Thanksgiving day, November 22nd this year meant a lot of things to a lot of different people. For some it was a time of joyous celebration, for others a time to reflect on their fortunes and misfortunes. I did a little of both. I've been very fortunate thus far in my life and have plenty to be thankful for. I have a loving family, a good job which allows me to pursue many of my interests, a group of great friends and an amazing woman I started dating a little while ago. I spent thanksgiving with my parents and sisters this year at my parents cramped, 1 bedroom apartment. Seven people in a barely 700 square foot apartment and a mother who loves to cook made for a lot of dancing around the kitchen and shuffling items around to make room for everyone.
But it also serves as a reminder that one year ago, on November 27th 2006 my parents house burned down with them narrowly escaping with barely the clothes on their backs. I can still recall that late night phone call from my frantic mother and it still sends chills down my spine. Over the past year the shock of the event has faded and been replaced by a feverish anxiousness to return home. The reconstruction of the house is finally near completion and while displaced, my parents have resumed their normal routine.
Since the house was almost completely destroyed, my mom (who had been wanting a new kitchen) took this opportunity to expand a little bit. In the new house, the kitchen/dining room area had it's back wall pushed an additional ten feet into the back yard, nearly doubling the size of the kitchen. Also, a walk-in pantry and half bath was added off the kitchen into what used to be the first bay in a two car garage. Off the back of the house a deck was built with a gas line run out to fuel the large natural gas grill my dad recently purchased. If I had to choose a phrase to sum up the results of this rebuild/remodel it would be "storage space". The kitchen and pantry have enough storage space to rival some homes I've been in that are twice the size.
 These two pictures show the same area of the house, just from opposite vantage points. The first is of the kitchen the day of the fire, taken from the garage. The other was taken about a month ago, from the dining area looking out into the pantry (where the first picture was taken).
As you can see, the appliances haven't been installed yet and the floor hasn't been varnished yet, but it almost feels like a home again. I'm looking to when the house is completely done and ready to move in.
This has been a very eventful year to say the least. In addition to losing my parents house, I bought a house, started an internet marketing business and started a new job. All things considered, I'm thankful for a great many people and things this holiday season. |