What sticks with me is the bookended images of your parents breaking ground on this home in 1963 and now their adult son in his 60s walking yhrough what’s left of the property. A stark reminder of the circle of life. I feel joy for the love and great times your family enjoyed there, sadness for the loss of not just a house but a home. Thanks for sharing, Mark.
I have to say that I am truly envious of people that have memories of the one home they grew up in up in. I lived in seven different houses from birth to high school graduation, all in the Richardson ISD. Ridgedale, Melody Lane, West Shore, Weatherred, Oakbluff, Dentcrest, and finally Fallmeadow. I packed up my Malibu for my Dad to take to Austin for his next move. Tim Reece came by Fallmeadow with room in the other half of his “wagon” to haul my other belongings to Lubbock. Chitwood at Texas Tech became my next home. I continued the tradition of moving, living in at least seven different places while in college. I lost count……. BUT, I will never tire of hearing/reading the stories that my childhood friends have to tell! I anxiously await our 50 year reunion to hear more! You guys are an important part of my “anchor”! Mark, please don’t proofread! lol!
Mark, savor the memories. It's still a great neighborhood but I know the changes may be hard to accept. When I saw it coming down, I did not have the heart to let you know.
Oh Mark! I was near tears as I read this missive. I live in Royse City now, but when in Richardson, I drive through the old haunts, sitting in front of my family’s house until I think someone may call the police saying I am a suspicious person. I miss that old house and have heard it went from a 3 bedroom to a 4. Sigh. They have razed and put those McMansions in over there and I cringe because they don’t fit in. I guess after the shock that is change fades away, there is some small amount of acceptance that ultimately sets in. But isn’t even that acceptance sad.
Another great story, Mark, and one I can relate to all too well. Still go to my barber, since 1977, in Richardson and always look up Weatherred Drive at the house I grew up in. Last haircut I noticed a massive dumpster out front and thought the old place was being razed. Instead, it was being completely gutted and I took the opportunity to walk thru. What a flood of memories. The property had been modified extensively in the 50 years since we moved out in 1974. My parents bought the house the year I was born, 1957. Thanks for sharing.
I can picture your house from your description. My old house is still there but the neighborhood is VERY questionable these days. It's sad to watch its decline.
Something tells me the foundation is still winning! Great story as always. I checked my first house in Michigan out and it looks like something out of a Stephen King novel it's been there so long (we didn't build it but liked it enough to buy it!).
What sticks with me is the bookended images of your parents breaking ground on this home in 1963 and now their adult son in his 60s walking yhrough what’s left of the property. A stark reminder of the circle of life. I feel joy for the love and great times your family enjoyed there, sadness for the loss of not just a house but a home. Thanks for sharing, Mark.
I have to say that I am truly envious of people that have memories of the one home they grew up in up in. I lived in seven different houses from birth to high school graduation, all in the Richardson ISD. Ridgedale, Melody Lane, West Shore, Weatherred, Oakbluff, Dentcrest, and finally Fallmeadow. I packed up my Malibu for my Dad to take to Austin for his next move. Tim Reece came by Fallmeadow with room in the other half of his “wagon” to haul my other belongings to Lubbock. Chitwood at Texas Tech became my next home. I continued the tradition of moving, living in at least seven different places while in college. I lost count……. BUT, I will never tire of hearing/reading the stories that my childhood friends have to tell! I anxiously await our 50 year reunion to hear more! You guys are an important part of my “anchor”! Mark, please don’t proofread! lol!
Thanks for sharing, Janet. I have a feeling the correspondent will find something to write about at the 50th.
Mark, thanks for sharing this story. Made me think of my old neighborhood home. Made me jealous of those parties I missed, too.
Mark, savor the memories. It's still a great neighborhood but I know the changes may be hard to accept. When I saw it coming down, I did not have the heart to let you know.
Thanks, Dickie. It is a great neighborhood
Oh Mark! I was near tears as I read this missive. I live in Royse City now, but when in Richardson, I drive through the old haunts, sitting in front of my family’s house until I think someone may call the police saying I am a suspicious person. I miss that old house and have heard it went from a 3 bedroom to a 4. Sigh. They have razed and put those McMansions in over there and I cringe because they don’t fit in. I guess after the shock that is change fades away, there is some small amount of acceptance that ultimately sets in. But isn’t even that acceptance sad.
Thanks, Paula
Another great story, Mark, and one I can relate to all too well. Still go to my barber, since 1977, in Richardson and always look up Weatherred Drive at the house I grew up in. Last haircut I noticed a massive dumpster out front and thought the old place was being razed. Instead, it was being completely gutted and I took the opportunity to walk thru. What a flood of memories. The property had been modified extensively in the 50 years since we moved out in 1974. My parents bought the house the year I was born, 1957. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks, Russell
Like all of Mark’s writings this is a tale that we call all relate to! Sad but true story.
Thanks, Stephen
I can picture your house from your description. My old house is still there but the neighborhood is VERY questionable these days. It's sad to watch its decline.
Something tells me the foundation is still winning! Great story as always. I checked my first house in Michigan out and it looks like something out of a Stephen King novel it's been there so long (we didn't build it but liked it enough to buy it!).
Thanks, Dave