An Old-Fashioned House

"Eden is that old-fashioned house we dwell in every day, Without suspecting our abode until we drive away." - Emily Dickinson, 19th century poet

Emily Dickinson had a beautiful way of expressing herself. The image of an old-fashioned house makes me remember going to my grandmother's house years and years ago. It was an older home in Western Massachusetts and I would look forward to those visits for weeks before we actually got there. I loved sleeping at my grandmother's house and I was always sad when we left.

Now as I look back on those visits, I find it interesting that I thought so highly of the house itself in a middle-class neighborhood of a New England town. I've seen the house recently and it's really very small and run-down. After some reflection, I've come to realize that it wasn't the house that made me feel that way - it was my Nana that did it for me. But when I thought of Nana, I thought of her in that beautiful old house. I remember home-cooked meals there. I remember having fun times with my cousins as we waited for holiday dinners to be served. I remember getting to sleep over and having my Nana come in to wish me sweet dreams as I drifted off to sleep. I always loved visiting my grandmother and I miss her still today, so many years later.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that the image of that house and the memories of my grandmother will forever be tied together in my mind. I never thought about it be like Eden, but it always makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside when I remember those days. I'll never forget them. Love you Nana!