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When a House Becomes a Home

Sandi Gerrard

ARTICLE HIGHLIGHTS:

Sweet words of sentiment on moving day. Sandi Gerrard, a redesigning guru on casaGURU, talks about when homeowner's feel the change from living in a house to living in their home.

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The land is cleared, the hole is dug and the builders throw the bricks and drywall together. Where trees once swayed in the breeze, now suddenly stands a HOUSE. The people come, some like what they see and buy the HOUSE. On moving day the trucks arrive, the boxes pile high, the furniture goes in and the HOUSE is then full. The lights go on, the meals are cooked and the family comes and goes.

They tell their friends "we bought a HOUSE" ... "come see our new HOUSE" ... "visit our HOUSE" !

The years go by, time passes and the family grows. They planted some trees that now sway in the breeze. But now the HOUSE needs some help ... it's no longer shiny and new. Repairs, upgrades and paint, more furniture and lots more stuff !

Time marches on again, the kids are grown, they leave the nest in the shade of the tree and the HOUSE feels empty. It's much too big for just mom and dad. "Maybe we should sell the HOUSE", they muse ... So out comes the paint again, a few more repairs, some expert staging (of course) and the HOUSE is listed. The "For Sale" sign sits on the lawn in front of the HOUSE. Potential buyers look at the HOUSE and then suddenly the HOUSE is sold.

It's time to pack up and leave this HOUSE. Everyone seems so sad. Mom just can't bear to leave her old HOME now. But wait ... when did this HOUSE become a HOME?

It's not the bricks, the drywall or paint.

It's not the furniture, books and games.

It's not the laundry, dishes and clutter.

It is truly the memories and treasures of a lifetime of love, sharing and caring that made that old HOUSE a HOME. No wonder it's so difficult to leave behind.