A Goodbye Letter to My House

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Dear House,
            Here I sit in Florence, hyperventilating and almost at verge of crying. After almost 16 years,
I will never see you again and it is starting to slowly tear me apart.
            I remember, although vaguely, the first day we met each other. You were old and worn and I remember staring at you overwhelmed with how big you looked to my childlike eyes. I remember going into the backyard and you won me over with a swing set. The next thing I know we are moving to be with you. The first night was hard and your cracks were the most noticeable.
            Little by little, we embraced each other and gave each other what we both needed. I helped fill your rooms with laughter and joy and you gave me solace and safety in the times I needed it most. Even when things were at their worst, you my beautiful house gave me a space to escape from it and feel safe.
            You were the first to see me fall in love, my heartbreaks, my triumphs, and those spirit-crushing defeats. You saw me go through the worst times of my life. You gave me solace after school had nearly torn me apart, rained ceiling dust on me, and when my cousin Laurie died.
            You, my creaky, old house will always be loved by me and the new people you help shelter and guide the new little girl through all her firsts like you did for me. I will miss you. Thank you for everything.

With all love,
Mara Rose Sloane Ochoa

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