An Open Letter to Our House

Dear House.

It seems a little silly to be writing you a letter like this, but I have so many thoughts on you as we reach the six-month point in our relationship. Yes, it has really been six months sine we decided to make your ours, even if we’ve only lived with you for about five.

I didn’t know how much Charles and I would grow up in the first six months of our married life in this home. We went from being young people to being homeowners. It’s an instant symbol to all of our millenial friends that we had our shit together, even though that’s not true in the slightest. We had a hard time getting to home ownership, but we are so glad that you are what we ended up with.

I didn’t fall in love as immediately as I think Charles did. But with your wooden beams and huge backyard, it was easy to see all the possibilities in those walls. After six months, the possibilities are still there. I’ve enjoyed picking out paint colors, putting up our art, plotting all the ways the basement could be refinished…it’s been wonderful. It’s been so easy for us to admire your good bones even as the floors are in desperate need of refinishing and squeak even if you look at them the wrong way.

I wanted to say thank you. Thank you for the warm, cozy nooks we’ve been able to carve out on the icy Lake Superior days. The laughter, frustration, and fun we’ve had making this space go from a vacant house to a home of our own. Thank you for enduring all the changes, and also the repairs. I know it wasn’t easy having all that plumbing replaced right away, or dealing with mice in your vents…and I haven’t forgotten the cracks in the plaster near the stairs. We’ll fix them, and the other things that I’m sure need fixing, after your long life.

Thank you for being the house that made us have a permanent home, and the house that I feel nothing but joy about.

Cait (and Charles)