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A Lifetime in One Home: Shawn Robertson’s Story of Stability and Memories
Shawn Robertson, a 55-year-old resident of Tsawwassen, British Columbia, has spent his entire life in the same house—a rare and remarkable fact in today’s fast-paced, ever-changing world. His parents, who adopted him, moved to Tsawwassen in 1968, seeking a rural setting with a strong school system and a vibrant community. They built their home, which Shawn describes as having a distinctive German-style design with brick, stucco, and dark brown trim. The house, completed in the summer of 1969, has been the backdrop for every major milestone of Shawn’s life. From his childhood to raising his own family, the house has been a constant source of stability and comfort. While Shawn acknowledges the perks of staying put, he also admits that he may be ready for a change, weighing the sentimental value of his home against the possibility of a new chapter.
Growing Up in a House Full of Space and Memories
Shawn’s early years in the house were idyllic. He was brought home from the hospital by his parents in September 1969, and the house, with its five bedrooms and a den, felt vast for a family of two adults and a baby. His older brother, John, had already left home, leaving Shawn as an only child with free rein to explore the spacious property. The U-shaped house with a central porch became a playground for Shawn, who remembers racing around on bikes and toys. The large backyard provided endless opportunities for adventure, making the house a dream home for a child. For Shawn, the house was more than just a building—it was a place of joy, freedom, and countless memories.
Building a Family and Navigating Life’s Ups and Downs
As Shawn grew older, the house continued to play a central role in his life. When he married his wife, Cori, the house served as the drop-off point for his groomsmen, setting the stage for a new chapter. The couple decided to live with Shawn’s aging parents to help them remain in their beloved home for as long as possible. Over the years, the house witnessed the birth of their four children, the passing of Shawn’s father in 2004, and his mother in 2015. It also hosted engagement parties for two of their kids and a baby shower for their granddaughter. For Shawn, the house is filled with quirks and a deep sense of familiarity. He often marvels at how rare it is for families to stay in one place for so long, given the pressures of modern life, and feels fortunate for the stability it has provided.
Considering a New Chapter
While the house holds immense sentimental value, Shawn and his wife have occasionally considered moving over the years. However, they prioritized stability for their children during their teenage years, keeping them rooted in the family home. Now, with Shawn’s retirement in September 2024 and their children pursuing their own paths, the couple is exploring new possibilities. They are actively looking at other places to live, with the Okanagan region of British Columbia being a strong contender. Shawn acknowledges that selling the house will be emotionally challenging. If a developer were to demolish it, he believes it might make the transition easier, as he would not have to see the house transformed. Still, he takes comfort in knowing that the memories they’ve made will remain with them, captured in photos and stories.
The Emotional Weight of Leaving a Family Home
The decision to leave the house is not one Shawn takes lightly. He and his wife have deep roots in their community, with many neighbors feeling like family after decades of friendship. While change can be exciting, it also brings a sense of loss. Shawn struggles with the idea of driving past the house and seeing it altered or gone, as it will always feel like “their home.” At the same time, he recognizes that the memories they’ve created are portable, and their children have fond recollections of the house. For Shawn, knowing that his family’s legacy lives on through these memories makes the prospect of moving slightly easier, even as he wrestles with the emotional weight of leaving behind a place that has been his constant for so long.
Looking Ahead While Cherishing the Past
As Shawn and his wife consider their next steps, they are balancing the desire for a new adventure with the deep connection they feel to their home. The house has been a silent witness to their joys, sorrows, and everyday moments, making it more than just a physical structure. While Shawn does not have a set timeline for selling the house, he and his wife are actively exploring other options, including the possibility of starting a new life in the Okanagan. Ultimately, Shawn knows that no matter where life takes him, the memories and lessons learned in his childhood home will remain a cherished part of his story. For now, he is savoring the time he has left in the house, reflecting on the past, and looking forward to the future with a sense of hope and gratitude.
