Today, I’m sending you over to another corner of the Internet, A Breakfast Serial, where I guest blogged about my childhood home in suburban Chicago. Here’s a little excerpt:
I’ve already started to think about what I’ll do when my parents move. I’ll miss my home itself, and the easy way I can maneuver around even in the pitch black, sure of every wall, every door knob. But what I’m most worried about is losing the physical anchor to all my memories, the neat storage space of my past.
The thought of a new couple moving in, oblivious to what has transpired here, is like a punch to the gut. I want to walk the next owners through the house, wagging my finger in their faces and reiterating how special this place is. “My dad did all this woodwork on the wall by hand, himself. There are two very important dogs buried there beneath that bush because it was their favorite shady spot to lie. The basement is a fantastic place to Rollerblade when it’s cold outside. Did you know there was once a 20-foot homemade rock climbing wall in the backyard?”
Head on over to read the rest, if you like! Thank ya. 
hee, breakfast serial. Heading over there to read it now!
Thanks, Kerry!
Beautiful, Jor.
Aw, thank you, Tiff
I love that post! I lived in only one house growing up too, and I loved it! And now that I am a homeowner, I have such an amazing appreciation for houses! Great post
Thank you, Laurie! I hope someday when I’m a homeowner, I’ll be able to make it feel like my childhood home. It’s a tall order to fill!
My mom literally put our house on the market on Monday. So timely. So good. Thanks Jorie!
Aw, Jacqueline, I can totally relate. I’m going to be a blubbering mess when my parents finally sell it. Thank you for reading! Take lots of pics of your home
wow I can’t wait to read this whole thing, great post!
Thank you, Alex!
Love this Jorie!
Thank you so much, Allyson!
I just camefrom the other end of the Internet. It was so beautiful!
Welcome! Thank you so much for stopping by
Great post today, Jorie.
Not sure if you knew this, but my parents moved out of my childhood home last year and moved into San Francisco. It was tough. It definitely took me… well all of us, really, a while to square up with the idea of them leaving the house, and that moment when they texted me a picture of the empty house as they drove away behind the movers is something Ill probably never forget. All things considered, though, Im SO glad they did – I think we’re all better for the experience.
My advice? After the move, pretend like you’ll never recover from the emotional damage – you might guilt them into doubling up on Christmas presents this year
Thank you, Jordan! I didn’t know that your parents moved into SF from your childhood home. I assumed they were still living in it! You’re so right, though — it’s a good thing for the family. My parents are so pumped about designing and building their new home. It’s way overdue. Selfishly, I’m going to be SO sad. But I know overall, it definitely needs to happen.
Oh man, this one hit home. When my family moved from my childhood home I was bummed. A lot of blood, sweat and tears went into that house (most of those were mine, from when my brother would beat me up) but eventually I realized that home is always about the people, not the place!
Aw, Will, you’re so right. That’s a good reminder. I’m sure my parents will make this new home feel just as cozy. Home is where they are!
Joryn, I think a lot of people are missing the point of this post…You had a 20 foot custom climbing wall in the backyard? I should be shocked by this, but I am so jealous instead. Dream life.
Ahahaha. Rich built it. Jack of all trades. He and Lynn loved to rock climb so they built one in our backyard. We’d rotate the holds every summer and time ourselves on how quickly we could get to the top. Rach and I were like little spider monkeys. Sometimes, we’d put a giant gymnastics resi mat (we also owned one of these, no idea how) below it, climb to the top without ropes and jumped backwards onto it like we were stuntmen.
It’s a wonder I made it out of my childhood intact.
That sounds lovely my friend, I am off to see it
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru