A letter to a patient friend...

Dear Spare Room,

Just wanted to drop a quick line to let you know how much I appreciate you. You've been a faithful friend through the nearly six years we've lived here. You've put up with a lot over the years.

For awhile you held the futon and the TV; we'd spend hours with you there, watching The Apprentice and NCIS. We'd share date night with you curled up under a blanket. Those were sweet times.

As the dream of a family began, we moved the futon out, moved the TV downstairs and added a twin bed. Occasionally you hosted a small guests in the form of our nieces and nephews. The cats enjoyed spending time with you while curled up on the bed's duvet. You were always a good host.

For hours, we would sit and discuss ways to transform you to make you the perfect home for a little someone. Bright colour on the walls, a crib, change table, toy box. As year after year ticked by I visited with you less, stopping by occasionally to pull out those sweet small items meant for a baby I couldn't have. You were a kind, silent friend as I wept hot tears of grief during those years.

Eventually, we moved the twin bed out and you sat nearly empty of purpose. Slowly but surely, you became a glorified storage closet. You handled it well; there was never any judgment from you.

Last year, I slipped in for a quick hello and to gently remove sweet, pink baby things I had clung to for so long. My friend had given birth to a baby girl; it was time to move on. I could tell you were ready to do the same. As I paused for a moment before flipping off the light, I knew we would have to move on together.

Spare Room, thanks for being patient with how long it took. Thank you for not begrudging us the time it took to grieve all the hope and dreams we had poured into you. And thanks for cleaning up so nicely. It's pretty wonderful being on the same page now.

 

Oh, and I promise that The Len will get rid of that paneling eventually. No promises on when, though. Good thing you're patient.

Here's to new memories, Spare Room; maybe, even, a few new hopes and dreams.

Your friends,
The Len & The Lma