In 1981, I packed up my sparse belongings and headed to Texas with no real vision of life beyond high school. I only knew I was ready to leave. Ready to get on with college. You know the saying, the world was my oyster.
Yesterday as I crossed the Red River into Oklahoma, I said, “Adios,” to Texas. Although I’ll return occasionally, things will be different. I will be a visitor.
For weeks and weeks, we’ve been purging and packing and decluttering. Moving is hard work. Multiple trips to Goodwill. A yard sale. Monday things got real as we said goodbye to our Dallas home on Worth Street.
Walking through for the last time, her rooms sat empty yet overflowed with memories.
I thought back on our first night in the house when the kids were young and the house was new to us. Her creaky floors and old beams felt strange yet comforting, welcoming. We had no way to know what Worth Street would hold for us.
All those Thanksgiving leftovers enjoyed. Slumber parties when the entire house was overrun with wide-eyed, giggling girls. How many books were read underneath this roof? Movies watched, decisions made, walls painted and re-painted, spelling words studied, plants planted, loads and loads and loads of laundry washed and folded, homecoming and prom pictures taken from the front porch swing, tears cried and wiped away, debates argued, suppers eaten, prayers prayed?
Tate (red vest) with his friends. Prom 2010.
We built a rich life together on Worth Street. It wasn’t always perfect, but it was real.
It was ours.
There are things I will dearly miss.
The slant of the early morning sun through the upstairs porch.
The summer dragonflies and how they flit and dip into the pool water.
Our secret garden beyond the iron gate.
Her stately columns.
The history of the area and being part of something bigger.
Our friends.
Since the moment we decided to leave Texas, I’ve been writing this blog post in my head, trying to imagine different neighbors, a different way of life. There is no neighborhood like Munger Place, and we consider ourselves fortunate to have lived there.
A piece of my heart will always be in Texas, but I hope you’ll follow my adventures in Arkansas.
Grace Grits and Gardening
Farm. Food. Garden. Life.
Musical Pairing:
Already Gone, Sugarland
Welcome Home, Talya. I know Dallas will miss you and you will miss Dallas, but now you are among your roots. I am personally glad to have you near.
Christa
Thank you Christa. I hope to see you soon!
Sweet, touching, and so honest! Like they say, “home is where you hang your heart”. You bet we will be following you in Arkansas! Texas’ lost is Arkansas’ gain!
Thank you Colene and Tom. One of the perks of moving to Arkansas = seeing you when you visit Fayetteville!
Great post! Moving is definitely hard work and emotional. Your words were written eloquently. I’m happy to know you and have you in the area.
Thank you Ramona. It is physically and emotionally draining. I look forward to getting to know you better.
When our daughter was a freshman in college, we sold our home that housed nearly all of her growing up memories, including the holes int he garage wall where she and a neighbor buddy decided to “experiment.” I cried even though I was excited about future days. Even though you carry those memories with you, things are never quite the same. But, life is an adventure and new paths can be oh-so much fun. See you soon.
Yes Debbie. I am ready for a new adventure and excited about being closer to my AWB friends!
I think some of us only can appreciate our homeland over time after we have fled for greener pastures. Glad you were able to make your way back!
Thanks Laura. I do agree that leaving gave me a better appreciation. Hope to see you soon!
Poignant…
🙂
Your Worth Street house was perfect for you for that time and a beautiful old girl, but I think you’re going to make some wonderful memories filled with adventure and more good friends in your New-Old Girl. Welcome home to Arkansas.
Thank you Dorothy. I always appreciate your support:)
Awe. That’s one of my favorite houses on that street! I lived in the same neighborhood, used to walk by it all the time!
Thank you for letting me know. The trees on Worth street are the best.
Talya, hope you make as many good memories in your new home. They’ll be different. Weddings? Grandchildren? Each home is special because it’s where special things happen.
Good point Dot. Yes, there are many more good memories to be made, and I’m happy to be back in Arkansas.
“her rooms sat empty yet overflowed with memories” and you’ll always have those beautiful memories…moving on to make more memories in the next segment of your life…
Thank you Jane:) See you soon at HP!
Great post! I always remind myself that the thing that makes a house a home is the memories, which you can take with you anywhere. Texas will miss you!
Just recently came across your blog. I enjoy it but I’m sorry to had to leave your home in Dallas (one of your Dallas friends put me on to your blog). I like NW Arkansas and would love to live there as I traveled that area for years selling semi-trailers (based out of OKC). God bless.
Thank you for reading and commenting Hugh! I hope you will check back often!
I love this post. Such a beautiful tribute to that house, that neighborhood, and all those years of memories! Welcome to Arkansas!
Thanks Jennifer!