(I will add to this, as I am able. It has been three years, and yet, I find it difficult to even allow my brain to ponder it for more than a few moments, without feeling completely overcome with sadness.)
The Beginning:
I had a lovely home in Upper Arlington; a very prestigious suburb on the outskirts of Columbus, Ohio. It was not a mansion, as many were. It was modest in comparison, but still, quite nice. My husband at the time and I invested in it, at a time when our business; a luggage outlet, was very prosperous.
I never sought “prestige.” It was his choice to move there. He grew up there. I was merely happy to have a home!
I adored my house; it was my project. I am an artist at heart; and put every part of myself into decorating it. Each and every inch of it was touched, with something creative. I woke early each morning, to get back to my project at hand. My favorite was doing an original tile mosaic floor in the bathroom; all stars and moons. ( I so wish I had a picture of it.)
Most of all, it was my home; OUR home. And I wanted to express its individuality, through my work. I planted flowers, and decorated for every holiday. I was not in any way the typical mom, or “homemaker” as I also worked for our business. I was pleased and happy, for a long time. I always had a paintbrush in my hand…I was covered in paint! I teetered on the roof, to paint our shutters the perfect color of maroon. I sat in my art room and worked on pastel portraits, until the room was filled with pastel dust. Every piece of furniture had my signature on it.
Pets; oh my, we had so many. Lovely little creatures of all sorts. My first passion is my love for the furred and feathered. They were very well tended to. My finches, Penelope and Paisley, had a floor to ceiling enclosure, hand-built by my step father. Sam was our canary; he sang the most beautiful songs each morning. Anyone who has not heard a canary sing, has missed out. It is magnificent, and almost unbelievable!
Rodents were abundant as well; hamsters for a start. My daughter and I loved our hammies! And then, we added Tim to our brood. A rat. Yes, a rat. It was not my first rat. I have loved rats since my teens. They are not appreciated as they should be; they are responsive, affectionate, intelligent, wonderful companions! (Would I hug a rat in a dumpster? NO.)
And of course my dogs….my true loves. Emma, Nicky and Stanley. My adopted children! Emma and Nicky were dachshunds. Stan is a Pekingese. Each has made such an impact on my being!!
(More to follow, and thank you my Shi, for asking me to write about this! I love you!!!)
