Saturday, April 28, 2007

Sunday Scribbling - "Wings"

When I think of wings I immediately think of angels. Not statues or heavenly angels, but of angels right here on earth. I have been touched by a community of such angels that together created a miracle. I never saw their wings but I felt their hearts.

There is a reason my house is so special to me. It is not just the spectacular view, the comfort of the embracing walls or even the ten years I've spent here. My house has a story but it is a story that involves a whole community of angels. I wanted to tell this story so you can see why it is so hard to leave. They are out there ready to help if we will allow them.

I was a single, retired mother of two hormonal pre-teens. We lived as a team, while I battled my deadly disease, in a fairly large city. My kids would be shuttled back and forth, every other week to their father's. They were living two separate lifestyles. I was seeing anger in their behavior as a result and their school work was starting to slip. I drove them across town, even on dad's week, to make sure they went to the best school. The rich kids reminded them everyday that they did not fit in and they were unhappy there. The alternative school had gangs and dad was getting out of control. I decided to move to the country and away from the stress.

Where, how and when would be quite a hurdle. The ex was not very happy to live 2 1/2 hours from his kids, but when I agreed to a very low child support he reluctantly caved in. A friend suggested I buy a home and I laughed. I had always been a renter and the thought of buying a home as a single mom really scared me. I was on a fixed income so no way would a bank approve me. When I checked into it I was floored that it could happen, so I went full speed ahead. I chose a foothill area and dialed the first real estate company that came to mind.

Diana picked up the phone and became my realtor that day. She agreed that I could buy, being a first timer, so off we went to check out our new town. My list of "must haves" in a home was difficult to find in this area because of the hills. I gave Diana my list and it took six months for her to call. "Tammy, I think I found your house" the voice said as the dread began to creep up my spine. Could we really do this? The girls were thrilled and that was half the battle. Michelle would be starting high school so the timing was great.

The first thing I saw was an angel on the address plate as I stepped up to the front door. At first I was not impressed because it was not ready to be shown. It hadn't even been listed yet so it made a bad first impression. As I stepped outside to the backyard and saw the view, my jaw dropped. My first thought was that I was almost to heaven and my second thought was this is home. I could see living out my days here with my kids.

The realtor made the offer, but the owner ( a newly married mother of two) thought that maybe they had asked for too little. She was going to be living with her new husband, who had advised her to raise the price, since it was still early. This knocked me out of the game. My realtor was more upset than I was because I never really believed I could do this. Diana set the wheels in motion for a miracle and never even knew it until it was over.

Diana told her mother about my story and the "perfect" little house. Diana's mother spoke to her church and they prayed for me. A member of that church was a neighbor, who walked over and spoke to the owners about my family. The owners dropped the price back to where it was and the offer was accepted. You would think that would have been cool enough but there was much more. I needed $6000 for closing costs and I didn't have it. The owners paid for half of the closing, adding a new water heater and flooring. The title company had heard of our plight through the small real estate community and somehow added the closing price into the loan. I moved in without paying a dime with a mortgage less than my rent. Everyone worked hard to give my family a fresh start and a real home.

The day my friends helped move me in, the kids were with their dad. My friends did not want to leave me by myself and thought moving to the country, not knowing a soul, was lunacy with my illness. I had a new neighbor come to check on me the next day and introduce herself. From that day on I had a true friend and mother. Lynne and her husband adopted my family and has been there for us in unimaginable ways.

I will embrace my future new home with Dave, but a part of me will always remain with this house and community. My girls and I learned so much in the ten years we have lived here. I have been even more blessed because I have continued to survive. I just may bottle the water to take with me just in case it's in the water. My lack of progression could be many different things, but this community of angles gave me hope. I love change, but this one will really be tough. Maybe the next buyer will be looking for a neighborhood of angels.

30 comments:

bonggamom said...

What a wonderful story. It is so inspiring to know that there are angels such as these out in the world, so kind and caring and willing to help. You help restore my faith in humanity!

emmapeelDallas said...

Tammy,

This is beautiful. I hope that you print it out and put it in an album of pictures of your house. It's a wonderful account of living there.

Judi

Crafty Green Poet said...

Sounds like a wonderful place to have lived.

Anonymous said...

