On Our Way…
– Kristen Van Engelen, Real Estate Investor

We were on our way within 48 hours of his untimely departure. Baby Bree tucked into her car seat; only her cherub cheeks and puffy hands visible to the biting winter air. She sucked on Binky for comfort, knowing our world had changed forever. Glancing at her in the rear view mirror shushed my sobbing self pity.

It surprised me how fast everything could get done and undone. Less than two days before, she and I had suddenly become completely alone in this world. We had Winnie, the pit bull puppy, three cats and our most precious belongings; packed safely into the hatchback of the Eclipse. Only four and a half more years of payments and this sports car was all mine!

At twenty-three, everything seemed possible and impossible. With the surprising circumstances, I abruptly quit my job, listed the house and stocked plenty of Diet Coke and diapers for the long, unfamiliar drive. There, our new life began.

Had I been old enough to make a list of places to live, Boise, Idaho would not have made the first five hundred… Thank God it did…

Being an only parent is a far cry from being a single parent. There was no child support to expect or traditional weekends and Wednesdays off. The endless nights of piercing earache screams showed no mercy or prayer for relief. Unable to keep my eyes open a blink longer, I’d fill the room with necessary supplies: blankets, bottles, baby biscuits and the longest cartoon video she loved. Safely inside, I’d lie on the floor, my back jamming the door, securing her from escape, until dozing asleep.

Day care couldn’t be relied on. We made the impossible work. Prospective home buyers were always surprised to climb into the hatch back, shared with a baby seat and Bree sometimes stuffed in it. We were a great team!

If the lucky client unfolded out the back, dusting off the crackers and crumbs, we knew this prospect would prefer new construction. A high tolerance for stickiness… equaled a paycheck from a ‘fixer-upper’ buyer.

Upon the first glimmer of Sally and Dean, Bree decided our Paper Moon year had come to an end. Everyone remembers the moment we walked into the room; she shoved herself out of my arms and waddled to theirs, her arms in the air! The collision of love choked everyone…forever.

Twenty years later, she has evolved into their most precious confidant.

Away at law school, she continues to honor their diligent love and enduring respect. The Chosen One provides peace within her deserving trust, unwavering loyalty and now a beautiful history. It’s nearing the end. She’s whom they’ve been preparing for their final stages of life…

I’m sure she’ll be on her way, glancing in the rear-view mirror, when he’s soon called. May Gramps rest in peace…