Finally, It's Getting Done!

Those of you who know us know that we have been building a house for about 100 years. Well, no quite that long, but it feels like it. Back in the mid-90s we bought a cabin in the mountains. It's a lovely setting and we spent many happy days there. As we reached retirement age, we contemplated where we would spend our golden years (or whatever). We considered tearing down the cabin and building a completely new structure (and, in retrospect, that would have been a good choice). We also considered remodeling. That's what we chose to do...not such a good decision. Don't get me wrong, the house is lovely and it is almost all new...except for the original framing that has been beefed up...but has required many accommodations for the original structure, the redoing of parts of the new construction because of unanticipated situations, and more time and money than I ever, ever, ever, thought. However, within the next few months it should be complete. I thought the day would never come, and now that it is upon us, I have very mixed feelings about it.

The realtors came this week to look at our Charlotte house, to tell us what we have to do before it can go on the market, and to let us know what to expect. Well...we have lived here for almost 30 years, and we have a lot of stuff that has to be packed up and cleaned out. We've been doing some all along, but now we really have to get serious. (I really have concerns about the garage, Jim being the pack rat that he is.) I decided to begin in the playroom. I created this playroom when Katie, our oldest grandchild, was small. I started off in a spare bedroom. When my sister and her children moved in with us several years ago, I decided to convert the living room (which was rarely used) into a playroom. That allowed it to get bigger and better. The children have loved it and I truly think that it's one of the best things I ever did. Now I have to pack it up. I am just having a hard time doing it. It symbolizes so much living that has been done in this house, and in this town. Last night I went to my bridge club and, basically, broke down. I guess I am just grieving.

And then there are our friends. We have made many in the 36 years we've been in Charlotte. The Bridge Girls are especially wonderful. We meet once a month for dinner and cards...sometimes we don't get to the cards. They were all so very kind to me last night while I just blubbered away, and each one promised that I could come stay with them. Nice sentiment, hard to do. It's a truism that it becomes dificult to sustain relationships when your common experiences are no longer there. Still, I will love them all always. And that goes for all the friends that I have had over the years. Each one of them is special in some way, even if I don't see them very often. We'll make new friends and will get involved in the community there, but I'm learning that moving is a thousand little goodbyes. And here come the tears again.

The new house is beautiful. The setting remains stunning and the house is large and inviting. There is room for all. I'll find a spot for the playroom when the grandchildren come.

A Tribute to My Friend

My friend, Mitzi Suggs, died on January 25. She was not quite 62. She hadn't been well in a long time, and her life had been hard. The latest illness was lung cancer. She had always been a heavy smoker. Her doctors had tried a blood transfusion to help her. Apparently transfusions sometimes make a big difference, but it didn't this time. She collapsed soon after the transfusion and was never able to recover.

I first met Mitzi around 1971 when she and Frank( her husband at the time) moved in next door to us in Goldsboro, NC. Jim and Frank were in the Air Force. We quickly became friends as we had children about the same age. Jon was about a year old, and Mitzi's daughters, Gina and Kandi, were just a little older. Her son, Chris, was about 5 at the time. Mitzi kept Jon for me while I taught school. It was certainly convenient and Jon loved her.

We moved from Goldsboro when Jon was about 2 1/2, and Mitzi and Frank went to Turkey and then to California. We kept in touch, but as lives got busier, it wasn't as much as we would have liked. Still, when we got together again, we picked up right where we left off.

Eventually, Mitzi left Frank and moved to Charlotte when the kids were in early high school. We saw more of each other then, but we lived on opposite sides of town and most of our connection was over the phone. She met Jimmy Suggs, married him and helped him with his business. Gina became terminally ill and she spent a lot of emotional reserves in her care. It was after Gina's death that Mitzi's health began to deteriorate. I think she grieved a lot, but when I would talk to her she was always upbeat. The last conersation I had with her was a couple of months before she died. Kandi had called me to tell me of her lung cancer. I knew Mitzi would never tell me so I called to let her know I knew. We had a great conversation, laughing over things that happened in the long ago times of our youths. She never felt sorry for herself, and kept whatever feelings she had inside her immediate family. Not all things were good for her, but she always maintained a positive attitude. Even though I was not a very attentive friend, I always loved her and I will always remember her as a special part of my life. Rest in peace, Mitzi. You deserve it.