My sister and I have set Monday, July 18, as our day to finish the paperwork for Mom's 2010 tax returns and send it off to her accountant. Reviewing some of these documents reminds me of all that's happened over the past few years with Mom and her house and our family.
For several months, we had talked about moving Mom into assisted living - we'd even turned down an opening that was offered to us in December of 2008. We told them to keep us on the list for the next opening, never dreaming it would come in less than 30 days.
By the first week of March 2009, we had moved Mom into her studio apartment at Mennonite Village - a big change for her after living for 47 years in the 4-bedroom family home in Corvallis. That spring, we began to interview realtors and start the process of clearing out almost 50 years of accumulated possessions.
We held a family work party where we cleared out the garage, then moved everything out of the attic into the garage. We held numerous yard sales. Things really accelerated in August with house painting and a kitchen remodel. And, we were still trying to empty most of the house for "staging."
The house went on the market in October 2009, and we felt we could breathe a little sign of relief, even while crossing our fingers that the perfect buyer would show up.
Soon after the holidays, word came that there was an opening for Mom in the Alzheimer's/dementia residence at Mennonite Village. After less than 11 months in assisted living, she moved to what would probably be her final home at the beginning of February 2010.
Things had been slow in the real estate market over the winter, so our realtor planned an open house for April 2010. This prompted us to redouble our efforts to make the house as presentable as possible, and within weeks we had received an offer. Counter offers came next, followed by various inspections and alterations and negotiations. By June, the house was sold.
So much happened in 2009 and 2010 that already it is beginning to get fuzzy in my memory. Sometimes it is hard to believe it all happened. But, looking at the paperwork, I am reminded of all there was to do, all those who helped us do it, and all that we accomplished.
Stay tuned.
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