The grandeur of these homes is tainted by the knowledge that so much of the beauty and super fanciness was due to slavery. Despite this or maybe in an unexplainable way because of this, we were drawn to one historical building after another. They are incredible, unbelievable in size and opulence.

One home we toured, Longwood, was truly amazing and while it was never completed (due to the Civil War), it stands out in our minds. It’s huge–the bottom floor, which was the only one completed, is 10,000 square feet. It sits on 90 acres and with every turn, we found ourselves caught up in the owners’ story, their vision for what they hoped would be their forever home. The husband lived in the partially-complete home for 18 months before succumbing to pneumonia. The wife lived there another 33 years, never acquiring the funding to finish her husband’s dream house.

We are so glad these homes have been restored and maintained. They have a story to tell and we need to hear it. The grounds are extensive and that Spanish moss, y’all. Oh, it’s like stepping into a storybook and I swear someone whispered “Tara” in my ear yesterday when we walked past a particularly fabulous place.

We worshipped with other Baptists Sunday and when we sang “Because He Lives,” I was covered in goosebumps and felt a little dizzy with the nearness of Heaven. It’s good here. It’s just that the past is so very close that I find myself confused about how to feel. Working through it.