I can’t quite put my emotions into words today.
My children and I are leaving our beautiful home in the country. A spacious barn conversion with exposed beams, a log burning stove and three acres of land, It was our dream home. A forever home. A home with a view.
We kept chickens, grew veg, watched stunning sunsets and looked at constellations in a huge sky unspoiled by light pollution. It was idyllic.
I woke up to these views for nine years.
And loved it through every season
Although, the beech hedge was always at its most resplendent in autumn.
I have hosted countless birthday parties, Mother’s and Father’s day lunches, girls’ nights in, a hen party, two First Holy Communion breakfasts, several Hallowe’en parties, numerous Easter Egg Hunts. We were once snowed in for weeks and sledged day after day in the field. We played football, cricket, tennis and golf in the garden. I’ve taken countless penalty shots against my son, in a goal net replaced by a larger one each Christmas. I taught my daughter to throw and catch a tennis ball.
And every year, we had an enormous Christmas tree.
I hope my children will take away happy memories.
I’ll miss it.
But home is where the heart is and my heart is with my children. Two remarkable young people who’ve shown unbelievable strength, resilience and maturity beyond their years.
A house move will always be stressful and the circumstances resulting in this move have seemed, at times, almost insurmountable. Nobody should be put in this position. But the whole scenario has reassured me what I knew all along. That it is the people that make a house a home. Along with health, it’s all that really matters.
With the unconditional love and constant help from my parents, brothers and sisters-in-law, and with unwavering support from my friends, I, we, have come through the other side, stronger. We’re positive, happy and raring to go. I’ve made new friendships. Ones that would never have happened if things had been different. Existing friendships have deepened. I’ve achieved more on my own than I could have imagined which has given me the confidence to believe that I can deal with anything. Everything has a new perspective and I feel like my old self for the first time in many, many years. (It doesn’t take a genius to work that one out…)
I can’t stop the tears now as I write, but as one door closes, another opens. (Not on my brand new home sadly, but in temporary accommodation for a short while- a minor inconvenience by comparison)
And so, I leave with some sadness but with lots of optimism and excitement.
This isn’t just a new chapter. It’s the start of a whole new book.
Disclosures:- I am a paid Brand Ambassador for STEPPER Eyewear - I am a paid Company Ambassador for MAC Eyewear - I am a paid Columnist and Content Creator for Optometry Today - I am an employed optometrist at Benjamin Opticians, Skipton. Like most blogs, some posts contain affiliate links (from which I make a small commission if you make a purchase). Such links are identified with an asterisk *- Gifted items and PR samples are identified as such either in the the body of post or in the notes section at the foot of the post - Shop my looks, eyewear and homeware here: https://www.shopltk.com/explore/whatlizzyloves - Thank you for reading and supporting my blog.
23 comments
Wow! It's a huge moment in your life, I totally get it. When I left my apartment of 10 years in Rome to move to Switzerland I cried like a baby…but now I have a wonderful little girl and life, as you say ,life is where the heart is…
Bravo Liz. I'm in total awe of the way you have handled everything. Good luck in your new home which I'm sure you will make just as beautiful xx
Oh Liz…sending huge hugs…I can't imagine how tough this is. Your home is beautiful and what lovely memories. On the plus-side, you have the memories to treasure forever and your children are old enough to remember them too. This is another part of the move onward and upwards….things are tough now but you have to believe that you will look back in a couple of years and understand and celebrate this huge upheaval. Wishing you lots of luck in your new home and sending you strength for the move – a stressful and tiring experience at the best of times. Avril xx
Go for it Liz, you will always have the memories but it is now time to make new ones. A house is simply bricks and mortar, it's the people inside that make it a home. I'm lucky enough to live in the same beautiful area as you so I know those views are never far away, ready for when you need them. All the very best of luck and I look forward to reading the next chapter xxxx
Sending you lots of love & virtual hugs Liz. After today look forward to the new chapter in your life & wishing you & your children lots of love, joy & laughter in your new home.
Jane xx
My Midlife Fashion
Best of luck Liz. I felt just the same leaving my yorkshire home where my first two children were born for a life overseas. I read something on facebook recently (not quite word for word) 'sometimes the biggest knocks in life set you on the path you were meant to be'. This is true for me and I really hope it is for you too. Can't wait to see your new blog backdrops! Lucy x
Lots of love to you Liz – I can't believe how strong and resilient your children are given they have gone through the mill too – you are so strong for taking the right path instead of what may have been the easier path xx
A truly beautiful home and 9 years of wonderful memories. Good luck with the move & settling into your new home.
A very moving post Liz, your house looks like it held lots of happy times with the kids and those are the memories they will take with them to your new house where there will be such happy times ahead for you all. Wishing you lots of fun happiness, laughter and of course lots of frivolous fashion in your new home xxx
All the very best wishes to you and your children in your new home, where I am sure you will make plenty of new and wonderful memories together.
I received the scarf I ordered from you today and it is beautiful, thank you so much for such a speedy delivery when you have had other things to occupy your time.
I don't know the circumstances behind your move but I do however, agree with your sentiment of home is where the heart is. I sobbed when we left our home in Bournemouth for a new life in France & then sobbed again 7 years after that when we moved back to Scotland. But my sadness has always been very short lived & as long as I have my family around me, I can make a home anywhere in the world!! Xx
Oh gosh. So difficult after all you've been through. So glad you're feeling optimistic for the future. Lynne xx
Oh Liz darling …… Sad but as my mum says "everything happens for a reason" wishing you all the luck in the world for your new home and happy memories you have yet to have, with your beautiful two. Xx
Sending hugs and best wishes during this time of transition. I agree- no one should have to go through what you are experiencing. You have handled the situation with strength, dignity, and grace. I am sure your children will carry many happy memories from your lovely home, with many more happy times to be had in your new house. Best wishes- Kristen
Best of luck in the new chapter of your life Liz. You have shown incredible strength and are a true inspiration.
Wishing you all the luck in the world for your new adventure and your new life. It will be amazing as you will make it that way.
I just wanted to wish you the best of luck Liz, you seem unbelievably strong and are setting an amazing example for your children. Look forward to your posts about the next chapter xxx
Wishing you and your precious children every happiness in your new chapter & new home. Keep strong & thankful & keep counting your blessings. Your children are blessed to have you J xo
A house isn't a home anymore if that's no longer where you can be happy – best of luck with your new chapter, I will be thinking of you x
I hope everything works out for you and the children in your new home Liz…..rented or otherwise once you are together and happy is all that matters:)
~Anne xx
Beautiful photos, Liz. This must be such an emotional time for you all, but just keep looking to the future and I hope it brings you all everything you deserve and more! I hope you are settled into your new home very soon. Lots of love xxx
Your strength and grace has been inspirational and as sad as it must be to leave such a beautiful home, I've no doubt but that lots of new, wonderful and rewarding times lie ahead for you and your children. The very, very best of luck with the next chapter x
You kicked his Ass – Liz! Onwards & Upwards.