Heavenly Bed & Breakfast

THE NEXT EVENING, WE DROVE along the tree-lined circular driveway and parked in front of a three-story plantation-style house. I gasped as I looked up; the house was more beautiful than I’d hoped.

The kids couldn’t stop grinning as they climbed the wide concrete steps, then gathered on the deep covered porch. Huge potted ferns anchored either side of the antique front door, and a wooden porch swing swayed gently in the breeze. White wicker furniture was grouped on area rugs spaced along the lightly stained wood plank porch.

I imagined Shelby reading on that swing, or the five of us relaxing on the comfy couches. I imagined working while the kids did homework on the porch. I was stunned by how beautiful and peaceful it was.

I couldn’t wait to sip morning coffee on this porch after sleeping late for several days.

We were safe. We had clean air to breathe at night. We could think, sleep, and recover here.

I called my mom to tell her the good news. It would take some work, but we’d hire a reputable remediation firm, remediate, rebuild, then move home for the holidays.

We were almost done.

10-5-2002