As transitions go, this one has been a doozey. I suppose it started when I thought I'd fallen in love with the man of my dreams. That man left. (They come...they go.) More importantly however...my soul mate, my sweetest sweet, my constant companion and greatest love left too. (He comes to see me in my dreams sometimes, still wagging and now walking with ease.) So, with camper in tow (and dog #2 (now dog #1 he reminds me) in the front seat), I up and left my home of 37 years for places and people unknown. Ahhh, New Mexico. Where since 1990 I've found peace and healing, had visions and revelations.
I realized soon enough that I could not finance living at Ojo Caliente Hot Springs forever. A quick posting on Craigslist about being available to house sit brought an email. I responded and soon found myself driving to Chimayo and the house with the bright, yet pale, green roof.
I walked through the gate and was greeted by a warm smile and firm handshake from a woman with red hair. I liked her. She welcomed me into the house and into the gallery where I first met Debbie. We talked for...oh, lets call it...generously...THREE minutes. Then, Debbie said to me (with what I now recognize as a presumptive close) "You're welcome to sleep in the main house while we're gone. But you may be more comfortable in the Casita out back. And if you're in there, when we come home (from our vacation) you won't have to move out right away. You look like you need a place to land and we want you to know that you can land here." (I'd been in the house maybe FIVE minutes, don't forget.) Not only was I speechless, I could not catch my breath. I was stunned. I'd not seen the whole house, met ANY of the animals, told them anything about myself...NOTHING. Yet here was this woman, offering me her home. (I know now, that she was offering me a TICKET) It amazes me still to this day. A few days later I found myself relaxing in my PJ's on a warm summer evening in Liz & Debbie's kitchen, marveling at how comfortable I was with them. Instantly, it seemed.
The stories are endless, but let's fast forward to today. TWO YEARS LATER. I'm still here. Of the 2 years I've been here, I've lived a year and a half in the Casita. (The house sitter that never left) Of the two years I've been here, I've mourned and celebrated. I've had a lot of laughs, met some wonderful people and seen and learned and experienced a New Mexico that I'd never known. All the while being guided and held by the gentle love of this woman Debbie Denison.
In just a few short days, I will move out of the Casita...again. Still obviously deep in the throws of this transition...will I be back?
Maybe the real question is 'Once you're on the Debbie train, can you ever really get off?'
I hope not.
I realized soon enough that I could not finance living at Ojo Caliente Hot Springs forever. A quick posting on Craigslist about being available to house sit brought an email. I responded and soon found myself driving to Chimayo and the house with the bright, yet pale, green roof.
I walked through the gate and was greeted by a warm smile and firm handshake from a woman with red hair. I liked her. She welcomed me into the house and into the gallery where I first met Debbie. We talked for...oh, lets call it...generously...THREE minutes. Then, Debbie said to me (with what I now recognize as a presumptive close) "You're welcome to sleep in the main house while we're gone. But you may be more comfortable in the Casita out back. And if you're in there, when we come home (from our vacation) you won't have to move out right away. You look like you need a place to land and we want you to know that you can land here." (I'd been in the house maybe FIVE minutes, don't forget.) Not only was I speechless, I could not catch my breath. I was stunned. I'd not seen the whole house, met ANY of the animals, told them anything about myself...NOTHING. Yet here was this woman, offering me her home. (I know now, that she was offering me a TICKET) It amazes me still to this day. A few days later I found myself relaxing in my PJ's on a warm summer evening in Liz & Debbie's kitchen, marveling at how comfortable I was with them. Instantly, it seemed.
The stories are endless, but let's fast forward to today. TWO YEARS LATER. I'm still here. Of the 2 years I've been here, I've lived a year and a half in the Casita. (The house sitter that never left) Of the two years I've been here, I've mourned and celebrated. I've had a lot of laughs, met some wonderful people and seen and learned and experienced a New Mexico that I'd never known. All the while being guided and held by the gentle love of this woman Debbie Denison.
In just a few short days, I will move out of the Casita...again. Still obviously deep in the throws of this transition...will I be back?
Maybe the real question is 'Once you're on the Debbie train, can you ever really get off?'
I hope not.
Thanks for the ticket, Debbie and Happy Birthday~
Cheryl and The Hank
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