We spent our last night in our beloved Franktown home on an air mattress in front of the fire, puppies snuggled by our sides. Sooo many memories swirled in my head. Fabulous parties that we hosted with such joy. I will miss my gourmet kitchen, perhaps not most, but up there. Too many illnesses to even think about, in-law implosions, glorious snowstorms, an abundance of birds, deer, elk, rabbits, snakes, and coyotes. As I lay by the fire this morning, enjoying the warmth of covers against the brisk morning frost, I said a prayer of thanks to the towering Ponderosa Pines surrounding our home for their shelter and beauty.
I will miss our neighbors, who have been supportive and loving and non-intrusive. We live in a magical place, and it’s true, you do not appreciate the things you have until they are gone, or at least far removed.
Of course, special love and blessings to Galen and Sandra, who went above and beyond when I was in the worst throes of chemo, and have been there for us through thick and thin. I am sending healing energies and love to Sandra, who fractured her kneecap this week, all while trying to prepare a meal for us.
One of my biggest stressors for this move was my plants. They have lived with us in this house for 11 years, often times with no water for weeks on end when we were away. They are thriving and beautiful, and such a source of joy for me. Annie and I spent a half a day in Asheville calling Hospice, Habitat, etc., etc. No one would drive out to our house to pick up a huge donation, and no one would even consider taking plants. At long last, after a quick trip to Zillow, Salvation Army agreed to break all the rules and send a truck. We filled a 24 foot semi to the brim with furniture, household goods, clothes, etc. The flood victims (most of whom had no insurance) are in such need, and we so wanted our belongings to be of service. And the final happy ending is that the new owners LOVE plants, and are thrilled to have ours. MBO’s (Most Benevolent Outcomes) are abounding!
We are packing up the truck for the drive home, since we only have one now.
Oct. 31, 2013
Judy Richter 