Saying Goodbye to Beryl Avenue
Beryl at Dusk
This is our last night in our home of almost twelve years. Steve and I were running errands today and of course, Miranda Lambert’s “The House that Built Me,” came on. Pretty sure they haven’t played it on the radio in two years. Internal breakdown commenced.
She wrote that song for just such a time as this.
“Upstairs in the back bedroom, it’s where Keegan did his homework and learned to play guitar”
“And I’ll bet you didn’t know under that live oak, our favorite dog has been in our backyard”
Ollie in Our Backyard
“Mama cut out pictures of houses for years. From Better Homes and Garden Magazine. Plans were drawn, concrete poured, and nail by nail and board by board, Daddy gave life to Mama’s dream.”
“I thought if I could touch this place or feel it, this brokenness inside me might start healing”
“Won’t take nothing but a memory, from the house that, built me.”
My head knows all the right stuff. It’s just a house, we’ll make new memories, home is where the heart is.
It’s my heart that seems to be stuttering.
There is something I do know with all my heart, mind, body and soul.
That should I wake in the morning, God in His infinite mercy, will give us the privilege of starting a new, grand adventure.
May He continue to be the only house that forever builds us. Amen.
Goodbye Beryl
Audra Krell 
Mourning with those who mourn – not the house, but the chapter closed. Celebrating, too. Here’s to God’s best as you open to a crisp new page. xxxooo
Thank you for understanding Gretchen! Believing God for everything in the next adventure and forevermore!
I’m feeling your sorrow, Audra. The places where we spend our time living and loving as we strive to run the good race are special indeed. Memories can’t be stolen, they are a gift from God… and He’ll supply more. You all did good, really good, in that house, but you’re the one that made it a home…
Your words touched me deeply Floyd, thank you! I will make the next one a home too.
I am RUSHING through my day so was on my way to archiving this unread (oops!), and then your sentence caught me: “Internal breakdown commenced.” You are a lovely writer, Audra. Bless you in your new home! Susan
Thank you Susan! Appreciate your blessing and kind words!
Audra…Love the pictures, and I’m sure there are some very wonderful memories with all of them. I’m sure this is not easy – the house you made a home – but I’m also sure there are some more and new wonderful memories waiting at wherever “next” is…
Wishing you much peace,
Lance
Hi Lance! Your words bring many peaceful reminders, thank you my friend!
Audra, I too have felt this sadness. When my mother sold my Grandmother’s house I took some time alone and cried, and cried. It was the one constant throughout my life; the one place I had always been able to call home. But, alas, the chapter closed. Ten years later my wife and I bought our own home, and began making lifetime memories with our kids. I can’t help but wonder if when the day comes and we sell it, if our children will feel the same sense of loss as I did. If so, then there is something to be said for the way I will have raised my kids, and the love and safety they felt throughout the years we lived there.
Thanks for weighing in Tim! Really appreciate your understanding and sharing of your story. The day we left, the five of us shared a very special time of saying goodbye. Hearing our boys pray about the safety they felt there, gave me so much peace. I’m sure your kids will feel the same way if your ever sell it, but like you said, that says a lot about the fine job you’ve done raising them.