For the past couple of years, my parents have been vigorously plotting out their retirement plans. This summer, they are taking one of their biggest steps, and downsizing the house that they live in. They have lived in the Germantown area for nearly thirty years, with the past twenty of them being spent in the same place which is located smack dab in the middle of Germantown. Over the course of the past few weeks, they have had an offer accepted on a new house they recently fell in love with, and they have now listed their house “For Sale”. How exciting of a time for them! The thought of starting fresh in a new place as they enter the golden years of retirement is something that they must be very excited to get started on.
But just as I was reveling in all the excitement of their accepted offer and the listing of their house on the market, I received from them a very sad e-mail. The message was sent to many relatives, friends and acquaintances, informing us all that the Annual White Family, 4th of July Celebration, will not be occurring at their house this year as has happened for the past 20 years. As far as 4th of July celebrations go, this one was probably like most, but for those of us that attended it each year, I believe we all felt it was a little different. You see, my parent’s house is located on Fon du Lac Avenue, just north of Crusader Court, and has a backyard that overlooks Kennedy Middle School. This put our annual shindig in the heart of all the activity of Germantown’s celebration. For many years, the Germantown parade went right past the house until it was slightly diverted about 5 years back. Despite the diversion, we learned to become mobile, and our large group was always regular attendees at the parade. You’d probably recognize us as the clan that had as many coolers as it did people, but that’s just my family. After the parade, the party would settle into my parent’s backyard, with countless friends and family members coming and going throughout the day. This party had an open invitation, and it really didn’t matter who you were, you were always welcomed. Many activities would transpire throughout the day, including bocce’ tournaments, walks to Fireman’s Park to partake in the minnow races, the “boys” sneaking off to the Barley Pop Pub for a couple cocktails, funniest boxer shorts competitions, barbecuing, eating, and of course, lots of lounging around and chatting in lawn chairs. As the day would begin to turn into night, we’d light a bon-fire and all gather around getting ready to watch the fireworks display from what had to be the best seats in all of Germantown. What awesome memories we all have of these celebrations!
Then I started to think about all the other memories that will be missed from my parent’s old house. Christmas was always very special there. Martha Stewart herself would have a tear in her eye if she ever saw how my parents decorated the place for the holidays. My parents keep their yard immaculate, and have lush and diverse gardens throughout the property. They even managed to win several “Germantown Beautification Awards” over the years for their efforts. I remember my parents home welcoming both my sister and I back through troubling times in our lives due to broken off relationships. I remember my Dad and me trying to pull a stump out of the ground with my pick-up truck, which resulted in the stump slamming him in the face. As he walked toward me, blood pouring down his nose and mouth, he was laughing and said, “We better not let your Mom see this one!” But, she did, and had a fit anyway. I remember the Easters, the Thanksgivings, the old gravel driveway, the tree climbing rabbits, NASCAR Sundays, Packer Sundays, and a million other memories, all of which will be missed dearly.
As I sit here today thinking about it, my parent’s entire situation has made me reflect a lot about significant life changes. As we go through these changes in our lives, they certainly can bring many great things and newfound happiness, but they can also bring a sense of overwhelming sadness as well. Somehow, that just doesn’t seem fair to me. I guess that is what life is all about though, balancing changes, and the pros and cons that they bring to our own personal and unique life situations. In my parent’s case, they will certainly keep with them forever the many fond memories of their old house. They could choose to reflect on these memories with a sense of sadness for the loss of them, but why? A fond memory is just that; let it continue to be fond! Are we all not better off focusing on the future and the many positive things to come anyway? Unfortunately, I can’t say I’m exactly sure of myself in thinking that way.
(sigh)
So anyway, if someone out there is looking for that perfect home to make your own memories in, I’d suggest you take a look at my parent’s property if it hasn’t sold yet. It’s a great place, in a great town, in a great location. And as for the Annual
White Family 4th of July Celebration, some relatives of ours that live on Friess Lake have graciously invited our whole group over to their house this year to start building some new traditions and memories. I know I’ll be there with my family, and we can’t wait for our first ride around the lake in Denny’s classic Chris-Craft boat!
G'Night G'Town!
Don’t let yesterday use up too much of today. ~Cherokee Indian Proverb
