Tuesday, August 09, 2005

An Adventure In Moving

The biggest news on the home front is, we'll be moving to New Hampshire in a few weeks. From Kansas, that's a big move in many ways. Obviously, it's a lot of miles. It's a huge change in terrain and scenery, and the weather will be different. (I definitely won't miss the tornados of Kansas...but will have to get used to driving in snow again.) We'll also be "downsizing," so will have some pangs as we get rid of treasured pieces of furniture.

But perhaps the worst pang is, this is the first time in twenty-four years we'll be moving without our children. They're all grown and on their own now, and I hate the thought of moving so far away from them. And my grandchildren! What good is a Nana who can't cuddle her grandchildren and give them gifts and candy and spoil them?

I'm thankful for the things we have now that we didn't when I moved out at age 18. I'll be able to keep in touch with my children via e-mail, Instant Messenger, webcam, etc. instead of simply writing letters or making an occasional long-distance call. But I had hoped to be a more regular presence in my grandchildrens' lives, and they're not old enough yet to communicate via e-mail.

At any rate, I'm a New Englander by birth, and I'm looking forward to my first beautiful New England fall in many years. We've found a tiny but lovely house (prices are much higher in New Hampshire), but there's just the two of us now, so it'll work. And I'll be closer to other family members, something to help fill the gap of leaving children and grandchildren behind.

I guess life is full of ups and downs, and mostly this move will be an "up" for us. Have you ever had to leave children or grandchildren behind in a move--or have they left you? How have you handled it?

8 comments:

Robin Bayne said...

Hi Liz--referring back to an older post--anyone heard how Deb Stover is doing lately???

Elizabeth Delisi said...

Deb is doing well, all things considered. Dave passed away peacefully at home, and Deb and her kids moved back to Colorado, where they have many friends. Thanks for asking, Robin!

Penelope Marzec said...

I don't have any grandchildren yet. However, if I did, I don't think I would want to move away from them. My in-laws moved to Florida when our children were young. The in-laws missed the piano recitals, the birthday parties, the school plays--everything.

I still wish they had not moved so far from us.

Elizabeth Delisi said...

I have to agree with you, Penelope. My parents and in-laws never lived close enough to be a daily presence in my kids' lives, and I hoped it would be different with my grandchildren. But work will take you where it will...all we can do is try to make the best of it, and try not to get too depressed!

Robin Bayne said...

Glad to hear she's okay--last year when my husband was ill we e-mailed quite often--but now have lost track. Thanks Liz : )

Elizabeth Delisi said...

My pleasure, Robin!

thewriterslife said...

Don't have any grandchildren yet...groan..but I do know what it's like to live in New England as I'm real close (Virginia). The leaves are spectacular, the air is breathable and lifts your spirits to the sky and it sure is nice sitting by the fireplace on a cold, winter's morning sipping hot chocolate or a cup of fresh, piping-hot coffee. You'll love it! Watch for those blizzards, though...they're killers...lol.

Elizabeth Delisi said...

Thanks, Dorothy, I'm really looking forward to my first New England fall in ten years. I was born in Massachusetts so I've always had New England in my soul! And as to the blizzards...well, I prefer them to the tornadoes of Kansas, hands down. ;-)