qg63's Profile

It's probably no surprise that the type of people who like to look at Apartment Therapy are also the type to feel nostalgic for homes with strong memories and associations.

I grew up in a sprawling mid century modern walk out rancher my parents built when they found out they were pregnant with me, their fifth child. Although I moved out at 19 my parents sold our home when I was 34. Until that time I always had a key and the alarm code. It was the only place, other than my own, that I never knocked or rang the bell, but just went in. I never stood on ceremony and waited to be asked if I wanted something to eat, I just helped myself. It was home, an extension of my parents and the love they showered on us.

A few years ago I was fortunate enough to design and build my own home. 3000 sq ft on three levels. Every design decision was one that I made. I absolutely loved living there. Sadly, although I had no mortgage, I had given a personal guarantee to a bank as security for a real estate development I was doing and the crash of '08 forced us into receivership. Long story short I lost everything. I will never forget my last walk through that home. Ultimately I was thankful for the amazing time I'd had living there. So, it made me really accept the inevitablity of change. It also forced me to examine my priorities. While I had been thankful for all the things I had I realized it's the love in my life, my freedom and health that are more important, and I wouldn't trade them for all that I had lost.