House renovation

At last, the long awaited day came last Monday. The contractor started work on my house. The first day seemed quiet - no heavy machinery - just two workmen. Little did I suspect that demolition work is 'fast'. The next day, I had to go over to discuss something with the contractor - and one wall had come down (the room that was to be extended outwards) - and by the next day, the new wall was halfway up!! Plus the fact that the wiring was also being taken apart - fuse box disconnected and the meter hanging on a wire as the wall it was on had to be demolished too.

The commencement of the work signalled to me that it is really time to start saying goodbye to my present home of 20 years. The past few months, although I have been waiting impatiently for the work to start, I have been able to delay the goodbye with the excuse that it was not time yet to sell (in case the new place was not ready in time). Now the time is more or less right and it would be appropriate to get the agents on the job soon.

I am glad I can recognize and name this need to let go, as well my ambivalent feelings about it. I need also to be thankful for this lovely townhouse, the spacious common areas, the pool (underused by us, but my children are getting friends over for a swim more often now) - the quietness when I take evening walks around our inner road. All often taken for granted when I am not mindful, just diving in and out of my house, busy and pre-occupied. I have often complained that it is getting cramped here. But then, with two sons they have not minded 'camping' in the living room with their friends when they stay over. There is much to be grateful for through memories that come as gifts from God.

I have yet to allow the agents to bring people for viewing. Well....I still have a little time - after all, better to make sure the renovation work proceeds on schedule. I am told it will take just over a month in all. Enough time to say goodbye.