1995 to 2023: My Garage Apartment’s Eras Tour
In 1995, I embarked on two significant and transformative chapters in my life: motherhood and homeownership. While the journey of motherhood has undoubtedly been the most profound and rewarding, my experience as a homeowner has also brought immense happiness and fulfillment.
When we moved into our new home, just months before our son's arrival, we initiated various renovations, including the construction of a 500-square-foot garage apartment. At the time, we weren't entirely certain of its purpose, but it turned out to be a wise decision.
For several years, the apartment served as the cherished home for my son's dedicated nanny, the very person who enabled my then-husband and me to pursue fulfilling careers while ensuring the best care for our son. The apartment provided her with the convenience of zero commute while preserving her privacy and autonomy. We considered ourselves fortunate to have found such a reliable childcare solution, and the garage apartment played a crucial role.
As my son transitioned into his teenage years and our nanny moved on to another family, the apartment assumed a new role as a hangout and sports room for him and his friends. It offered them freedom and independence, and for me, it meant a little more peace and quiet. (I'll admit that I prefer not to know every detail of what transpired in there during those years; sometimes ignorance is bliss.)
When my son departed for college, the apartment became a temporary haven for a newly divorced friend who needed a place to stay while she got back on her feet post-divorce. I was fortunate not to have to move following my divorce, and I understood the immense stress that both moves and divorces can bring. I felt honored to provide her with a peaceful refuge during a challenging time in her life. Today, she's happily settled in her new home, savoring her new life.
Now, the apartment is transitioning into its latest and, I must confess, my favorite chapter so far — it's becoming a nursery for our precious granddaughter during her visits with her parents, my son and his wonderful wife. We eagerly anticipate these family gatherings and look forward to witnessing her growth, playfulness, and the chance for her to get to know her GJ (that's me*).
To decorate the nursery, I turned to Shannon Bowers, my longtime interior designer, and her team at Shannon Bowers Designs. I wanted an airy, sunlit forest theme for the room, inspired by a tree branch crib I found at Milk Street, and Shannon brought my ideas to life. Shannon has designed rooms for my son not only in Dallas, but also his bunkroom at our beach house, his first apartment in Washington, D.C., his room in the mountains he shares with his new wife, and now full circle to the nursery he will share with his newly expanded family.
Each era of my garage apartment's existence has been unique and filled with cherished memories. When I step inside, it's like watching a highlight reel of my life: there's my son's nanny making tea, fading into my teenage son engrossed in football and his socks scattered on the floor, and there's my friend and me sharing a glass of wine commiserating over divorce, and, finally, my granddaughter sound asleep in her crib.
I cherish the memories we’ve made there, and I know many more are yet to come.
As for what the future holds for the apartment, the possibilities are endless. Will it become an art or music studio for my undoubtedly gifted granddaughter? A refuge for another friend or relative in need of temporary accommodation? A yoga or Pilates studio, perhaps? Time will tell.
For now, my plan is to savor every moment spent rocking and cuddling with the most beautiful baby in the world.
#OnlyJoy
*A brief note about my grandmother name, GJ. My son's paternal grandmother was known as "Grandma June." However, her grandchildren found it challenging to pronounce, so they affectionately referred to her as GJ (pronounced jee-jay). Although the original GJ is no longer with us, we wanted to honor her legacy by keeping the name within the family. Given my middle name (Joy) and my life mantra (Only Joy), we decided that I would be the next GJ. While I may be quite different from the original GJ, I am honored to carry on her name.
