Selling the House

Discussion has become reality – this week the “For Sale” sign went up on Teresa’s front lawn. As of Friday, at least one offer has already come in. Not too surprising, really, since the house is clean, bright, and attractively laid out.

Teresa’s place – 28 Acadian Heights

Of course with the sign comes a significant amount of anxiety. “For Sale” means a major interruption of familiarity, security, and even happiness. After all, this was the last home that Teresa shared with her beloved husband. Moving away from here means leaving behind many cherished memories. Geert put in this shelf, trimmed that bush, built the backyard shed, and stored his tools under that stairwell. Everywhere Teresa looks she sees her late husband’s fingerprints. It’s not easy to think of leaving all those touchpoints behind.

And yet that’s life on earth. We arrive with nothing, we leave with nothing, and all the stuff we accumulate in between is temporary. The only thing of any real permanence and lasting value is our relationship with God and our loved ones. By that definition, Teresa is most definitely blessed. She has often experienced and greatly appreciated the support of her family, her friends, and her God. Once the house sells, she’ll need an extra measure of strength and support for the big move into Holland Christian Homes.

Radation machine

On the medical front, Teresa’s radiation treatment started this week Thursday. The treatments are short, not longer than half an hour. They continue for three weeks, once a day from Monday to Friday. Radiation treatments directly assault the targeted area of the affected breast.

Teresa also attended the Look Good Feel Better seminar at Credit Valley Hospital with Hennie Bultjes this past Tuesday. She reports that it was much like a regular makeup seminar, except that they paid special attention to methods of enhancing the eyes to reduce signs of fatigue.

This weekend offers a welcome dose of familiarity, enjoyment, and good food. Teresa plans to attend her sister Nelly’s birthday lunch in North York on Saturday, and then two Easter dinners: at John and Susan’s place on Sunday (ham), and at her own place on Monday (turkey). Attendees for Monday’s dinner are son Robert with his wife Leslie and their son Nicholas, plus John and Susan.

Forget all this stress for a while – let’s eat!