The mortgage was paid off, and we intended to live in the house forever. Then, Victoria Day Weekend, everything changed.
2 a.m. I awoke to our 3rd floor bedroom being bright as day. Through the glass sliding doors to the slightly rotting deck, I saw huge flames leaping across the mutual driveway, licking at the main floor deck. I was mesmerized. Then I was terrified.
We’d bought the house when houses could be bought, in 1986. The lovely turreted front belied the rooming house maze inside. Never mind: we were young and relished renovating the high-ceilinged rooms, uncovering character as we went.
Over the next three decades – through children, career changes, starting our own business, through good times and leaner times – we made full use of every inch.The focus was on paying off the mortgage which, in due course we did.
Overall, we congratulated ourselves: we couldn’t possibly live any more inexpensively than in a paid up house. We’d wound down the business that helped us pay off the mortgage, and were left with comfortable cushion.
Life was good. When the kids were grown and gone, we rejoiced in the possibilities of our flexible house: overall it had excellent ‘bones’ and recently updated furnace and roof. We pondered renting the basement, reverting to a duplex, rent it while we travelled. Sure, the two porches we’d built at the back of the house were becoming unbecoming, and the third floor skylight leaked and refused to open. We figured: in time, we’ll take care of these, after all, we intended to live in the house forever, taking month-long trips and lots of eating out.
One of our trips was an unexpected jaunt to Geneva, where our eldest been working almost a decade. The flight was ‘gifted’ to us by a favorite (monied) cousin, who had a place in Southern Switzerland.
March 10, 2020. we set out: that COVID was gathering speed, barely registered. It was all too far away.
March 12, 2020. we left Geneva for cousin’s mansion in Areselina, Southern Switzerland, a stone’s throw from Milan
March 15,16: We marveled at the spectacular surroundings and the ancient towns.
March 17, 2020 Milan closed down.
March 18, 2020 day of our departure, the world began to shut down.Our return flights were cancelled and we spent the last day scrambling to get home, We just made it out of Europe before COVID shut the world completely down.
The 14 day isolation was actually welcomed. The combination of anxiety and jet lag meant we needed to recover. It was a relief to cancel any obligations. Our younger daughter ensured we had necessities and we happily hunkered down with plenty of space in our 3000 sq ft three storey plus basement house.
However, there was one looming worry that had come to light before our Geneva trip: the last elder – my father-in-law. He had not expected to live past 90, and yet at 100 he was still compus mentus and full of fun, living in a (terrifically expensive) retirement home. The worry: he was running out of money.
A paid up house did not equal cash on hand to tackle his shortfall. We were mulling it again Victoria day Weekend 2020, when I awoke from a troubled sleep, thinking the brightness of the room was from Fireworks that were way too close to the house.
Instead, I looked down at our 2008 Jeep parked in the driveway. This was a special Jeep: one of the last with a Diesel engine. The flames had found the Jeep and the car seemed to melt before my eyes. Windshields, windows and tires blew out with great huge bangs. Husband woke up, sure the bangs were gun shots..
The fire engines arrived but not before the fire had taking down the back of our house. Across the mutual driveway, it had gobbled from their brand new garage and cedar decking to the brand new second floor addition. Thankfully. No-one was hurt.
Firefighters came back the next day to ensure no embers remained (and you can bet all the women came for a look-see.)
With the subsequent investigation, the smoldering pile of burnt everything next door had to stay. It made the backyard look like a post apocalyptic movie scene. Rubber-neckers regularly came up the driveway to check out the damage. It became oppressive.
However, for us there was a sliver lining: the insurance paid for repairs that we hadn’t counted on doing. Two new decks and a new skylight. We looked at each other thinking the same thing: when the renos are done, the house will look at its best. If the spring 2021 market looks good, let’s sell.
And sell we did. We spent the next months clearing out 37 years of living. It was a full time job. We also sold all our furnishings. The house was staged, and sold May 2021.
We moved from west side to east side of town. I found us a fabulous furnished rental in a ‘hood that’s still a ‘hood. Family restaurants, bakeries, pharmacy and grocery store all within walking distance. All of which fit our criteria for ‘what do we need in our next move’. Bonus: a park that leads to a ravine with a stream is a 15 minute walk away.
We’re creating a new community, supporting local. Familiarizing myself with the neighborhood streets, I start conversations over the many creative gardens. I do miss the English Garden in our ‘old’ place, but am enjoying others. As a dog lover, I have developed relationships with dogs and their owners.
We thought we’d be more nostalgic about 37 years and all the work and all the memories. Nope. Been there done that. Served us well. Now it’s time for a new family to grow with the house.
We rejoice in our new start every day. Sometimes we almost feel inclined to thank our former neighbour for the fire. Plus: my father in law is turning 104 and we’re good for his rent.
