The corner window has particular memories for me, just over my bed, a sometimes egress for midnight escapades with friends.
It’s the end of an era. This house, when my Dad bought it in 1955, marked a new beginning for all of us. I was 12. The house was as big as all California, moving as we were from bricked-in Milwaukee. But now, with Dad gone and Mom shortly before, both dying there per their wishes, the house is being sold. Yesterday we went up to Palos Verdes for virtually the last time for the final clear out.
All the siblings had traveled in and gone through the house earlier, picking out what might be still useful, claiming things for memories. Years before my mother suggested that we choose what we’d like. All five of us had our eyes on the old rocking chair. I don’t remember who got it in the end. But yesterday was for what was left, everything being donated to a thrift shop connected to a men’s ministry we know. I think the folks would be pleased.
It all looks rather forlorn here, but every piece of furniture, if it could talk, would tell stories, both of the owners and many, many friends.
I’m reminded of This Old House that Rosemary Clooney sang back when I was just becoming aware of radio:
This ole house once knew his children
This ole house once knew his wife
This ole house was home and comfort
As they fought the storms of life
This old house once rang with laughter
This old house heard many shouts
Now he trembles in the darkness
When the lightnin’ walks about
CHORUS:
Ain’t a-gonna need this house no longer
Ain’t a-gonna need this house no more
Ain’t got time to fix the shingles
Ain’t got time to fix the floor
Ain’t got time to oil the hinges
Nor to mend the windowpane
Ain’t a-gonna need this house no longer
He’s a-gettin’ ready to meet the saints
Couldn’t resist this photo as we left the house for the last time and looked back at the dumpster in the driveway. The “junk” is gone, but the memories will fade very slowly.
And so it goes. The metaphor’s for the body, both Dad and Mom having now given up theirs, the need for anything else long gone.
Happily it’s a new house for another family. The buyers have long been friends of my parents. As a tribute to them they offered more than the asking price, and they’re already making plans for restoration and expansion. As I see it, it’s all part of God’s continued blessing on my parents’ lives.
The house is gone, but memories continue. The next series of blogs will be a brief history of my father’s life, in his words, in short increments, with a few photos. It’ll be with more frequency than these blogs have been coming.
It seems only right. Who of us would not wish for at least some continuing tribute? And his life, as you’ll see, is worth getting to know. We’ll start tomorrow.
Our Lives Together
Its About Life
9:04 am
It seems such a rarity (any more) to have a house in the family for so many years that several generations know and love it. The house, the building, becomes important for what it means to all those lives. Looking forward to more of your father’s life that anchored you all there for so many years.
9:07 am
Sue got the rocking chair, as we all always knew she would. ( =
9:14 am
Natch! Come sit and rock anytime.
9:20 am
Hyatt, I can’t even imagine how many sweet memories you and your siblings have. I can say a lot of people don’t have that. They have pain instead. You are blessed to have wonderful memories that you can cherish and ponder on. Thanks for sharing.
9:46 am
Rich perspective, Hyatt. I just placed my dad’s house of 37 years on the market this past week. As I walked through the rooms, I realized how much that house was an extension of who they were. Needless to say, many bittersweet tears followed. Thanks for sharing this season with us, for choosing to wear a bit of your heart on your sleeve. It blesses us.
9:49 am
Thank you for sharing! Blessed me…Looking forward to getting to know his life!
10:00 am
Oh,Hyatt,I have loved each tribute you have shared with all of us about your parents as well as your courtship with Anne.
I love sweet history like this.
I will be looking forward to reading about this wonderful, godly man who raised such exceptional children and who,no doubt, mentored skills for you to follow in rearing your family.
I know these tributes will be rich in honoring God because of his walk with Jesus.
Love to you and Anne,
Sara Morello
10:08 am
Thanks Hyatt!! I’ll need to go through this process one day not too far off. Mom and Dad built their house in Lomita in 1949 and Mom is still in it at 90 years of age. Didn’t we all sneak out for nighttime rendezvous with friends? Such good days. Great memories, but still so much to look forward to…and then our ultimate home.
11:03 am
Dear Hyatt & Anne,
How wonderful that your parents were still
in their same house with all their own things
& memories around them, at their trip to Heaven.
