Reflections of a Lonely House
Reflections of a Lonely House
(A few miles west of Denmark, Wisconsin)
Written by David Enz
As this Christmas season came and went I got to remembering what it used to be like since I was built more than 30 years ago. I remember the Mrs. getting Mr. to string a line along the wall between my kitchen and dining area. Then the line would begin filling with cards and letters that were received from family and friends. Many of them had spent time dining at the table that always had a welcoming place for them with plenty of good food to eat. Conversations were sprinkled with good natured harassment given and received with love and laughter. When people graced the table, meal times were happy times.
Things are different now.
I remember the smells of cookies baking as little hands and some bigger ones helped their grandma bake and decorate them. Oh how they laughed and played as they worked. These baking sessions were often followed by cards with grandma. Those kids loved to play cards, especially with her. They loved it even more if they won.
Things are different now.
My open door policy insured there would be people dropping by to talk, play cards, help out and just be friends. How my residents enjoyed those times with these very special people! I haven’t seen or heard most of them for more than three Christmas seasons.
Things are different now.
I could go on and on about lives that were lived within my walls. The large family that grew up here doesn’t visit any more since Mr. and Mrs. had to leave. The friends that came and stayed to sit a while no longer hang out here. There is no warming fire in my basement stove or large amounts of canned food in my root cellar. No Christmas tree surrounded with presents, eagerly watched by the children who grew here, now surrounded by their own children. Oh there was always a number of pseudo adopted kids and friends among the crowd. I loved hearing the kids read and recite the Christmas story about the birth of the Savior. They had a wonderful time sharing the good news. I’m sure they miss coming to grandma’s house.
Things are different now.
For over thirty years I provided a place of comfort for all who entered. I was warm and pleasing to look at. I was filled with the aroma of food cooking, vegetables being canned and fresh country air. People often reflected on the sense of peace they felt here. I thought this would go on for a long time. I heard of other houses whose families have been forced to leave since the wind turbines started spinning and wonder if they are as sad and lonely as I am. I think it might be even harder for the homes whose families are still living in them knowing they can’t protect their residents from the new intruder.
Things are different now.
I wonder what had caused all this to change. I look the same. I still can stay warm and dry if they would come back. Although I miss them terribly I am glad they found someplace where they feel better. It was very hard to see the Mrs. holding her hands over her ears and hear her cry and not being able to help her. She tried to be happy and continue her daily routine, but the misery of being tired most of the time plus suffering from other unusual symptoms made it impossible. She even went to the doctor but he couldn’t find any reason to why she wasn’t feeling well. Mr. woke up often at night and some mornings I heard him say the room was spinning around. He spoke of having a hard time reading and working on the computer. He complained about blurred vision and not feeling well. They mentioned a lot of other health issues so I tried to figure out what was causing so many problems. I heard many others in the neighborhood are also having new health problems. It’s been said they feel much better when they get away from this neighborhood.
Things are different now.
I looked around and the only thing I could see that was different was the addition of tall towers with huge blades on them spinning outside. I know Mr. and Mrs. could see several of them out my windows but they didn’t think they were harmful; they also knew they could plant trees if they didn’t like the view. Yet, this is the only thing I could see that changed in my neighborhood, the only difference that I could find added to my environment. It seemed an unlikely coincidence that these problems began shortly after they started turning.
After Mr. and Mrs. moved away they got better so they stayed away. Oh they try to check on me sometimes when the turbines are stopped, but most times they don’t stay long. When the monsters start spinning they leave. I am sad that I am unable to protect them from whatever harmful emissions are invading my sanctuary. I hope the professional medical people, noise pollution experts, and the others find out soon what makes my residents sick when the blades are spinning and correct the problem. I want my happy home life back.
Things are different now that the Shirley Wind Project moved into my neighborhood.
