Sunday, August 23, 2009

Makes My Monday: The Playground Poignancy

When they saw the 1929-built home; they both knew.

Their Sundays as newlyweds were spent hand-in-hand, surveying open houses. He was compelled, and finally did, convince her—a lifelong apartment-dweller —a home purchase was indeed a wise choice.

Serendipitously enough, their first house was never “open.” A Kismet call from a house-sitting friend spurred the first sighting. Small windows---like soul revealing eyes---flank a fireplace. An archway entrance introduces a sleeping porch cum office. A tire swing suspended from a sturdy branch adorns a century-old Pin Oak. Hardwood floorboards (especially that next-to-the-last stair) creak lovingly, acknowledging the weight of a traverser’s presence.

They knew. They just knew.

Closing day. Papers signed. Down payments made.

The magnetism of that sunny first day of ownership proved irresistible. He placed a foot in the tire swing. Rotted rope brought it crashing to the ground. Laughter, Love. Looking forward…

Days, months passed. Screened-in porch? Enclosed. Asbestos-enrobed original-to- the-house furnace? Removed. Heinous blue and pink stenciled pears? Painted over. Babies (twins) are born. Seven years pass.

A sand box entertained the tot toddlers; sprinklers the preschoolers, jump ropes, balls and bubbles the “big kids.” The mighty Pin Oak stood watch, providing shade, craving activity under its branches. It was time.

They knew. They just knew.
Laughter. Love. Looking forward...


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11 comments:

debi9kids said...

OH! It looks just awesome! LOVE ot and the look on Darren's face! FABULOUS!

Unknown said...

what a beautiful story!! I was hooked from the beginning and so curious to know where you were taking me! :-)

Congrats on the new swing set! We hope to build one next summer...

Threeundertwo said...

I could never live in a new house, although ours only dates from the 50's. I love the worn wood stairs and I know just what you're talking about.

Unknown said...

What a lovely story! Our house was also built in 1929.

cat said...

What a lovely story and picture.

SouthernDogwoods said...

Beautifully written! You have such talent to pull the reader in! Love the new & awesome swingset - I can envision many, many days & afternoons spent outside playing & swinging!

Maria (also Bia) said...

It's been a while since I joined in . . . happy Monday!

Nancy said...

LOVE the story!!!

And...can we come play? :) That looks awesome :)

monica said...

Love the story to go with the tree house!! That would make my monday also!

Amanda said...

Love that story, I'm sure the kids are loving their new swingset!

mommytoalot said...

I absolutely LOVE that story.
xo