Our home for 27 years
(My 100th blog!)
Most everyone, with any luck, has a special place in their hearts and memories that means so much to them.
Whether they lived in the country, a small town, or even a city, it’s a place they occasionally think about when Life gets tough or just because it was – in hindsight – the place where Life was sweetest and most satisfying.
Maybe you're blessed to be still living in that special place. If so, hold onto it as long as you can.
Now don’t get me wrong: No matter where one lives, there are going to be good times and not-so-good times. That’s just how Life unfolds.
But for me, my special place was the Colorado mountain home where my wife and I raised our two sons through 27 mostly wonderful years.
My wife and kitty on a precarious perch
Of course, there were some hard times. Back before the Internet and working from home became a thing, we’d have to drive to our jobs 45 minutes each way five days a week. And because we had very different work schedules, we had to drive TWO cars to town each day.
So much gas to constantly buy! (Wish I’d been able to put even half of that money into a retirement account – I’d be traveling the world now...)
And much more risk – especially negotiating those mountain roads during the longer Winters up there. Dodging deer – I think all of us hit at least one deer during our time on the mountain – worrying about the weather and vehicle breakdowns, etc., etc…
And there was the social cost. With two young boys waiting for us at home, we couldn't often stop by the pub after work and have a drink before heading up the hill. Plus, being 45 minutes away from where everyone else lived, there wasn’t a lot of friend visitation -- even on weekends.
So we lived pretty reclusive lives, much to the chagrin of our teenage sons who yearned to just go hang with their friends after school or whenever.
But there were certainly pluses.
Our sons became very self-reliant at a much earlier age than most of their peers. They found jobs in a job-scarce environment and especially loved the time they worked at nearby riding stables.
Over the years, they developed a strong love of the mountains that helped fortify their souls.
This buck stopped to pose outside our bathroom window
And with seven acres of mountaintop on our property, we had a fantastic up-close view of wildlife – bears, cougars, coyotes, deer – and staggeringly beautiful mountain vistas all around us.
One of many great views
My wife and I enjoyed a closeness that many couples often lack. We had few diversions and spent so much quality time TOGETHER, especially enjoying our many gorgeous mountain hikes that were only mere minutes from our cozy little home.
Living in the mountains truly helped keep our love alive – and here we are 43 years after saying '"I do" ... and still going strong.
Yes, for me, that mountain home – which we had to sadly give up five years ago when my wife’s health took a turn – remains my special place.
So what is your special place?
Grandson Alex enjoying our hammock
Comments