Most folks seem to have to be in a nursing home,
these days…..with little of their past around
them. A Special Blessing for Anne, who cared so
deeply about them, & took such good care of them!
You (or God) choose well for you, Hyatt.
Barbara Mitchiner
12:51 pm
WOW! Got the Kleenex box out as I saw the picture of the home where we were welcomed so MANY times!…..and the posts by Lori and Sue were especially dear….made me laugh in my tears. I did not realize that when your mom had one of her receptions for me (when I was back in the S CA area) my four year old granddaughter (now in college!) was shrieking and playing with other little tornadoes while bouncing on the twin beds in YOUR room! I wish our son could say he remembers “the house where he always lived.” We moved him so many times, but God has given him a great ease in transitions…..would like to think maybe we got him ready for more than we knew. All five of your lives were a great tribute to your parents while they still could enjoy “the roses.” THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR FAMILY WITH US….very few families can claim blessings to match yours…..and if you will forgive us, we have always thought of ourselves as extended family, enjoying some of the blessings that spilled over.
2:28 pm
It’s so sad to say goodbye, especially with so many memories.
3:47 pm
Hyatt,
Thank you for sharing this story and the others before it. They are thoughtful and meaningful and I am always pleased to see you in my inbox.
Hopefully I will get back to your coaching sessions soon. Janet
4:32 pm
Thanks for sharing these reflections. We live in such tension while alive on earth, knowing that it is all transitory but yet physical things become so alive and meaningful for us. While you talked about the house you really talked about your life together and shared how rich and precious it has been so far for you and your family. Very kind to share that with us. We pray that your house on Big Sur will continue to accumulate wonderful memories and precious moments for you, Anne and your extended family.
Hilary, you may recall has been a citizen of four countries and lived in more than that, and when it came time to finally sell our house in Washington DC, she said no because it is now the only home that she has, a kind of north star in her journey. The place of the most profound living memories she has.
Many Blessings
Francis
6:48 pm
Simply love, what more could I say
8:29 pm
Ahh Sweet memories! A way to say I love you, is to remember!
Bless you!
Aida
8:58 pm
Love the ray of light in the foreground of the house.
Thinking of you, and praying as you move through this transition.
Loving memories of loving parents. Such a good thing!
5:16 am
Your taking us all into a new place of discovery as we trace yours & your parents story. That’s a gift to us & we honour you for allowing us in. Few can be that vulnerable.
This is perfect preparation for the same with my parents.
This is therapy as well as great writing
3:25 pm
Yes Hyatt thank you for sharing. You are so blessed with these precious memories. I so enjoy reading about your life and your parents .
4:30 pm
Deep thoughts I share. Good writing I admire. Keep well Hyatt.
11:47 am
Brought tears to my eyes. Thanks for living this out before us. I pray my heart is prepared for the same thing. God bless you and your family.
4:49 pm
Hyatt,
Thanks for sharing the times that you choose for us to see. I will never forget your Mom and Dad. I thought they had everything just right and we had the problem son. But your Mom told me about you and your going away from God and the church. But you are back now and such a blessing to many people. Your painting of Jesus and all the children was great. I am sure that the people were blessed by your painting and then the gifts to them. Your and Anne are a blessing to a lot of people.
So just keep it up.
Becky
12:45 am
Beautiful and bittersweet and yet it is full of the things of Life. And that is good. Thank you for putting this down in writing to share with others. It has a wonderful property to it, this type of recounting. I appreciate it very much. Your folks were born just after my folks (my mom was 1912)… and they all lived to their 90s, didn’t they…. May we be as faithful and steady as they were.
12:15 pm
Ah Hyatt, I’ve fallen out of my weekly look at Blank Slate. I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your father, but rejoice in knowing he passed away after a wonderful, long life.
I’ve enjoyed reading all of the posts, all of the family history. Your family and mine shared more than a (Great Grandmother for me, and a Step Grandmother for you).
As I read the history of your dad I am struck at the similarities of that story and the story of my Grandfather. A hard scrabble existence, tough times in virtual wilderness, long absences with dad away. I’m struck by how living, surviving, laughing and loving in these tough times forged amazing men. How this thread of our past, this historical DNA, works its way through each subsequent generation one way or another.
All the best Hyatt. I’ve forgotten how much I’ve missed my weekly trip to your blog.
Warmest Regards,
Stephanie