December 31, 2023- New Years Eve
I wake to a loud crash. Groggy from a long day of travel, I make my way from the comfort of my bed to the living room when I see it. A large hole in the ceiling, wet plaster covers the floor.
“Huh,” I say to no one in particular.
A faulty pipe, ruined floors, and a damaged window
August 21, 2024- my birthday
Moving day. I toss a bag of clothes and other necessities into the back of my parents SUV.
”It’s a six-week job, don’t worry, we won’t be gone for long,” said my parents “You’ll be back in your own bed in no time.”
I thought back to 2020, when we were told COVID-19 would be a simple two-week break from school.
“Sounds good,” I responded, doubtful.
October 13, 2024
I wake up once again at the rental home, in a room that isn’t mine. I hear my father outside, talking on the phone. I sit on the porch next to him, assuming it’s a patient. He ends the call.
“So” he starts “there’s been a few delays.”
“I’ve heard.”
“They botched the floors… again.”
He shows me a few photos, wonky floors, holes in the walls, uncovered pipes, a broken railing.
“Why does the floor look burnt?” I ask, studying the photos.
“What? Where?”
December 1, 2024
There’s been a few more delays. Actually, at this point, a few is an understatement. Insurance stopped covering the rental home this month. We have nowhere to live next month.
“So…” my mom announces during dinner, “How do we feel about an RV?”
”Sounds interesting, I guess,” shrugging it off.
December 29, 2024- moving day again
My parents, thankfully, found an RV that fits the four of us.
“It’ll be an adventure!” I hear from the front seat.
”It’ll be an adventure,” I repeat begrudgingly.
February 6
Driving home, I see no signs of work from the new contractors. The house remains in the same state as it was early January.
“Did they do anything today?” I ask
“Not today.”
It would stay like this for a few more months before they would start up work again.
May 14
”We have a move-in day!” My mom announces.
“A real move-in day?”
“A real move-in day,” she confirms
“I’ll believe it when I see it.”
May 19
The floors are a sickly yellowish brown when I walk in the house that day. My father pops in from around the corner. He is about to speak, but I interrupt him, saying:
”Complications?”
“Complications,” he confirms “they’re sanding the floors tomorrow”
“That sounds familiar, doesn’t it”
“I’m sorry,”
“Don’t be, it ain’t your fault in the first place,” I responded, before walking back to the RV.
It’s been over 40 weeks since we moved out. Everyday I’m reminded of just how much work and dedication my parents have put in to solve this. From dealing with colleges, moving my little brother to a new school, and managing a small business, my parents have dealt with so much for me and my little brother this year. Sure, sometimes there’s tough days and rough nights, but more often than not, there’s a smile on their faces everytime they see us. My final year of high school has been a wild ride, that’s for sure, but there’s no one else I’d rather be than with my family. No matter where I’ve been this year, there’s always been a shining light at the end of the tunnel. That’s thanks to my parents. If anything has taught me that it’s important to keep your family close, it’s this year. I don’t know when we’ll be moving in, but it doesn’t really matter at this point, I’m just glad I have people to lean on.
