After digging up the perennials and donating half of my furniture to charity, we packed all my books and cats and yarn into a small moving van, and on Thursday we left the house in Wisconsin for good.

When I was teaching in Scotland, I once found myself on a train to Glasgow, sitting next to a older woman who told me that most people (if they’re fortunate enough to own their own home) will have only one house in their lifetime that they truly love.

I don’t believe that. I know I’ve loved many places, and I can’t foresee the places I will love in the future. But it’s hard to let go without looking back, one last time.