, and your sweet home. My Mom talked about it so lovingly. Your choice is clear and from the heart and it touches my heart too.

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I loved it when they came to visit. Such good times! I wish it could happen again. 💔

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Something about this older post drew me in. My circumstances are completely different from yours but also I can relate to this so much. I’m looking forward to reading more.

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Thank you! Any day now...

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