A couple of weeks ago, while we were in Colorado, we learned that my parents sold their house.
After only being back home for two days, David and I decided to fly out to Minnesota to help my parents pack up their belongings so they could make a big move in a few weeks. Our kids were eager to come along as well.
We flew to Minnesota, enjoyed a quick stop at the M.O.A. (Mall of America) for dinner, then drove to my childhood home. My parents had already sorted and packed up a bunch of things when they were getting ready to put their home on the real estate market. Within two days, our crew emptied out their basement and their closets. We packed up the majority of their dishes and kitchen gadgets. We loaded their furniture into a big U-haul truck.
The week felt like a whirlwind for us, and I’m pretty sure my parents were in a bit of a daze. Our team of five swept in and boxed up their entire life, then headed down the highway in a big beast of a truck, bound for a new adventure in Indiana.
Last week was a bit bittersweet.
It was strange to walk away from the home that I grew up in. The walls of that house have heard many stories, seen a lot of tears, and absorbed a lot of laughter and love. There are so many memories at that house — family Fourth of July get-togethers, birthday parties, sleepovers, movie nights, video games, garage sales, and many family dinners around their dining room table. Samantha took her first steps in that living room. Nathan shared numerous overnights in their basement. David picked me up for our first date at that house. The list goes on and on, and I’m struggling with mixed emotions.
I’m an only child. Within two weeks of getting married, David and I said our goodbyes and moved across the country to New York State. For all of our married life, we’ve lived away from my parents. The thought of having them right down the road is honestly both exciting and terrifying!
We’re thrilled to think about having both sets of our parents within an hour of us, especially as we age. We love the idea of our children being close to their grandparents and that our soon-to-be granddaughter will be able to have a close relationship with her great-grandparents. (How cool is that?!) We like the thought of getting together for family events, lunch dates and adventures.
But in the back of my mind, I worry a little about what it will be like to have my parents this close, even though we’ve looked forward to it for a long time. Will we drive each other crazy? Will we be able to juggle being close to both sets of families? Will our kids run to them instead of us? Will they make new friends and find new activities so they can become active in their new community and not only rely on us? Will they make the transition of saying goodbye to their friends and family back in Minnesota?
I’m pretty sure my parents are feeling some of these same feelings. They’ve always lived close to family in Minnesota and saying goodbye will be one of the toughest things they’ve had to do. Changing communities after nearly 50 years is a scary thought — but we’re so excited that they’re willing to give it a try!
If you get a chance, please say a little prayer for us all as we embark on this new adventure in the next couple of weeks! (And if you live in our community, think about inviting my parents over for coffee, or a movie, or a game of cards!). Thanks in advance!
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