The other day I visited my old neighborhood in Raleigh where I used to live to meet a friend for a walk through the park. I hadn’t been there in more than 4 years. A few thing had changed – some McMansions and townhomes were built, some older homes were now painted different colors and there were a few new stores. But otherwise, much was the same.
It was beautiful – woodsy, tree canopied and serene. It brought back memories of the first time we drove there when we were for a house back in 2012. It felt like we were driving through a forest resort back then. It still does today.
I didn’t drive to look at my old house though. I wasn’t sure I wanted to see it.
That was my favorite home of all time. I knew the minute I stepped inside that it was he house I wanted. It reminded me of my Aunt Essie’s home – except better. Over the four years we lived there we made it our own. My wife turned the garden into something magical. We ripped out the wallpaper, smoothed out the popcorn ceilings, replaced the AC and hot water tank, repainted the wood and walls, tore out the carpet and installed hardwood and put in new windows.
We made it perfect. And then we moved.
Part of me would love to live there again.
But that home was our home. It has way too much yard and land for me to maintain. It is full of memories of four fantastic years with my wife.
Where I live now is much better suited for me today.
I can’t go back – even if I wanted to.
It wouldn’t be the same.