Hi Tammy, didn't know how else to contact you to let you know that yesterday (April 28th) Helen Sattel was admitted to the hospice care facility in Louisville CO for pneumonia. Please email me at Jmsattel@hotmail.com and give me your phone number and I'll call you with updates.

Kamsin said...

What a wonderful story! There really are angels in the world today. BTW, there seems to be a problem with the colour of the writing, it is really difficult to read against the brown background.

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gautami tripathy said...

Simply beautiful story about those angels who live amongst us. Thanks!

Joyce Ellen Davis said...

I hope you find yourself surrounded by angels in your new place! This is really an exciting time for you. They say...birds of a feather....and you are certainly an angel yourself!

Regina said...

I think angels attract angels, so wherever you go, Tammy dear, there will be angels...
A beautiful story of courage, Tammy- you are amazing to me...

paris parfait said...

Tammy your beautiful story of angels all around you brought tears to my eyes. Such a wonderful, life-affirming tale. Thank you for sharing your story - and your heart - with us, every day. xo

rel said...

Tammy,
I think like attracks like. An angel moved into that house 10 years ago and drew to her other angels in the neighborhood. As well, she made some others into angels.
Now it's time to go somewhere else where you are needed. God is sending his angel to another neighborhood to help some other folks find their goodness.
You are the angel and i thank you for the job you're doing.
rel

Patois42 said...

A wonderful story. Perhaps you are meant to be an angel to the next owner of your home and slice of heaven.

strauss said...

What a inspiring and miraculous story. You have paid a lovely tribute to your comminuty and friends. Thank you for sharig this story, their is hope in teh asking, isn't there.

Kelly said...

as always, "wow" it's always amazing how He can work things out!

turquoise cro said...

Wish I could move in there! Then YOU could visit anytime you like!!! Sweet Dreams little Darling! xoCinda

emmapeelDallas said...

Tammy,

I'm glad I read this earlier, because I agree with Kamsin, I can't read the black print against the brown background and thought you'd want to know.

Judi

Catherine said...

That's a wonderful story. It's been too long since I visited here, I have been busy with NaPoWriMo. The black print against the brown background is OK, but the one I really, really couldn't read was the pink one a few posts down.

Anonymous said...

((((Tammy))))

Beautiful and moving story. :)

Jone said...

Tammy, What a wonderful story. There are truly angels who walk on earth. You were blessed by them to get this house. Lovely.

daisies said...

what a beautiful story and tribute to your house and the community that surrounds it ...

angels wings dance everywhere i am sure and i don't think i would be in my little house were it not for my own sweet angels ...

xoxoxoxo

Tinker said...

Oh, Tammy! This is such a beautiful post. What a wonderful community - so many angels there! But I have a feeling, since birds of a feather flock together - that you are sure to find angels wherever you go! XOXO

vicci said...

Being the angel that you are Tammy...I just know you will find some NEW angels in your new neighborhood....:-)

Anonymous said...

I am sure you will find some more angels at your new house. They won't be the same, but just as giving, I'm sure. It is hard to leave all the good things, but you'll be happy there.
Sun shining on the deck, sleeping in late with dad, and cafe press coffee under the umbrella-it will be great.
Hugs,
Jolene

Anonymous said...

Beautiful, Tammy. Just beautiful.

Your story refreshes my faith in the best of us.

All the best to you in your new home.

Anonymous said...

I am glad I read the comments because I also was going to say that "angels attract angels." Your new adventure will be full of angels, I just know somehow.

Tabor

Anonymous said...

Thank you Tammy, yet another awe-inspiring post - quite wonderfully told. I can quite understand your mixed feelings on leaving this place but I am sure you are going to love your new place too.

BendingPeak said...

What a great story Tammy. I too hope that you find the right bidder for YOUR house. And that your move with open new doors and opportunities for you.
Love!

Amber said...

Oh, Tammy. This post just touched me so deeply! This is a story about the magic of life! Of how a person can find love and kindness in ways they never see comming.

I am praying that just the right person, who needs the feel all the love and good juju your home is filled with, finds and buys your house. And you will know that you only pass on the blessing you found.

Love to you
:)

Sandy said...

Reading this post and listening to the song on your page - well, I need a tissue now.... Wow!

Jana B said...

Awwww... that is so awesome!!! I don't know if I'd have the courage to leave... I'd have to REALLY love the man!!!!