It's Five Minute Friday when I link up with Lisa-Jo of The Gypsy Mama. We are given a word to write on each week for five minutes flat. Our word for today is: ROOTS.
I remember the day we moved in. The house was old. My dad bought it without my mother ever seeing it. The stairs creaked as my brother and I raced up the stairs to claim our bedroom. I got the one in front. The window seats would work perfectly for my many dolls. Memories surface of days when I played teacher with my little sister perched in the middle of the dolls. They made perfect students!
My baby sister and parents settled in downstairs bedrooms. There was one bathroom and it was downstairs. There was an outdoor well in the backyard that would occasionally overflow when the tide was very high. Yuck; I can still recall that smell.
But the best part of living here in Lindenhurst was being near the water. The canal was across the street. Clam boats lined the docks. The boat yards were easily navigated and I found I could run through them jumping from dock to dock. The smell of salt water was in the air.
I had undergone open heart surgery less than one year earlier. This was a fresh start for my family. A day to build roots in a new community. A place to create memories. A time to get to know our neighbors and stay put.
I moved to Lindenhurst, Long Island in 1961. Although I've since moved cross country, this is where my roots were established. And today my hometown is hurting after the devastation of Hurricane Sandy. The canal I loved overflowed and flooded my old neighborhood.
STOP
I wrote about the impact of the hurricane on Lindenhurst in a post here. Please continue to pray for those who still cannot return to their homes.
Blessings and love,
So lovely to 'meet' you and get to know some of your roots. Your story reminds me of moving to some of the places we have lived. Beautiful memories :)
ReplyDeleteSuch precious memories.
ReplyDeleteDebbie, thank you for sharing. Isn't it amazing how crisp our memories can be of places that were so important to us?
ReplyDeleteLoved hearing about your memories...still praying! Enjoy your week-end Deb!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful writing! I could feel the creaky stairs beneath me!
ReplyDeletevisiting from five minute friday. http://www.ordinaryinspirations.blogspot.com
Beautiful house and I love hearing about your growing up years. That would be so cool to live across from a dock. I love the water and watching boats.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry for the Sandy aftermath on your childhood home. I am thankful, however, your memories are intact and beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThis was just a precious post to me..the places we put down our roots. Your Dad buying it without your mother seeing it...now how many women would allow that today. So glad God healed your heart and allowed you to continue to plant roots in His soil.
ReplyDeleteOh, I enjoyed this.........I felt like I was seeing this house by your vivid description. As always, I enjoy stopping by. It's just unbelievable to see all the devastation caused by Sandy. Blessings, sweet friend!
ReplyDeleteWe all need to continually remind each other to pray for those suffering through the devastation caused by this hurricane. Thanks for sharing another piece of the picture of you. Be blessed.
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