Usually, when you think of an enclosed porch you think of peace and a serene area that you can drink in the world.
But for me, the screened-in porch at 233 does not give me peace or happiness. For me, that porch was an introduction to the pain I was about to walk into.
It was the area that I could get myself prepared for what was on the other side of that door.
If I was late coming home from playing it gave me a moment to catch my breath and know I am about to get yelled at.
It was the area that I tried to dry my tears before I had to go in the house to try not to tell my dad that I was just thrown in the bushes after losing a fight
It was the area that my beloved poodle Pierre was mauled to death by Susan a dog that my dad trained to be vicious (the story will be shared at a later date)
It was the warning area to let us know my dad was home. (The porch door squeaked so it gave us enough to get to our designated area)
It was the area that I had to stay in as my parents fought
It is so crazy that a plain grey concrete screened-in porch can have so much heaviness. That area did not have the welcome feeling that I would have hoped a porch would have.
It’s crazy as I type this up I realize I have a screened in porch at my new place and it has a great swing. But I have spent limited time there. I think it might have something to do with my childhood vision of what a screened in porch was.
I am going to strive to make my present porch a safe haven a place that I can enjoy swinging or just having a cup of Chai. I want to break the mold of what I use to think a porch was.
To GOD Be The GLORY. Take Care. Much Love
