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Tuesday, June 17, 2014

RELOCATION

Back in the fall of 2013 Roomy and I decided to travel to the south and seek an area for retirement. We hoped to be ready for a move in another year. So the plan was to look around the Georgia and Florida border area and maybe some warmer parts of Florida and then up through Atlanta on the way home. We were just looking for a town or county or general location. Since my mom is 91 now and still living in her own apartment, we were thinking a duplex or in-law suite would be perfect. We were planning for her comfort and safety. She seemed okay with the move, in theory.  Though reminding me that she might not be a part of the move because who knows how many days she has left, she never indicated that it would not be a good thing. So we proceeded.

The trip was concluded when we found Ormond Beach, Florida. It felt like our home from the beginning of our tour. We drove around and checked parks, the inter-coastal waterway and current homes for sale. We walked. We drove. We ate. Then we headed up the Atlantic coast to St. Augustine for a visit with friends. We had found our future hometown.

Jacksonville was nice, Savannah was incredible and Atlanta was miserable. None of that mattered. We headed home.

While we were off dreaming and planning, Momma had a medical issue and my sister handled it and took care of her until we got back home. Although we cut our trip short by a week, we had found our spot and were comfortable with the choice. Momma had forgotten that she was part of the plan and declared she had no plan to move and this was all new to her. She said she would not be moving again.

Once we got home and I was able to have a good talk with her, she understood that she simply couldn't stay in the apartment alone much longer. She accepts, though isn't thrilled with, moving with us and into our home. There will not be a need for an in-law suite, just a private bedroom and bath. We're all on the same page again. We moved our plan up a year because I don't want her to have to move twice. If our house sells soon, we won't be in Michigan another winter.

The house is now on the market and showing well. The search for a home in Ormond Beach is on going. I keep a list of what's available.  I will go down once this one is set to close and hopefully, we will be able to move smoothly from here to there. All three of us and two furbabies.

It's a process, but I know it's the right thing for us. I know she will be happier and healthier living in our home.

Relocation is underway and so far, things look good. I believe everything happens as it's supposed to happen and I am going along for the ride.

Jo

22 comments:

  1. Very nice story Jo. I always enjoy your comments.

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  2. Thank you, Jeanne. I appreciate your support, ALWAYS. ❤️

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  3. Best wishes for a smoooooooth transition Jo! Looks like you have it well under control. :)

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    1. Always trying, Amy. Going with the flow right now.

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  4. While I'll miss the Michigan connection...I'll look forward to reading you stories from Florida! Here's hoping all goes well with the sale and move! I think Mom will be very appreciative when she no longer has to deal with our winters! Lol

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    1. Yes, Joe and thank you. She can't stand another Michigan winter.

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  5. I have really come to love how you care for your mother. And, I found your FB status about your new home back in the fall so inspiring. How wonderful to have fallen in love with the next place...something that can take a long time.

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    1. Thanks Susan, that feels good. I find living in the now keeps me from being tied to anything from my past materialisticly speaking. It's the people I am tied with. Looking to our new hometown feels easy and right.

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  6. Good luck with the move. The wonderful thing about bloggy friends is that we will all move with you to Florida.

    http://joycelansky.blogspot.com

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    1. So true! You'll still be in this box! And thank you, Joyce.

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  7. When I wasn't living in Calif I lived in Florida, both Tallahassee (12 years) and Tampa (12 yrs half time with Calif.) I hope it lives up to your expectations and that your mother is able to cope with her move. Blessings to you all

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    1. That is my wish as well, thank you so much.

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  8. Sorry to see you leave. Will miss you

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    1. You'll only miss me while you're in Michigan hunting!

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  9. I am very happy for you guys. Ormond Beach will give you 4 seasons (just a lot more summer). It is close enough to the water to provide cool breezes. I hope and believe the new place will live up to your expectations and that your mom will enjoy her remaining years there. Joe

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    1. That's exactly right, Joe. The four milder seasons are exactly what she needs and we will also enjoy the mild winter with a much shorter time frame. The proximity to the ocean feels perfect to my soul and safe enough for living without fear. Do we know about hurricanes and tropical storms? Yes. Are we ready for that? We'll see!
      Thank you.

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  10. I hope the eventual sale and impending move go smoothly for all. From what you share here and on FB, it all seems to be falling into place so far.

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    1. Thank you, Steven. So far, so good. I know this is meant to be.

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  11. Love the fact that you knew which was 'your' kind of place once you saw it. Hope all goes well for you :-)

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    1. It was home the moment we arrived and started looking at the neighborhoods.
      Getting very anxious to get there and claim one of the 20 or so homes that I'm following online.

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  12. Good luck with the move. I would think you lovely home would go just like hotcakes and that you would be on your way soon. Blessings and God Speed my dear friend. It will all fall in place as it should!!

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    1. I have to believe this Kathy...I'm getting so excited and anxious to get there!

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