Our roots had begun to sink in here outside of Memphis, TN, when Michael was given an opportunity. A chance to improve our financial footing. A foundation to continue building a rewarding career.
It was a little over a year ago when our roots were first cut. Pulled from our comfortable home, our loyal friends and transplanted to this unfamiliar territory. Michael's unexpected job loss left our foundation crumbling. Our comfortable existence became uncomfortable, stressful and a bit frightening.
Yet, we stuck together and found our way here through a journey that while weathering us showed us that we are always tethered together.
Most of all, my heart yearned to find a way to smooth the road for our son. In doing so, I've found that he sometimes paves the way for all of us to accept that home is where we are together. While I dreadfully recall the months waiting for our PA house to sell while living in an apartment in Collierville, Nicolas remembers fondly the fun of going to the complex's fitness center and the very very close togetherness we shared in that small home.
So when this new path presented itself, I dreaded telling Nicolas. I feared that he would think that our family had become summer gypsies. Would he think that each year we'd be taking up stakes to plant ourselves in a new town?
I needn't have worried. My child was happy for his Dad's new job. Reassured me that we could have fun packing and unpacking. Again.
Sometimes it's our children that show us the rainbow within the storm. Just as Nic pointed out the wonderful reflection to us last night during our evening walk.
So, yes, our family is moving again. This time, it's by choice not necessity. We are headed to Nashville, TN. Michael begins his new journey on Monday.
For now, Michael will travel the three hours to Nashville each Monday morning and return Friday evening. He'll stay in inexpensive hotels. Nic and I can visit some times too. Our hope is that we'll find a house and be able to move by the end of August.
Thankfully we only rented a house here after our home sold and so, after working out a few more things with our current realtor/landlord, we can be on our way to finding a new house to shelter us.
It is my hope that we can find a lease or lease/purchase house to give us time to get to know the new area. I'd like to be SETTLED in a purchased house before Nicolas starts middle school. That gives us over a year to find our next dream home. After all the unexpected upheaval this last year, I'm left feeling unnerved about choosing a house to buy until I know that we've found our new city. For sure. For certain.
I'm arming ourselves with the tools needed to uproot my family and get us re-planted as soon as possible.
Right now, it seems a little insurmountable getting everything transplanted again safely. Including our hearts and stressed minds.
I have faith that soon enough we'll be able to truly rejoice in the financial stability that this new path brings us. Each day should bring us closer to comfort, stability, security and togetherness.
I've discovered that as a family we are always rooted together even when we feel yanked apart. Ripped away.
This is an opportunity that I'm so grateful for especially when other families are enduring more stressful situations. We'll get there.
Thank you Michael for having the courage to pursue your dreams. In doing so, you also fulfill the dreams of our family.
For years I was a military wife, and upheaval was a part of my life (as well as those of my children). I know what a challenge it can be. But I admire your outlook on this new adventure - and Nic's! Good for him! I hope that with this new opportunity Michael finds great success, and you all are able to dig in for good. Nashville is a great city. I lived in Hendersonville briefly - and found it to be very family friendly. Have you looked into that area? Big hugs, friend, as you embark on this next chapter in your family story! XO
Posted by: Darcie - Such The Spot | June 19, 2010 at 06:41 PM
Good Luck in this new journey and path in your life! I am with Darcie, your outlook as well as Nic's is a thing to be admired!
Posted by: Allison @ Slice of Heaven | June 20, 2010 at 12:36 PM