A Life Rooted in One Home: The Story of Shawn Robertson
Shawn Robertson, a 55-year-old resident of Tsawwassen, British Columbia, has lived in the same house his entire life. This extraordinary circumstance makes his story unique in an era where frequent moves for jobs, education, or lifestyle changes are the norm. Shawn’s home, built by his parents in 1969, has been the backdrop for every major milestone in his life. It’s a place of deep emotional roots, filled with memories of joy, loss, and the passage of time. While Shawn has always felt fortunate to have such stability, he now contemplates the possibility of change, marking a potential turning point in his life.
Childhood in a U-Shaped Home
Shawn’s parents moved to Tsawwassen in 1968, shortly before adopting him. The small, vibrant town offered a rural setting and a strong school system, making it the perfect place to raise a family. His parents built a distinctive German-style house with brick frontage, stucco walls, and dark brown trim. The house, shaped like a U, featured a spacious porch and a large backyard, providing Shawn with endless opportunities for play. Growing up, Shawn was essentially an only child, as his older brother, John, had already left home by the time he was born. This gave him free rein over the house and yard, creating a childhood filled with adventure and freedom.
A House Full of Milestones
As Shawn grew older, his home became the site of countless life milestones. When he married his wife, Cori, the house served as the drop-off point for his groomsmen. The couple later welcomed their four children within its walls and navigated the challenges of parenthood together. The house also witnessed the passing of Shawn’s parents—his father in 2004 and his mother in 2015. Despite these losses, the house remained a place of celebration and joy. Over the years, it hosted engagement parties for two of their children and a baby shower for their granddaughter. Each event further deepened Shawn’s connection to the home and its memories.
The Comfort of Familiarity
Shawn’s home is more than just a physical structure; it’s a living, breathing part of his identity. He knows every quirk of the house, from the way the floors creak to the unique characteristics of each room. This deep familiarity brings a sense of comfort and security, something Shawn cherishes deeply. His friends often express amazement at his long-term residency, as they’ve experienced the instability of modern life—relocating for jobs, economic changes, or family needs. Shawn feels fortunate to have avoided such upheaval, but he’s also beginning to consider whether it’s time for a change.
Contemplating a Move
Shawn and his wife, Cori, have considered moving before, particularly when their children were teenagers. They prioritized providing stability during those formative years, and the house remained their constant anchor. Now, with Shawn retired as of September 2024 and their children spreading their wings, the idea of moving has resurfaced. They’re exploring new possibilities, such as relocating to the Okanagan region of British Columbia, but the thought of leaving their beloved home is bittersweet. Shawn admits that if the house were to be demolished by a developer, it might make the transition easier, as seeing the house altered would be too painful. On the other hand, if it were gone entirely, he believes it would allow him to reflect on their life there with gratitude rather than sadness.
Roots and Memories: What the Future Holds
Despite the pull of new adventures, Shawn’s home remains a place of profound significance. The memories embedded in its walls are inseparable from his sense of self, and the neighbors, many of whom have lived there for decades, feel like family. However, Shawn understands that memories are portable, carried forward through photos, stories, and the shared experiences of his loved ones. His children, who grew up in the same house, have their own fond recollections of it, and for Shawn, that’s all that truly matters. As he looks to the future, he balances the comfort of familiarity with the possibility of new beginnings, knowing that wherever he goes, the legacy of his home will stay with him.
