I clearly remember the day I left my parents’ house. I’d had an argument with my mother, and although it’s a somewhat painful memory, it didn’t affect our relationship. I’ve lived in several places since then—not always by choice. And now, as we’re searching for the perfect home for our little family, it seems to me that all these changes are having a major impact on when we’ll be able to proudly declare that we’re “FINALLY HOME!”
I shared my first apartment with my boyfriend at the time. We chose it because it was close to my work (just a few minutes’ walk) and because it was so bright. Except for an ant infestation, it was our home until we broke up.
With my next boyfriend, I chose a small apartment nearby, but the lease was in my name only. I felt so strong and independent—what a sense of pride! We repainted it all white on a scorching summer day, and then, as life would have it, we broke up. I lived alone in that place until my husband came into my life. There are so many memories in that apartment, both good and bad. But all in all, that 4½-room apartment was a defining moment in my life: it was where I became a mom for the first time.
I moved out of that place into a bigger one, in the same complex as a friend of mine. Then my cousin moved in there too with her boyfriend at the time—who is now her husband. My eldest daughter was born there. Her room, which I carefully prepared; the days when my cousin and I would get together for tea or coffee; the walks in the nearby park; and the conversations my friend and I had as new moms (she had just given birth, too)—these are all wonderful memories. Then, a change in our lives. We were offered the chance to move in temporarily with my mother-in-law, and then we found a home of our own.
A small place, within walking distance of another beautiful, large park and a grocery store. Public transportation is fast and efficient. We feel lucky to have found it. Our second daughter was born there, but we’re far from my retired mother, who can help us out. We’re moving again.
We’re renting the upstairs unit of a duplex where we hope to live for a long time. We’re happy here—close to several parks, a good friend and her children, a good school, and local farmers. But the duplex has been sold, and we’ve been asked to move out. The plan that would have allowed us to save up our down payment for a house is falling apart. Back to square one—and all this before our wedding. We’ll move temporarily, then rent a condo. We’ll have to leave there too, but at least we’ll be prepared.
With the pandemic, everything has been turned upside down for us. The arrival of our thirde This "princess" phase obviously coincides with our upcoming move. Finding a home of our own—one we’ll never have to leave again—seems so wonderful, but at the same time, it’s filled with stress and second thoughts. I’m really glad I’m on preventive leave so I can handle all of this and, in the process, prepare our little nest for all the wonderful and not-so-wonderful (that’s life—there will be some!) moments and memories we’re about to experience in our home… forever!