He first appeared in our lives 20-plus years ago. It was as we were building a new home in a small, neighboring community.

During construction, my husband and I, along with our two young boys, frequently drove out evenings and weekends. We wanted to check on the progress and to do our part of cleaning up the construction site.

That’s where he showed up. He was a friendly towheaded 6-year-old, full of vim and vigor, an undeniable impish gleam in his eye. To say he could keep up with our sons, one a year older and the other four years older than he, would be misleading. The fact is, though younger and smaller, it was often he who led the way in the new neighborhood. He was an adventurous daredevil who shied away from nothing.

Months later, on the day we finally moved in, this young lad was around to be a part of all the excitement.

Throughout the next couple decades he remained a friend to both our sons, despite the age differences. He seemed to know our home about as well as his own. Here he was always welcome and comfortable.

It’s now been 26 years since we built this home. Our sons are grown and have moved away, coming back only rarely to visit.

Now eager to begin a new chapter, my husband and I are readying to move closer to family. We’ve sold our house and are preparing to move.

The whole process of sifting, cleaning, and packing has been quite bittersweet. We’ve loved this home. For all these years this house has been our sanctuary, the setting for countless memories. It’s where friends and family often gathered for holidays. We’ve celebrated milestones together here. We’ve supported one another through illnesses, adversities, and losses. Yes, this house has been a repository for our hopes, our heartaches, and so much happiness.

Still, the time has come to turn the page.

As my husband and I count the days until we close the door one final time, we realize we’re feeling yet another wonderful emotion. It’s something that has nothing to do with the two of us or our family.

We’re both thrilled because there’s a new family preparing to move into this home.

And that mischievous lad? The one who was around when it all began? He’s grown and married now, a father to his own mini-me.

He and his family are the ones who’ll be moving in soon to take charge of this home. And though he has his own memories of childhood times spent here, there are countless new ones to be created for him and his loved ones.

This will be their new safe haven, the backdrop for their nurture. These walls are ready and waiting to sustain them through all their life events.

This family is about to turn the key and settle in, bringing their own dreams and a lot of new energy to this home.

And we couldn’t be happier!

Blessings for this home! Blessings for this family! Blessings all around!