Journal/Blog

06-26-23 Spring Has Sprung, Here Comes the Sun

Moving.

For some the possibility of moving from one home to another is not even an option to consider. It can be financially, emotionally and physically taxing. Some may have the means, but not the need or desire to do so. There are those (like much of my family) that will be born and die in the same area. They have deep roots and moving even a short distance is an unpleasant idea, let alone to another state.

There are those that may wish fervently to move, but obstacles prevent them from doing so. Devotion to family (I admire those that stay near to younger or older generations to help with their care) can be a strong pull that overrides the desire to leave an area. Financial means can be a deciding factor, though I can personally say that if you are motivated enough, they can be overcome - where there's a will, there's a way. Physical restrictions can limit someone's ability to perform the move or where they can settle. Some climates aren't friendly to certain existing ailments.

Then, there are those modern nomads that never really settle for long and are constantly on the move. It could be due to job requirements or a fierce desire to see and be a part of as much of the world as they can experience. These individuals can be outgoing or solitary. Some make fast friends and leave behind lasting impressions in a short amount of time that make those around them feel like they had known them forever. Others slip in quietly and enjoy their stay, then are gone with the wind, leaving only the vague impression that they were ever even there.

Where do I fit in here? Some of me exists in all three categories. I grew up in a small town in the house where my dad was born. The town was in the triple digits when I was really little and didn't even rate a stop light. I loved it. Our home was in the country, but just a few minutes from town. It was cozy, but convenient. And in my little girl's heart, I would have never even for a minute thought of leaving it.

Then, I met the man who would be the love of my life, my best friend, my husband.

He is the opposite of me in so many ways. It can cause clashes. It often works to our benefit, as we balance one another.

He moved as a kid. A lot. Rarely was it out of necessity. It was just something his family chose to do, most of the time. There were times he enjoyed going to a new area. There were times he hated everything about having to leave a place. What I learned about his childhood was that he understood the concept that sometimes you had to sacrifice even the place you live, if you want to have the chance for better circumstances.

Our life together has been a blend of both. Early on, we moved out of necessity. Then, we stayed in one place for nearly a decade, partly because I held us there. The most recent years have been spent for medium stretches of time in areas and then heading to a new one.

***Interrupted by circumstances and sickness. Completed on 6-30-23***

Our most recent move just happened, and it was the most significant one since we were first married.

It was significant because of the distance, the job he accepted which was the cause for the move, and the fact that our kids are old enough now to chime in on what they think of making such a change. In the end, we decided to take that leap of faith again and... now, here we are.

It wasn't easy, or simple, or cheap.

We decided to sell most of our furniture to lighten the load and bring the cost of moving items down. Cherished items and necessities were the only things trucked across the country. What didn't sell was donated. So much the better that someone else can use it than put it in some landfill.

Complications arose, even the day before the movers were set to load us up. The proverbial poo hit the fan and we had to scramble to make a new plan, which actually worked out so much better in the long run. One of our vehicles broke down. If it had been used during the move, those in it very well might not have lived to make it to the new home. Things happen for a reason.

The cost I speak of is more than monetary. This move has taken a mental, physical and emotional toll on all of us unlike any of the other ones... but we are doing well. We have cheered one another up and on as times were tough. At different times, we each have gotten grouchy and snapped at one another. We have shared tears and fears and hopes and dreams. We have once again pulled together as a family and made this change happen.

Now, we settle into this new 'normal' and set our feet upon the paths here that await us.