Bittersweet

They say the the happiest two days in a boaters life are the day he buys the boat and the day he sells it. That has never been the case with me. We've had 4 sailboats, and each time there is some sorrow at seeing it sail off with someone else at the helm. I'm sure that's because of all the fond memories we've had on each of them.

But all that pails in comparison to today. This morning I signed the papers that finalize the sale of my house in Renton. Everyone says that I must be happy and relieved to have it sold, especially in these economic times when nothing is selling. I wasn't though. In fact I surprised myself with how depressed I was afterword.

Some of it I'm sure is from not making any money on all my improvement efforts this past year. In fact, I'm just barely breaking even. I now have a smaller house in Northern Idaho and have the same amount of debt as when I started.

I think though it is more the continuation of the grieving process. All our four kids were born, raised, sent to college, and moved out while we lived in that house in the woods. It has been so much of a part of our lives and who we are today. Now that is behind me and I'm moving forward. Well, moving anyway. Not forward financially.

On the way home to Rose Lake, Stan invited me to stop by the pool and watch little Saray take her first swimming lesson. When she saw me, she ran up and give me a great big hug. How did she know that's what I needed most. I know I made the right decisions and that life is good.

Thank You Saray!!