Gut-Wrenching Decision…

This post is a tough one to write.

Five years ago, we were blessed beyond measure by ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. Our builder, Matt Swanson, went above and beyond and knew our story inside and out. We have an amazing home. And I do mean AMAZING. When everything was done and the final inspections were done, one of the inspectors looked at me and said, “I’ve never seen anything like this. People working around the clock and doing such an incredible job. This is one of the best built homes in all of Colorado.”

And we love our home. LOVE it.

That’s why this is so hard.

Almost a year and half ago, my husband took a job up in Monument. It has been an incredible blessing. And as of July 1, our entire family has medical insurance. Something we haven’t had in well over a decade. For all of you who have gone without medical insurance, you understand our elation. In fact, if I could, I’d be yelling it across town through a megaphone. This is HUGE for us. And after owing hundreds of thousands of dollars over the years, this is a huge relief.

But my husband has to drive almost an hour one-way (much longer if there’s traffic) and with the economy and gas prices, it has been very difficult. Add to that, it takes away two hours of time that we could be spending as a family and with our family’s special needs, that’s hard. Very hard.

So we’ve been praying about what to do. A lot.

Several months ago we decided that we should probably look into moving closer to hubby’s job. But finding the right home proved to be almost impossible. How could we possibly find the right home that could be the super-controlled environment that Kayla needed?

And personally, I was struggling. Struggling with giving up this incredible home, and struggling with my pride. I love this home. Have I mentioned that? Love, love, love it. And it has spoiled me. Not only because it has so many extreme elements to it and is custom and top of the line (although, those things are wonderful and I love them)… but because it has so many elements that have protected Josh and Kayla. It’s been so nice to have confidence that they are safe in this environment. I don’t have to check Kayla’s temperature constantly. Her room is totally a safe haven for her. The entire house has provided us with security and comfort.  And we haven’t wanted to give that up. This was supposed to be our forever home. We thought we’d never leave.

In tears, I called the builder of our extreme home, Matt. I told him how hard this was and that we were having a difficult time. He said, “Wow, you guys need to move!”

His blunt observation shocked me. I thought for sure he would be totally offended that we were thinking of moving. But after listening to him for several seconds, I realized I had become overly emotional about the situation. Matt knew how much we appreciated him and all he’d done, but he was able to talk to me about the logic of the situation. And he knew we had to make the best decision for the future. He cared so much that he wanted to see us be able to move forward and not feel guilty. Matt’s been like part of the family, I have great respect for him, and realized even more that day how much he cared for us as well.  Kayla has had a few health scares the past year or two. She’s doing great, so please don’t worry – but we’ve learned more about her nerve disorder and issues that she’s struggled with. Looking forward to the future, we are able to understand her needs as she grows into an adult.

Anyway, we have indeed come to the conclusion that we need to move. As soon as I was willing to “let go” – a wonderful builder approached us and wanted to help us with our new home. Amazing how God works. Especially on our attitudes 🙂

So, as of tomorrow, our beautiful, extreme home goes up for sale. We’re praying for the perfect buyer for it. We had hoped to be able to keep it – thinking we could help another family in need with it and had worked for several months to try and do that – but financially, we are unable to do it. But God knows exactly who needs it.

We’ve learned so much through this process and through having this healthy home that we know what needs to done to make a new controlled environment for our family. Many people and companies have come forward wanting to help, and we greatly appreciate the support and encouragement once again for our family.

There were thousands of people who volunteered and gave of their time and materials to help with our extreme home – and to ALL of those people, we again say thank you. You all have blessed us more than we could imagine.

Hundreds have stopped by over the years to talk to us, bring pictures or notes, or just to tell us how this experience changed their lives. In giving, they received, and that’s a beautiful thing. Colorado Springs has truly shown what community is all about. And we are proud to be a part of the community here.

I’m sure I’ve left out many important thoughts I’ve had over the past few months in my note here today, but hopefully, you all can see how difficult this is and how very much we appreciate everything that was put into this home for us. We’ve had nothing but incredible support from people, and for that, we are truly grateful.

Comments 40

    1. I miss your family so much, and I am praying for you as you prepare to move. I pray that the new home is just as perfect for your family. As always I am praying for you Kim 🙂

    2. Post
      Author

  2. Praying for the perfect home for your family! We know all too well about the commuting and the tole it takes on everyone. My husband has been doing the one hour commute for 12 years now but moving closer is not an option, nor a desire, for us. I can only imagine having to move! God bless you all!

