This Old House

We've had the best of times, and the worst of times...
You've been a joyous and happy place, we call you home...
when we have been tired and heartbroken from the cruel storms of life,
We have retreated into you for comfort and shelter.
You have been our sanctuary and our retreat

I remember the first day I met you...You were so pretty on the outside..
but horrific on the inside, such a disappointment, so dark, dreary and covered in old wallpaper.
But you had great bones so we bought you and spent the next three months lovingly restoring.
Turning you into our happy home.

It was the best times, We we're in the happiest stage of our life. And you were ours.
Armed with love and paintbrushes and supported by an army of young, loving students,
We peeled off your layers of old paint and wallpaper and we pulled up your ancient carpet .
Cabinets were painted, wood floors were laid and we fell in love.
Sandwiches were made and friendships were strengthened.
We spent days and long nights, Laughing painting, cleaning, learning and loving.
You were an experiment in community. You were created in a flurry of love and excitement.
We knew then that you belonged to all of us and you would only be happy IF
you were overflowing with friends, family, love and hospitality.

Then we lived, busy happy days, cell groups and "family Times"
breakfast coffee and homeschool classrooms, slumber parties and "girl nights"
A piano and sweet worship music, prayer meetings and long discussions'
Birthday dinners, tea parties and impromptu cookouts and suppers.
Holidays and every day you were home sweet home.
later you would host house shows and become a crash pad for weary traveling bands.

At Christmas you became "The Christmas House "
We really did deck your halls and you were filled with Constant baking, Christmas music,
And a fire crackling (even if we needed the AC)
Christmas parties and caroling....
You were cheerful and you opened your doors wide and invited us all into your cozy warmth.

How do we say goodbye to you sweet old house?
We have lived in you and loved, dreamed and suffered in your sancturary.
Our children have learned and laughed and cried and grown within your safe confines.
you have heard our deepest secrets and shared our greatest joys.
So we say Thank You for the good times and we appreciate you holding us in sad times.
We love you and will never forget you, Goodbye home.
We hope "They" will love you as we do.

You are getting a beautiful new family I can tell they can see your charms.
Children will laugh and play in your yard again and new memories will be made.
I heard them saying you were pretty and they have big plans for you.
I think you will be full and happy and as welcoming as ever....So goodbye dear old home place.