Our dear friends Frances and Gary gave us a wonderful gift -- one more family photo shoot before we moved from The Farmhouse. Precious memories hung in the air as we gathered on an April afternoon.
Two months later, life has changed. The Farmhouse memories linger. They always will, for The Farmhouse was where life happened for most of our years. But we are content and we're making new memories in another place.
And The Farmhouse...it is the setting for a new family to live and grow and make memories. To this family we say...
Dear Buyers,
We pray that your life in The Farmhouse is good.
That it is filled with love
and beauty,
good books
and rich learning,
and rich learning,
good food, enough to share,
and an open door.
and words of encouragement
and music
and singing
and worship.
and moments of celebration.
We pray you find strength for life's trials
and that your family's bonds will be made stronger because of them.
May you know peace
and contentment
and forgiveness
and always, always grace.
Because of Jesus.
Beautiful photos and beautiful words!
ReplyDeleteYour memories of The Farmhouse are rich, because of choices you and Ron made in how you were going to live your lives together as a family. That home holds the memories of decisions made and life lived in accordance with those choices.
I hope the new family living there will do the same!
Your new home will have wonderful memories and many of your grandchildren will only remember the Pineapple House. It will hold precious memories for them because of how you choose to live your lives where ever you live.
May God give you many, many years in the Pineapple House!
Beautiful, beautiful prayer for the new owners of your home filled with memories. Your Pineapple House will bring so many more moments to cherish, too. The photos are all so very special, too.
ReplyDeleteCheryl, how lovely your words are for the new owners. It must be bittersweet for you. Your photos are precious as well as your memories of all those years. I wish for you the same blessings in your new home. ♥
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful wishes for the new buyers of your home. And what a beautiful family you have. Those are fantastic photos!
ReplyDeleteIn 2000, we moved to Idaho from Florida, leaving behind our home of 12 years, which we had had custom built. Both my children came home to that house after being born, and we had so many wonderful memories from that house. Leaving it was very bittersweet. So, when I made a trip to Florida in 2011, I popped by my old house. The people who bought from us had sold a year earlier, and the new people didn't know me from Adam. But I explained who I was, and they were like, "Oh, so you are the P.G. initials in the driveway concrete." They invited me in to look around, and as memories came flooding back, I had a HUGE meltdown right there in front of them. They were gracious and understanding, and they told me they loved my house and would be as happy there as I had been. I took comfort in knowing that "my" house is still filled with a loving family.
I know you feel the same way.
Love and hugs,
Patti
Oh so beautiful in thoughts and photos!
ReplyDeleteLove ~ FlowerLady
I hope that the new owners might read your beautiful words.
ReplyDeleteA beautiful prayer and a lovely photographic reminder of 'The Farmhouse' - may God continue to bless .
ReplyDeleteSuch beautiful words and beautiful pictures. Wouldn't the world be a much better place if all famiilies lived with such ideals and love for each other. Thanks for sharing with us. Blessings, Sharon D.
ReplyDeleteCheryl this is such a beautiful post filled with grace, love of family, tradition, home, thoughtfulness--and much more to warm my heart. The photos are wonderful, and it seems you've made the transition from old to the new with grace.
ReplyDeleteWonderful! Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteNow that is very, VERY special. Someone ought to copy it in calligraphy and frame it as a housewarming gift :)
ReplyDeleteCheryl, that is so beautiful. It must have been hard to leave your home after so long, but you'll make your next home all that as well. I wish all those things for the buyers, too, and hope they'll stay there for as long as you did.
ReplyDeleteWhat a special prayer and a wonderful blessing for the new owners of The Farmhouse. As I contemplate leaving my Haven, I'm not feeling the peace and the calm nor the joy. I am glad that you are in a house that is perfect (or very close) for your needs today. That is the important thing. I think I had better start taking a lot of photos and praying it through. Blessings to you in your new home and to the new owners of the former home.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful post! I just got teary eyed reading it. I wish all that for you in your new home.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful, heart filled prayer for the new owners. Such memories you've made there and that you'll always have close to your heart. I know you'll soon begin gathering new memories to cherish in your new home, and it won't be long and they will all begin to take shape. How special to get those WONDERFUL family pictures to cherish. They are all SOOO good. Wishing you all the best in your new home. Have a good week-end!
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness...my eyes filled with tears and chill bumps came upon me as I read these words and saw these precious family photos! What a priceless gift your sweet friends gave to you. I have no doubt your family is already gathering more special moments at the new homestead! Beautiful, beautiful post, Cheryl.
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