    Reply
    1. Post
      Author

      Ugh, it’s a tough one, isn’t it? Hubby is always so exhausted after the drive. I can’t imagine twelve years! A friend told me that statistics show that after two years of a 45 + min commute depression and burnout are most common. I’ll be praying for your family as well!

  3. I think we’ve all faced or will face the old “you gotta do what ya gotta do”. It’s the right thing. You were blessed, so very blessed, and now God is continuing the blessings. It’s always exciting to see what God has in store for His children. He will always take care of you. I’m praying! Be excited!! Family time matters more than a home. Even an Extreme home!

    Reply
    1. Post
      Author

      Thank you so much, Sandy!You’re so right. I didn’t want to hold onto a home just because it’s an extreme home, but man, we sure do love it. It’s been the perfect home for us. But I was reminded during the fires that it is “just” a home. What matters is my family. If we would’ve had to evacuate, we would have had to leave the house behind.

  5. I appreciate your honest heart. Read the story of your family and your home, so I can relate to how hard it must be to let go. This is a great reminder to ALL of us who believe in Jesus that this is not our home…we’re all just passing through. God sees and He provides, we just have to trust. Praying good health, safe move, blessings on your writing, and a NEW extreme Heavenly home that will blow your MINDS:-)

    Reply
    1. Post
      Author
  6. Post
    Author

    Thank you, Terri and Lori. Some people may not be able to understand – and I get that. It’s hard to make a choice between gas and insurance – but to us, insurance is SO huge 🙂
    We’re so thankful for this home, and so thankful for wonderful friends like you all.

    Reply

  7. Truth is, we can never figure out why God leads as he does. If He had wanted you to stay in your home He would have given your husband a job closer to home or one that he could have worked at from home. He didn’t. I’m sad for you. I had to leave a home I loved too. It’s been 9 years and I’m not bitter about it, I understand it had to be done, but I still miss it. I’ll pray for you to feel peace and even be excited about your next new incredible home.

    Reply
    1. Post
      Author
    1. Post
      Author
    1. Post
      Author
    1. Post
      Author

  11. Congrats to your family,but God Still Loves You No Matter What You Decide! God Bless You Abundantly In The Days Ahead! Take Care Of Those Two Beautiful Children! Gina

    Reply
    1. Post
      Author

  12. You’ve fully honored the gift of your home. And the gift will give again, when it sells, allowing you to fund the next one. It’s so sweet how God provides, isn’t it?

    Reply
    1. Post
      Author

  13. Kim, It’s never easy to tell a home goodbye, but I hope and pray that your next home will also be a wonderful gift of God, and that God will bless the sale of this home that you love, and send just the right family to buy it; someone who will also really be blessed by it.

    Reply
    1. Post
      Author

  14. Kim, I hope you guys sell it quickly! I’m sure the new owners will love on it just as much as you did! (It sounds like we’re talking about a pet! LOL) And I pray you find another perfect house to meet all your needs! May God provide again! Love you.

    Reply
    1. Post
      Author

  15. Praying for you guys!! I know it’s been a hard decision, but it sounds like God is putting all the pieces in place as usual. 🙂

    Selfishly, is it wrong for me to be thrilled that you guys will be closer to me?

    Love you!

    Reply
    1. Post
      Author

  16. Wow, Kim! First let me say congratulations on having insurance! I so understand your elation. Hubby and I haven’t had insurance for five years now and it’s super hard not having it. Very scary actually. So, again, congrats on that. And secondly, I know how hard this has to be for you to give up the “perfect” home. I’m praying that God will give you peace, and that He will provide the perfect home that fits your family’s needs.

    God bless you, Kim.

    Debra Ullrick

    Reply
    1. Post
      Author

  17. Oh, Kim. What a difficult decision. Your honesty about the situation is what makes you the wonderful person you are. Praying for you to have the perfect house for your situation and praising God you had no damage from the fires ravaging your area. May God bless you in your new move and continue to bless Kayla with better health.

    Reply
    1. Post
      Author

  18. Girlie, God knew all of this was coming. He’s not at all surprised. And He’s plenty big enough to handle it. No point in wondering or worrying about what others will think. Do what you need to do and rest in God’s peace. He loves you!

    Reply
    1. Post
      Author

  19. I love the way that God is watching out for you even now. Just rest and relax in that knowledge. And His peace that is beyond human understanding will abide with you during this move and over the rest of your life.

    Reply
    1. Post
      Author
    1. Post
      Author

  21. I pray for strength and patience during the exhausting moving process and that God would make clear the perfect home for your family. We miss you so much!!!

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *