Under Construction

I completed an energy assessment at my house last fall, and in the process, I was informed of a weatherization program offered through City Public Service. Due to other priorities at the time, I had to place this on hold. Recently, while thinking about preparing the house for winter, I thought of completing the application. After my application submission, I received a call that I qualified for the program. Another home assessment was scheduled, and they stated that they could install insulation throughout the house and attic, replace an old wall heater, and replace the front door.

Upon hearing this news, I was beyond elated and grateful that this would be possible. This house was built in 1959, and the original structure, windows, and doors are all original. The house was never well insulated, so we always had A/C wall units to use in the summer and winter space heaters in each room, except for old wall heaters in the living room and bathroom that I remember using when I was younger.

Over the last 5 years, we have replaced the roof, part of the original plumbing underneath the house, a new water heater, and other minor maintenance issues that arose, but other than that, this house has stood the test of time. The life changes of my parents no longer here bring many instances of reflection on the impact that this house has had on my life, especially over the last six years that I have been living in it. Thankfully, I can continue residing in this home thanks to my parents.

With the circumstances over the last couple of years, I feel an even stronger sense of being under construction. On November 26, 2022, after my dad passed, my foundation began to crack and showed signs of disintegrating. On September 4, 2023, after the passing of my mom, my foundation collapsed and was reduced to nearly nothing. When you reach that point, one wonders what, if anything, was salvageable. There have been too many times in my life that I have lost count when I have been stripped down to the core and did not see any light or hope for my future. Then suddenly little by little signs of life would reappear and each time a new blueprint was designed for the next rebuild. Currently, there is another blueprint in the works being created for me and I wait in anticipation of what it reveals.

So, a caution to all. I am still under construction.