#NieldsXVII Story Contest : Week 4

Another great week of answers for the #NieldsXVII Story Contest. This week we had another hard time picking a winner, so we had to bring in the tie-breaker again with the impartial Matthew. We continue to be humbled and amazed by the stories coming in. Besides the winner, we’ll be reaching out to all of this week’s participants individually with a special thank you.

Thanks to everyone, and we’ll see you with a new question on Monday!

Week 4 Question: What Nields song currently resonates the most for you?

Your House is Strong.

Last year the Nields played a house concert in my house, my old St. Louis house. Over the years my house emptied, of children as they grew up, of my partner as she went to assisted living, of pets as they aged and left the earth. And my house no longer welcomed guests.  There were no delicious smells of meals cooked and shared, no sounds of conversations, laughter, music… Caring for loved ones as they aged and ultimately left me took over my life. I closed the windows and doors and the house was shut down.

Then my friend Jill convinced me to host a house concert.. one and then The Nields. That night the  house was full, the music glorious, the love palpable, the laughter genuine, and the house came alive. They sang “Your House Is Strong” and I knew where the broken parts were and I knew that the light could come through, and if my house is strong, then so am I.

-Georgia