I can't begin to tell you how grateful I am to you, John; as well as to Patricia, to Julie and Sharon and Trent, to Dennis and Paul and Kelly and Corey and Eric and Jordan and Carsten and Kevin and Curt (who's back in school now), to our painters Rolando and "Mundo", and to all those whose names I have missed or never knew. Your employees and sub-contractors who worked here were professional, polite and respectful throughout it all. We have the most beautiful house on Winston Avenue, thanks to you. I've tried to write to you several times, and words have failed me.
Richard said something at Christmas that describes how we felt when we moved back in; he said, "Do you think the people who own this house will mind that we're using it?" When I bought this place in January of 2006, I was amazed, terrified, and overwhelmed - with the baby blue bathroom fixtures and wall paneling, with the gold and orange shag carpeting from the 70s, and the dips in the stairs and the floors. I could always see the potential; even though it was beyond my reach. You have taken my dream and turned it into reality and more. You have melded the new with the old; you have given our grand old girl good bones; you have helped her become a proud elder in this old neighbourhood. No wrecking ball will touch her now.
I remember at the beginning when someone from Oakwood said, "You'll be glad to see the last of us when this is done!". That couldn't be further from the truth. This has been the adventure of a lifetime! I'll miss everyone.
However, we want you to come back. We're having a drop-in open house here between 1:00pm and 4:00pm, on Sunday, February 13, 2011, because so many of our friends and extended family are anxious to see what you've done for us. We would be honoured to have you drop in - all of you - John, Debbie, Patricia, Sharon, Trent, Julie, Paul, Kelly, Jordan, Corey, Eric, Carsten, Kevin and those of your employees I may not have known or remembered who helped re-create the old girl, one day at a time, in good weather and bad, through the change orders and the holiday season, and the little things that happen daily for all of us. Please come and join us. We guarantee you a good laugh as you watch the slideshow of my first 3 1/2 year attempt at renovating alone with a friend, too!
John, from the bottom of my heart, I thank you, and I know Richard joins me as I say this......you and Oakwood are a gift in our lives, and you are always welcome here.