Living with Others
Moving in with my wife was an experience I approached with some trepidation. How would we mesh our separate existences? How could I sleep without stealing the covers? Or worse, she steals the covers. This transition was easy as we both had the same goals: to make a home together. But other transitions, when entering someone else's home, are not as simple.
When I left New Jersey, I headed here to Belmont to stay with my brother. My brother's wife had just died, and we would support each other. It was an easy, no worries transition. As my brother wanted to keep the holidays as they were when his wife was alive, I became the cook in the house. On New Year's Day, I even made collard greens that my brother liked – he never used to enjoy them.
I kept up after myself, did dishes, helped him pack his attic, and moved a lot of furniture as he was preparing his house to be a rental. He was very undemanding and glad to have his little brother hanging with him. Did I mention he has a pool table? Bonus time.
My brother was moving to an apartment he built and was renting out the house. So I moved on.
My first friend in NC suggested I come rent a room at her trailer. It's a lovely setting, and she is a lovely person. No romance, just a deep friendship. She keeps her home very clean and organized. Just don't make a mess. Be respectful of each other's privacy. Keep your stuff put up. This trailer kept me busy for a while as I helped my friend, Cathy, rehab her trailer. I moved out, then moved back in. She moved out, then moved back in. She moved out, I moved out, and I moved back in, and now I'm writing this from that same trailer.
Next was a stay with my niece while I recovered from cataract surgery and on into the pandemic. Let's just say my niece was not as interested in housekeeping as I was. So I kept my space tidy and helped keep the dishes clean. I also had the privilege of walking her 80-pound pitbull on leash and chasing her when she was off leash. It was an easy, laid-back fit and a great place to hide from the pandemic.
The other side of this equation is when you have someone move into your space.
I told one such situation in "They Stole My House" and have experienced another that shall remain private for now.
Thanks for listening. God Bless.
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