Dear IHOL

Dear IHOL (International House of Lisa),

Thank you. Thank you for all the love and shelter you have provided to me, my family, and friends for the last 6 years ~ almost to the day.

You, very quickly, became a home for me and Cecelia. You were welcoming to the copious amounts of people I brought home for varying lengths of time. That almost sounds trashy ~ and as you know, jokes were made in the like about adding a red light in the front ~ in jest, of course! There was nothing improper going on in this house, well...with the exception of a certain freaky German that we love. All I can say is, thank God that her room wasn't above that loose ceiling fan! However, it was fun keeping "that" neighbor guessing!

Your walls were sterile and cold when we arrived. Still, we saw the potential. You allowed me to paint your walls what some would describe as "outrageous" colors ~ yet you wear them well. We upgraded your windows, your furnace, water heater, fenced in your yard (for the most part...), fixed your chimney...constructed a new bathroom...and you took it all so well.

You let my Mom and her friend overtake you once a year to violate your yard and garage to sell their copious goods. For that alone, I owe you!

We made family here with Germans and a Brazilian. Their love still thrives within your walls. Every room provides memories that will stay with me forever. I hope that we have left a positive imprint on your life too, house.

I want you to know that I love you and that will not change. You were my first home (as an owner) and I could never have asked for more. It is time now to share your beauty and allow you to create memories for others. I pray that they will keep you safe and that you, in turn, will do the same. I have filled this house with love and I expect that you will share that love with whomever is blessed enough to next live within these walls.

Pretty soon we will have to retire the name "IHOL" and you will have a new name with a new life and new memories created. Please know it's OK to move on ~ the love we (speaking on behalf of all those that have lived here over the 6 years) have for you is timeless.

Love,

Lisa & Cecelia