It’s said you can’t go back. I am here to say you most certainly can, and should, go back.
If you have read Frock Off: Living Undisguised you know that life as a child was challenging. My parents struggled with even the basics in life.
That said, I do have some very happy memories connected to this tiny home.
Located in Hedley BC, I consider this to be the village and house that built me into the woman I am today.
I was eight when we moved to Hedley, population 300, and we stayed there until I was 14. It was the longest we lived in one town.
We moved into the tiny one-bedroom house when I was ten.
There were six of us at the time, and yet it never felt cramped.
Maybe it was because it was the first ‘normal’ home we had. Or maybe it was because it was where my parents were the healthiest – either way I am so grateful for this little house.
On Sunday, I returned to the house that built me. As a child, this house represented roots and belonging. Up until then, we lived more like gypsies.
Built in 1940, it has had a variety of owners who have each left their mark, each making it more beautiful.
I was delighted to see that my Dad’s handiwork – the parquet floors he laid and the second story (he later added to make the house a two-bedroom) remain the same. And, much to my delight, so does the claw foot tub that we all helped haul upstairs. That same tub once sat in the backyard and was used on hot summer days to cool off. It now sits pristinely in the upstairs bathroom.
I declare that if I could, I would buy this house and move it to Sooke and live in it. I am so happy to see the improvements and love that the present owner has lavished on this tiny home.
Going back, my mind was flooded with memories of yesteryear – memories of times of laughter – and I found myself reflecting on the past.
Much of who we are is wrapped neatly in the beliefs we hold from childhood. And yet none of those experiences or beliefs define who we are unless we buy in and accept it as truth.
Going back to reflect on how far I have come is, in my opinion, both necessary and empowering.
As I stood in front of the house, I could almost hear the laughter. I have come a long way, and still have far to go.
When was the last time you went back either physically or mentally through imagery to your roots? The road to success is a journey of experiences and lessons.
There is no such thing as an overnight success.
I would love to hear your stories of reflection. So go back and reflect on all that you have done.
Love and blessings for who you are today and what you are becoming.
Jo Dibblee xo
P.S. On a side note, my pretend grandpa (who I write about in the book) helped my parents buy this home with $2,500 down in 1971 the asking price was $7, 000. Today in 2017, it is on the market for $320,000.
Is this what you want?
