“Your home should tell the story of who you are, and be a collection of what you love.”
Nate Berkus
An unexpected string of circumstances and events has led me to trade in the comforts of living in my 4,700 square-foot dream home on the lake for the adventures of living in a 24-foot-long Happy Living sprinter van filled with only my basic necessities and my devoted dog, Sir Charles Barkley. Big life changes often come with pluses and minuses. One big minus I’ve been dealing with is keeping the van cool and comfortable in hot weather. A big, unexpected plus revealed itself during a dinner party six months ago.
I was with my daughter and son-in-law at their friend’s home for a New Year celebration. I was telling their friends about my new life living in the van and they were telling us about their big summer vacation plans in Europe for three weeks. Almost jokingly, they asked if I’d house-sit for them. With complete sincerity, I said I’d be happy too.
Now, here I am, in the Cunningham’s home for three weeks. Experiencing their story through their home, and being surrounded by the unique collection of the things they love, has been a heartwarming experience for me. So much so, that for the last few weeks, a poem has been swirling around and brewing inside me that wanted to express the love I could feel in their home even while they were away. The poem below is what finally emerged.
With love,
The Cunningham’s Home
In the Cunningham’s home, love is truly embraced,
While they’re away, I’m here in their place.
A house-sitting heart, I gladly bring,
To cherish every precious thing.
Like the teak seat for comfort with the awesome outdoor shower,
And the stone, steel, wood and rock giving the home it’s design power.
Sonos’ pitch-perfect melodies play everywhere without end,
A symphony of sound stirring my spirit within.
Books and decor, it’s all love on display,
Trumpets, pottery, and paintings, brightening each day.
And plants, oh the plants, their beauty brings me pleasure,
Each one a reason to smile, bringing joy beyond measure.
And the dishwasher has secrets, opening with a knock,
Its hidden silverware rack, a mystery taking me days to unlock.
Brilliant surprises everywhere, tucked away with grace,
A spice rack above, in its secret hiding place.
A hot tub and pool, and a trampoline in the ground,
Big swings hung from trees; the kid’s laughter abounds.
Magnificent trees with grand canopies in the front and back,
The landscaping’s quite beautiful with a functional knack.
The Cunningham’s home is elegant, bold, and comfortable, too,
But the highlight for me, if I’m honest with you,
Is an incredible, state-of-the-art throne of bliss,
A Toto electronic bidet, a sensation and joy that I’m truly gonna miss.
In the Cunningham’s home, a paradise I’ve found,
As I house sit for them, I feel their love all around.
Cuz’ it was built to be loved even when they’re away,
If yours was built the same, I’m the sitter you want to stay!