Last week, we sold our house.  After 10 years, we sold the first home we ever bought together, the home where we started our marriage and our family.  While it was a sad and happy time for me, it was only a happy moment for Matt as he was never the biggest fan of the house in the first place.

However, it was the only house that Noah has ever known.  We have spent the last 2 and half months looking for houses and keeping the house clean for showings but, after all of that, it was clear to me that Noah was not fully aware of what moving actually meant.  We talked a lot about how we would be living in a new house and a new family would be living in our house.  That didn’t seem to help clear up the picture.

It still didn’t quite sink in even after Noah met the new family that would be living in our house.  He said, “So they’ll be living in the guest room right next to me!?”  So I knew we still had some work to do.

And we didn’t even try to broach the subject of how we would be moving away from his best friend next door.  I just wasn’t at a place where I could handle the repercussions of that conversation.

However, when moving day finally came, the house was empty, and we were pulling out of the driveway for the last time, Noah did one of the sweetest things I could have ever imagined.

Me: “Okay buddy.  We are leaving the house for the last time.  Do you want to say goodbye?”

Noah: “Yes.  But can I get out of the car to say goodbye?”

Me: “Of course you can.”

So I got him out of his car seat, he walked up to the house, and placed his hand on the siding.  Then it happened.

Noah: “Goodbye house.  Thank you for letting me live in you.  Thank you for keeping my family safe.  Thank you for letting my dogs play in your yard.  Thank you for watching my toys while I was at school.  Thank you for loving me just as much as I love you.  I love you so much and I will miss coming home to you every day.  I hope your new family is good to you.  I love you.”

Me: [Sobbing like a giant, pregnant baby.]  “That is so sweet buddy.  Are you okay?”

Noah:  “Yeah.  I’m fine mommy.  I’m ready to go now.”

It’s these moments when I remember how sweet and innocent they are.  When the most important things in life are family, dogs, and toys.  And when coming home is the most comforting thing to happen to you all day. On to new adventures.