Goodbye To An Old Home And A Dream

Summary

A couple is selling their beloved home in Eugene, Oregon, due to changing circumstances and a desire for a new beginning that better suits their current needs.

Abstract

The author and their spouse have decided to part ways with their cherished cottage in Eugene, Oregon, a place they once envisioned as their retirement haven. The home, characterized by its stone walls, built-in cabinets, and original hardwood floors, held the promise of a shared retirement with friends and family nearby. However, as their social circle moved away and the area became more crowded, the couple reassessed their situation. The challenging winter weather, which proved to be a stark contrast to their accustomed California sun, also played a significant role in their decision. While they cherish the memories of idyllic summers, backyard wildlife, and the serenity the house provided, they acknowledge the need to let go of their dream and search for a new home that aligns with their evolving lifestyle and health considerations.

Opinions

The author expresses a deep emotional attachment to the house, describing it as their "little family home" and a "haven."
They are saddened by the necessity of selling the house, equating it to the loss of a dream rather than just a property.
The couple has grown weary of the relentless rain and the lack of sunshine during Oregon winters, which has impacted their mental health and comfort.
They have come to realize that their current home no longer fits their needs, particularly due to health issues and the changing dynamics of their social circle.
Despite the sadness, there is an undercurrent of optimism as they look forward to exploring new places, visiting their daughter in New Orleans, and finding a new home that offers both snow and sun without the continuous rain.

Hello to new adventures

The access road behind our little house in Oregon

Years ago, my husband and I bought an old house in Eugene, Oregon. It was an old cottage, set up off the street, with stone walls, built-in cabinets and original hardwood floors. I fell in love instantly. We bought the house on a whim, the price was right, we loved the area, and we had a plan. Friends of ours lived there, family was close by, and we thought we could all retire together in our little green paradise.

Yeah, those were great plans while they lasted. In the past two years, our friends have left for drier climates and our family members have retired elsewhere. We’d be living there alone, starting over. Not to mention that our paradise has grown to include lots of people and traffic.

I’m devastated, but we’ve decided to sell our little house, our little family home in Oregon.

Backyard snow

As we got older, visiting the house in the winter months became challenging. My husband has developed arthritis, and is uncomfortable in wet weather. Snow is OK, beautiful even, and fun. But without the sun, we found life a little harsh and depressing. The rain can get relentless in parts of Oregon. I believe it was during the winter of 2016–17 when Eugene went 90 days without sunshine. We’ve lived most of our lives in the California sun, so I worried about our mental health. We had to admit to ourselves that, after all, we no longer liked the winter weather.

Pristine Oregon Beach

However, summers in Eugene are perfect, and I will miss them. Warm enough, and green after so much rain. We hiked Spencer Butte, rafted down the McKenzie River, and escaped to the amazing Oregon beaches. The sun stays up later there than here in California. We loved sitting out on the back patio watching the sunset before going to bed.

I will miss our little house. Our daughter, Anne, lived there with friends while she attended the University of Oregon, and we visited often. It truly was our second family home. But, Anne and her friends have moved on. Eugene was never going to be their final stop.

I will miss the backyard, shaded by large fir trees. I will miss the pear and cherry trees that gave us too much fruit, as well as the squirrels that tried to steal it. I will miss the little vegetable garden. Mostly I will miss the peace I felt in the house. It was our haven.

In my heart, I know that my sadness is not so much about selling our little house, but about the loss of our dreams. We’ve begun the search for a new haven, one that will suit our needs a little better. We’d like snow, but not continuous rain, and plenty of sun.

I look forward to visiting my daughter in New Orleans, her new home. We’ve scheduled trips to other parts of the west coast to visit friends and investigate possible retirement locations. I’m sure we will find new dreams to replace the old, but it will take time.