Today was a special day.
I had lunch at Carol's house like I have done so many times before but today was the last one before they move out of the house that has been their home for 38 years to start a new chapter in Westville with Lauren and Tim.
It's not a move across borders or oceans but it is still a big change. Leaving the home you have known for 38 years is more than a little daunting, especially a home with so many happy memories.
When I arrived Charlie couldn’t wait to show me the special cake he had been baking for dessert!
Charlie….your cake was delicious! Thank you xx
It was a relaxed day, we enjoyed each other’s company and chatted about the changes we are all experiencing.
Laurence is trying to come to terms with his recent triple bypass and slowly accepting the enormity and trauma of his experience, frustrated that his body is not letting him do what he wants to at the moment. Eager to get back to the rhythm of his days but apprehensive at the same time.
Carol has taken the move of their home onto her shoulders as well as Laurence’s recovery and is trying desperately to keep it all together. It’s a frightening thing seeing your strong and loving hubby of so many years struggling and a little frail. Dealing with having the house tented, clearing out, cleaning, packing, organizing movers, etc. I get panicked just thinking about it and have to remind myself to just breathe. You too Carol, just breathe my friend….just breathe…
Tim & Lauren both supporting their folks through this challenging time and looking forward to having granny & gramps closer to them. Tim has helped move most of the household items already and doesn’t sit still for a minute. Busy helping wherever he can. An amazing and loving son-in-law. I can imagine that it’s not easy for Lauren to be helping with the packing up of her childhood home. It must feel strange. Also frightened by her dad’s recent experience but bravely pushing him into recovery.
And me…my own move is looming and I’m baby stepping through the stages of trying to co-ordinate it. Feeling very overwhelmed a lot of the time. Living amongst boxes. Nervous to leave the home that comforted me and became my safe haven for the last seven years. At the same time, excited beyond belief to be moving to our new home, finally have a garden again and terrified that I will probably kill every plant in it.
I know change is a good thing. I realize that it’s a hip and cool to be able to change in a moment, go with the flow, redirect your energy and just jump back in it. But, I’ve learnt in the last couple of years that I’m not that good at it. I can change, I can embrace it but I need a little more time than most. A little space to breathe.
With the undercurrent of all this, we laughed, relaxed and enjoyed each other today, knowing that as long as we all have each other, friends and family, we will be just fine.
Carol & I reminisced about our many happy days of quilting, and chatting (In Julia’s opinion…more chatting that quilting). Sad that our quilting room is gone, but also with a spark of excitement that we will settle down soon and have new happy times to look forward to.
Lauren and I planned to conquer the world of social media and explored some exciting new possibilities.
Tim and Dad cleared out the garage (a job which Dad was DREADING) and were both extremely proud of themselves.
Charles and Maddi did not stop for a second. They were blissfully happy all afternoon, playing in the water, inspecting the garden, sunning themselves while munching a quick snack and helping their dad whenever they saw the opportunity. Two very happy and very busy little bodies.
So I guess while the past rhythm of our lives is changing, we will learn to change with it. Adapting ourselves little by little and learning to open our hearts to the future that God has in store for all of us. We are holding on to our happy memories and celebrating them while we look forward to the new and exciting days that lie ahead of us.
The changing of our homes is what we have hoped for, dreamed about, prayed for and planned for. A month or two from now, we will be having lunch together in our new homes, laughing, enjoying each other and giggling about how we worrying about the unnecessary.
Embracing the change and bravely moving forward…that’s us.
