Last July we moved from our home of 25 years to be closer to our daughter. It was hard saying goodbye to our home. However, I've been able to maintain my friendships since we're only 25 minutes from our former community. I still return for haircuts, book club, and the occasional birthday celebration with friends.
It has been fun to watch spring arrive in this new setting. I took several pictures this past week and decided to save them for this goodbye post. I'll miss our blue rental house with its yellow door. I'll miss the trees in the back yard that I can see from the bedroom window. I'll miss the camellia welcome at the door and the the beautiful azalea bordering the sidewalk. I'll miss the colorful blossoms across the street and the tulips next door.
Our upcoming move is 2,770 miles from our current home in the Pacific Northwest. Our daughter, her husband, and the three grandsons are relocating to Greensboro, North Carolina and we're following them across the country. I've never even been to North Carolina! I'm looking forward to living in a new-to-me state. I'm looking forward to a new home. I'm looking forward to experiencing the seasons in this new setting and sharing my discoveries.
I thought this move was so much farther than our move 26 years ago from Texas to the Pacific NW, but a quick check revealed this move is just 434 miles farther than our earlier move. I'm trying hard to not think about all that we're leaving behind and focusing instead on the adventure that awaits.
Ramona,
ReplyDeleteYou are in for quite a change going from the PNW to South Carolina, and you’re leaving a lovely spot. I hope your daughter knows how lucky she is to have you joining the move. It’s quite a sacrifice. Good luck!
You are in for an adventure, and how lovely that your family will be experiencing it all together. Wishing you the best! (I also wrote about choosing what to focus on today--such an important and powerful process!)
ReplyDeleteWow, another adventure awaits! Sometimes I long to live near family, but after all this time apart I am not sure how it would work. The only place I have been to in NC is the Outer Banks (highly recommend). I know it will be a transition, but it will give you lots of writing fodder.
ReplyDeleteWelcome to the East Coast!! I'm in VA and I can attest that the fabulous photos you included here can also be taken in your new state!!! I hope the move goes smoothly and the familiar flora found in NC helps you feel at home. Jealous too that you will remain close to your grown children. Mine have a need to live in Europe. Still wondering if I should follow??!!
ReplyDeleteGoodbye and hello…so heartfelt! So much of life in those two words. You are on a great adventure. It will be wonderful! Can’t wait to hear about it and to see pictures of new landscapes and of the grand boys, family and new friends…
ReplyDeleteOh Ramona - Good-bye beautiful trees and hello North Carolina. You will love it there. I live in Jersey, but often go to North and South Carolina. Plus you will have fun finding wonderful things to do with your grands! Best of luck. Keep us posted!
ReplyDeleteRamona, thanks for giving me a reason to celebrate life. Your spring photos are wonderful and present such a beautiful picture of springtime. It's a treat on a gray, rainy day. Best wishes on your new move. I think you are making a good choice. You would miss the grands if you did not live near them.
ReplyDeleteRamona, I mentioned you in the beginning of my slice.
DeleteThat was my comment, Ramona - Carol V.
DeleteRamona, what a huge change for you and your husband and family. North Carolina! You are saying goodbye to a lot of people and history in your life, but I love that you are focusing on the adventure ahead. Beautiful! Your photos with the yellow door and all the beautiful spring flowers are a lovely addition to your post. We'll look forward to seeing photos from your new place.
ReplyDeleteOh Sissy! If not for your adventurous moves I'd have no place to visit!!! I look forward to exploring North Carolina with my BFF
ReplyDeleteOkay, I'm holding you to this one. My trip to OK in September and then I'll look forward to a trip from you to NC.
DeleteWow! That's a huge deal. I can only imagine the mixed up feelings of sadness alongside the anticipation of a new space to discover and enjoy. North Carolina is beautiful. All my best for all the packing and goodbyes that will be hard.
ReplyDeleteThis is a big move, and a lot of change! I hope you find new things that bring you joy, knowing it may be coinciding with a bit of homesickness. Thank goodness for access to technology that can help keep relationships updated, even from far away!
ReplyDeleteYou will all be so very missed! I feel like I was just getting to know you well, and we are going to miss the grand-boys and their parents so much!
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