Independence Day

We are leaving our home of 28 years. It has sold!  This is both freeing and traumatic at the same time. 

We’ve raised our 3 children here. We have had celebrations, parties, arguments, births and LIFE here. God is so good!

Our humble home on Heflin has been my own most stable home after multiple moves during my childhood. I think i lived in 8 houses by the time I was 17.  I always HATED moving. I have always associated moving with fear, anxiety and loss. I was a shy and introverted child. It was not easy for me. 

I read a few weeks ago, a study from Dennmark with almost 1.5 million participants over 26 years, recording the lingering and often severe outcomes in physical and mental health as well as social functioning for children who moved frequently. Suicidality, criminal behavior, physical illness and mental problems followed these children into their 40s when the study ended. 

http://mobile.nytimes.com/blogs/well/2016/06/09/frequent-moves-during-childhood-may-be-bad-for-health/

Needless to say, my gratitude is immense  that we could stay in our home to raise and launch our children. Stability is NOT underrated. 

We have rescued countless pets. We have buried some fur and feather babies in the yard. This ground is sacred for me in some very primitive way. To walk away, unbelievable strength and much courage is needed. 

It’s like empty nest syndrome magnified because I’m actually taking apart the nest and leaving too.  Having the kids leave was difficult, nearly all at once 2 years ago, and it left me stunned. I would wander in the house, like a mother cat looking for her kittens. Empty…alone and anxious at times. 

Packing up one memory at a time. Things kids made. Photos. Handprints on crumbling plaster. Home Videos (and I have no VCR anymore) Clothes. Household items. China. Paint. Abandoned projects. Hazardous waste. Some must be left behind, ptlroperly dispised of. Some will be briefly cherished, stored. And a few will come with. I want a simpler life. 

Finding remnants of my heritage in decaying boxes that belonged to my parents. Passbook savings from the 50s. Every check register ever. Blank 1977 tax forms. Black and white photos with people I don’t remember. And Then–a WW2 gas ration card and a beautiful glossy photo of my mama and daddy taken at the Shamrock Hotel in Houston. Treasures!! 

I’m packing up any regret and guilt and sending it away.  I have no room in my life or my trailer for it! I have a suitcase full of faith and gratitude. That’s it!  

Organizing and decluttering. Packing. Storage. Donations and  a HUGE and MASSIVE garage sale next Saturday.So here is our new home, a 37′, approximate 10,000lb, 5th wheel. It’s absolutely beautiful inside and out.  

I don’t think I will suffer much in this move, unless I insist on it. 

Adventure awaits in Santa Rosa wine country. My daughter and her family are there.  My faithful husband, 3 small dogs and 2 cats will come on this journey. 

So much to sift through. So many dear friends to say goodbye too. 

But oh so much to come! 

Oh Adventure, please find me! Spirit, transform and transport me! I am ready!

Presenting my new “tiny” RV home!!!

Thank you all for reading my first blog post, written very appropriately on Independence Day.  I promise to keep in touch. Love and hugs to all.