TOMORROW. Tomorrow is our scheduled closing date.
We left our home 19 months, 1 week, 5 days, 16 hours, 22 minutes and 37 seconds ago. But who’s counting? I always knew this journey would require patience. There were moments that I doubted that we would ever make it, but here we are, staring at the finish line, pinching ourselves to make sure this is not just a dream.
What have I learned along this pathway? I have learned that we all have different journeys and that no matter which road we choose, there are good days and bad days. I have learned that even in the darkest days, if you look hard enough, you will find reason to be grateful. I have learned that you can live a rich life, even when you have very few material possessions; that wealth is measured in contentment, not in counting coins. I have learned that we have incredible beauty in this country of ours, and much of it is right in our own backyard.
I have learned that it is hard to pack up your life, close a chapter, and begin anew. Our lives are a series of seasons that parade forward as we write the story that is our lifetime. You cannot open the next chapter until the previous one has been completed.
I have learned that change is both difficult and inevitable.
And like Dorothy Gale, in The Wizard of Oz, the most important lesson I have learned is, “If I ever go looking for my heart’s desire again, I won’t look any further than my own back yard. Because if it isn’t there, I never really lost it to begin with!”
I have learned that life is full of the unexpected:
Like learning that your eldest son is going to become a Dad, something that you had never thought would happen. A new baby girl is on the way!
Like learning that your daughter has become engaged to be married! Let the wedding planning commence!
All new chapters, and a stark reminder that home truly is where the heart is.
I have learned that life is better with a dog.
I often think that Gypsy was instrumental in keeping us sane through this adventure.
She saw to it that we got lots of fresh air, lots of exercise, and lots of unconditional love.
Hopefully, lake living will be a reward for her loyalty.
I have learned that, even with her multitude of problems, Big Bertha has provided shelter in the storms, opportunity to travel the country, and a roof over our heads. Thanks, Bertha. Thanks for getting us to our destination.
I have learned that family is everything. I am forever indebted to my sister for providing a temporary home during the holidays, and for her friendship, advice, and Christmas Cookies.
Lastly, I have learned that you can be dealt a REALLY bad Quiddler hand. In fact, in life you can be dealt all kinds of difficulties, but you just play it out and pray for the best.
I should mention that as of this moment, we do not have our occupancy permit. We have 30 hours to get it on our hot, little hands.
What could go wrong?
Stay tuned…..
Retired and Rambling 