I had been warned: moving is exhausting. I was not prepared for the overwhelming magnitude of this exhaustion. But then, how could I be? How can someone explain the sheer physical exhaustion of packing and moving boxes, boxes, and more boxes? The mental exhaustion of deciding what objects to get rid of before the big move, and then the exhaustion of figuring out where to put all the items you brought with you into this new, much smaller space.
The emotional exhaustion is, at times, overwhelming. All my beloved activities: dancing, mahjong, church … well, the list goes on and on – they are now gone. And friends. That’s all I’ll say about that because it is just too hard to talk about.
Then there is the emotional toll of unfamiliarity. I don’t know where the grocery store is. Where that bike path leads. A dentist? A doctor? A church that shares my values?
This place is different – the terrain is different. The population – the lack of diversity is jolting. The conservative politics. Even the way people drive. On the other hand, people are amazingly friendly around here.
If ever there was a time to seek out joy, this is it. Finding joy, and the gratitude that goes with it, will be my saving grace. And honestly, the task will not be difficult. There are many opportunities for joy throughout this move, and I will write about them as the weeks go by.
The chief joy, and our reason for being here, is of course our beloved grandson. I know, I know, everyone thinks their grandchild is the most precious, cutest, smartest kid in the world. Sorry, no contest. We love our Jameson beyond words.
This past week, John said, “I miss Jameson”, after just having seen him 3 days prior. I agreed, I missed Jameson! So, we picked him up at daycare, took him to a playground, and then Culver’s. Talk about joy!!
So, lets start with the joy of a grandchild. And the incredible opportunity we have been given to be with him, pretty much any time we want to. I think of that joy every time I unpack yet another box. And it is so worth it.