Accolan, Reya, Sephoni and I live with my father. It came about as a temporary measure nearly 9 years ago for a number of reasons and just gradually became permanent. Dad’s house has three bedrooms and a bath on the second floor. When we moved in this because like an apartment for us. Accolan & I in one room, the girls sharing a bedroom, and the third bedroom became our TV room.

As the girls got older this setup has worked less and less.

1. We couldn’t all fit comfortably on the one couch anymore. With both girls over 5″ now (as well as Accolan & I being a bit fluffy) a three-seater is just too crowded.
2. The room the girls shared was too small for the job. Causing much in the way of clutter, as well as:
3. Reya’s mood disorder makes it even more important for them to each have their own space.
4. As my dad gets older we are making an effort to spend more time downstairs, because you just never know how much time you have left with someone.
5. as well as:

• door slamming
• yelling
• otherwise normal and standard pre-teen & teenage angst
• and much in the way of clothing crises of varying sizes and shapes

Back in the summer of 1991 when we moved in the girls were so young. Reya was 6 1/2 and Sephoni was going on 2.

Now we have a young woman living with us, turning 16 before we hit 2011.  (I met my husband at her age!)  I am amazed to watch her evolve.

Our younger daughter is turning 11 in the Fall.  She is on the cusp of little girl.  Still clinging to it while at the same time yearning for what lies ahead.

Was it a sacrifice to give up the TV room?  Frankly?  Yes.

My husband enjoyed our private evenings.  For now were hiding in our bedroom watching TV on the laptop.  But that too will go away as it doesn’t really work for the long run.

Reya sleeps tonight on her old bed in a room all her own.  She barely remembers being able to do that.

Tucked into bed like I used to so long ago.

A room painted in shades of orange to compliment the color of her late grandmother’s drafting table.  The one we gave her because she’s such a gifted artist.

A room yet to be fully decorated or accessorized, but its hers.  And it makes her so happy that anything I may have given up on will be worth it … is worth it.  I hope she realizes that she is worth it.

Blessings

Jia

Image: Francesco Marino / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

No related posts.