Household Angels

Three years ago, I thought I was going to be selling my house and moving to Washington to live with my family.  My son-in-law's parents, who hadn't been in the US very long (from Russia), were also in turmoil about where to live, etc.  In a series of events that put them between homes in IL and FL, they came to stay with me for about six weeks...and I put them to work.
(That was part of the deal.)

While Luda and Sergei were here, they repaired stuff, stripped wallpaper, painted walls, and took everything off the walls to fill nail holes, etc.  I was grateful for their help.  For the most part, we enjoyed each other's company.  And then they left.  They had a trailer home paid for in Vero Beach, FL, and they were ready to go and start their new life in Florida.  I never had them put stuff back up on the walls, etc., because I just knew I would be selling my house soon.

As it happens with "the best laid plans of mice and men", moving to Washington didn't happen for me.  Although I had been told dozens of times by my daughter and son-in-law that I would always be welcome to live with them, I wasn't getting the vibes to affirm that.  And so, over time, I came to accept that I wouldn't be going there.  They had their own issues.  Didn't need to add to them with mine.  Still, it was a jolt.

So what now?  My house is paid off, finally.  I've put on a new roof and done some minor landscaping, with the help of a friend.  But the house still didn't feel right to me because my treasures weren't on the walls, etc. 

My grandchildren are coming for a visit tomorrow.  I wanted to make the house presentable--although I truly believe they won't care--so I tapped into my cleaning gal and her plumber son to help get the house back to what used to be normal.  The son made mincemeat out of hanging blinds, curtains, and heavy mirrors.  And suddenly, my house-on-a-slab became my home again!  What a long, strange trip it's been!  The improvements close the house up some, and it's already small, but I don't care.  It's what I want, and sometimes I spend 24 hours a day here.  My household angel, Debbie, and her son have, just today, made everything right again. 

Angels come in different forms.  I'm happy with the ones I have!