Fixing Up the Attic

     Hi! I just wanted to share this post with you from my story blog. I'll link it at the end!

     -Laura

December 16, 1932    

     Dear Diary,

     You won't believe the transformation this old attic's gone through! Yes, it was an exhausting day, but oh, so worth it.

     Yesterday afternoon, when I first climbed up that dark, narrow staircase to peek into my future living corners, I'll admit, I was quite dismayed. As soon as I stepped foot up here I started coughing; I could barely breathe. The air was so musty; it smelled like rotten animals. I could see dust floating through the air, and there was layer of dirt covering everything. Even the floorboards looked awful, lying loosely on the ground. There was some dingy furniture lying about, but I could hardly tell whether they were useable or not for the thick layer of residue coating them.

     Suddenly though, I noticed something beautiful. Streaming through a crack in a broken shutter, I saw light pouring in. Yes, it was only a little, but somehow, that light gave me hope. The part of the floor, wall, and beams that were in the ray's path had a sort of beauty to them. I wanted to see what the attic would look like if the whole thing was covered in that light.

       Looking around, I noticed that there were actually six such windows. Quickly I went to each one, unlocking the wooden shutters and pushing them open. As I went through the room, opening each one, more and more light rushed in, filling every nook and cranny of this once dark attic. When I was finished, I went over to the doorway and once again stood looking in. Now I saw a worn, but beautiful attic, holding all sorts of stories in the cracks between the floorboards, the holes in the walls, and the furniture, lying unused for years and years, maybe decades. Somehow, this peaceful scene reminded me of the tranquil beauty of an old woman. Like her, this attic had seen many years go by, many people, many times. I reveled in that thought, but only for a second, for I was eager to get started restoring it. 

    I went and found Mrs. McGrady and asked if she had any cleaning supplies I could use. I was thrilled when she led me to a closet filled with all the brooms, mops, rags, and soap you could ask for! "When we first opened up, so many kind people donated supplies like these," Mrs. McGrady gratefully exclaimed. I started grabbing up a pile of supplies I thought I could use, and was on my way to the attic when I noticed a bunch of the girls watching me.

     "Are you planning to clean that big ol' attic by yerself?" sweet Katie asked, her eyes full of wonder. 

     "Well," I began slowly, "It sure would take a while, wouldn't it?" Though I hated the thought of being a burden to them, I knew I certainly could use some extra hands. Not only that, but I thought it would be a great opportunity to get to know the girls better. "Would any of you like to help?" I asked.

     "Me!" "Me!" came shouts from various girls, and soon I was once again making my way to the attic, only this time with twenty girls behind me! I was surprised at their eagerness! Even Charity, the oldest girl, came along to join in on the fun. I had heard from Mrs. McGrady that although she had come of age, they had told her she could stay here for as long as she wanted. 

     Passing the cleaning supplies around, we quickly got to work. Some of the girls began dusting the furniture, some sweeping the floor, and some wiping the walls with soapy rags. I could tell most of them had had a lot of experience cleaning, for they moved quickly and thoroughly around the room. Or, most of them did. One girl, who said her name is "Isabella Margarita", stood in the middle of the room. "It smells in here," she would say, or, "It's ever-so chilly." I really don't know why she even bothered to come up here, but I suppose that's none of my concern. My job is to show love to all the girls, no matter what they're like. 

     By evening, the attic was squeaky clean! Together, we began moving the furniture around till it looked rather cozy. There was a dresser in one corner, which, although missing a few of the drawer handles, still worked rather well. Then there was a little table which I set a oil lamp on, along with a pitcher and basin we found in a chest on the far side. Oh yes, the chest! We found a chest covered with cobwebs, which had a few interesting little knick-knacks in it. Once cleaned, that too looked rather nice. Lastly, Mr. McGrady carried up the cot I had slept on the night before, and I spread my colorful patchwork quilt on it which I had brought from India.

     How thankful I am! It looks so nice in here, with the moonlight streaming in and everything so clean! Sitting on my quilt and holding my dear journal makes me feel like I'm back home again. 

Did you enjoy reading this? You can read more about the Bluebridge Home for Girls by visiting my story blog HERE!