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Sunday, December 7, 2014

Walking the Path We Are Meant to Walk




In the last two weeks our lives have taken an amazing turn. We sold our Michigan house.

We had Thanksgiving and three of our four kids came with all their kids and the kid of the fourth child also came. It was a great day for all of us. We also had some of them for a couple extra days and we loved that. Then we went to Florida and bought a house! Yep, found our perfect house in one day. We came home and learned on the way home that both houses will close on the same day. It couldn’t be any better than this.

Now we are back in Michigan and everything seems to be falling into place. If the movers can work with our schedule, we are good to go. If not, we have a back-up plan so there is no panic expected.

I think a great deal about this past year of 2014. It started with our first trip to Florida to find which area we wanted to settle into and Ormond Beach felt like home from our first drive through. We looked at many other areas, but nothing compared. We came back to Michigan and over the next few months talked with Momma until I was convinced she was actually looking forward to being there, if not the actual move. We talked many times about which house we would select, what it had to have and where it needed to be located. She was interested in where her things would go, what we would do with all her “new” furniture and her antiques. Once I assured her that my furniture didn’t matter to me and we would take all of her’s, she seemed settled. 

In August the decision was made by her and I that it was time for her to move in with us. She was becoming afraid to be alone and I was very worried about her being alone. The house had not sold so it was important to make room for her things here. We had a big sale the next week-end and sold all of our stuff that simply didn’t fit anymore. We sold a lot of duplicate stuff, mostly mine, keeping mostly hers. It was the right thing to do and she was very happy living here with us. It worked even better than I thought it would. I did have a few times of stress when I had to just go out for an hour or so, call my sister and vent or just go outside and sit, but honestly for the most part, I so enjoyed having her here. She was great company and seeing her emotional improvement was medicine to me. She was eating everything I offered and laughing and talking so much more easily than when she was alone. Her depression disappeared. It was so good for all of us.

Roomy basically waited on her hand and foot. He enjoyed doing that. I am so blessed that this man chose to love me. And Momma. 

She was here exactly 5 weeks. She died and I fell apart.

This all happened at exactly the same time the house went off the market. We wanted to change realtors. It was off the market for a week or so. Why? Just the way things worked out and because that is how He meant for it to be. We needed grieving and adjusting time and though the new realtors did get things moving again, it still didn’t sell. We were planning to be here all winter. 

The grieving has been progressively less debilitating and two months later, we got a full price offer. A good solid offer. We accepted.

Since this day, every things else has simply fallen into place. This was the right buyer, the right time and He seems to be leading us now onto our new path. We are following and feeling like it is exactly what He wanted and as always, in His time, not ours. 

All the ducks had to be in a row and they are. That’s not luck, that’s Devine intervention.
That’s His way. Walking the path of His making is a safe and happy place.

I find myself thinking of where everything is going to be in the new house and I find myself feeling Momma smiling. She knew, I believe, that she wasn’t going with us, but she also knew that she will always be with me. She fills my heart in her absence in a new way, but still very strongly part of my every thought. I will never be without her and I will be beside her again one day. She will be waiting for me. As will Dad and many other people I love who have gone before me.

My goal now is to stay focused and every day get a little more done in preparation for moving day and not to get overwhelmed, but take one little job at a time until they are all finished. My mind is wandering today to the new life chapter Roomy, the furkids and I will begin on December 29, 2014.

My year of many lasts is nearly over. The last time I walk out the door here and the last time I call Michigan home are still on the list, but those open the door to our new life.

The year of firsts begins a few days before the actual 2015 change, but it’s all exciting and new and sad and unknown. I will miss knowing 6 of my grand babies are a short drive away, but I will know they are all at the other end of my phone and we will be free to travel home for hug fixes when the weather allows and when we get the house settled.

The siblings (ours) have mixed feelings. Most are happy for us and sad that they will miss us. Feeling the same way. A couple are just mad. No reason to break up the family by so many miles. Just think we should live in both places. Winter south and summer north. Unfortunately we can’t afford to support two homes and don’t want to live in a motor home or trailer. Moving is our desire and visiting here.

I think once we get things settled in the house, by spring, we’ll feel ready for company and ready for a return to see everyone. We will need a few months of just us to get that at home thing going on first. ~ Jo


17 comments:

  1. So glad He lined it all up. My heart is so happy for ya'll. Don't loose me Jo...find me, even if I'm hiding under a rock.

    Be happy. The kind of happy that makes you giggle out loud, enjoy the state I still 16 years later miss. Tai is overjoyed for you!

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    1. Oh, I'll not lose you! Thank you for all the support. Always count on you. <3

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  2. So happy for you that things have worked out. This little farmhouse we bought always brings Mom to mind. She would have loved it here, she never got to see it. Why? Just one of those questions that there are no answers for. I couldn't have her at the apartment but here she could have moved right in. Again, Why? I think of her so often here, in the yard, in the woods, in the garden, on the porch. I do believe that God rolls back the curtains of heaven for her to see the good things. So I'm blessed to know that she is pleased as I know you will feel Momma's pleasure also.
    You're in the perfect place for your grandkids and your siblings. A couple of hrs. by plane and not to expensive. I was able to fly back many times in the5 yrs. we were there. And I agree that not only is it to expensive to own 2 places, it's exhausting. It's always good to be 'home'. Love you, Velda

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    1. Thanks, V. I love how your life and mine are so similar and our feelings are always in sync. I love you so much.
      Have a great warm up in AZ and we will chat soon, I'm sure.
      ❤️

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  3. We have talked many times about God's timing, and I am so glad his timing for you has finally become clear. 2015 is going to be your year. A year for you and Mike to reconnect, explore and enjoy all kinds of first together. I am so happy for you both. 💖

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    1. Thank you, KAT. And I can't wait to hear all about your adventure, too!
      A new beginning for all of us. Much love, my friend.

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  4. Love reading your thoughts Aunt Jo. You are so right about God making things happen in His time not ours. We are going through some real hard struggles right now, but what keeps us hanging in there, aside from the undying, unconditional love for our children and ourselves is the fact that we know God will lead is in the right path for us. Anyway, so happy for you and Uncle Mike. May God continue to bless you and provide what you both need in life to grow. :) Congratulations once again.

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    1. You are absolutely right Jeff. He knows where you need to be mentally, physically and in all ways. He will lead, sometimes it's just a bit trying to stay quiet enough to hear. Anytime I feel stress it is later shown to me that I wasn't listening. I'm getting better at doing that. Our future is, of course, unknown, but I feel so content even with all we have to do in the next three weeks.
      I pray for you guys to relax and pray and wait...it will be clear for you in His time. Love you all.
      And thank you for reading and commenting. ❤️

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  5. I love reading your posts but did u know that blue inck is hard for some people to read.Sorry but it is for me. Love u Jo.

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    1. I did not know that. I'll see if I can change it. Thank you! Live you, too.

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  6. I am glad everything is falling into place for you...still it must be bittersweet. Good luck on your new grand adventure in Florida. Love and hugs Jo.

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    1. It is exactly that. Thank you, Kathy. Love right back at cha.

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  7. This post brought tears to my eyes simply because you seem to be going through these life changes with such positivity --you feel the emotion, acknowledge it and reach for the next chapter. So healthy and beautiful. Blessings to you and yours and to your mother in her new (after)life.

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    1. Thank you, Carol. I'm not always positive and some days I'm down right miserable, but God gave me this life and I am working towards accepting it with grace. Not there yet.

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  8. Jo, so glad things have finally turned the corner for you! I read with interest your Facebook updates...the house in FL is beautiful!!! While I'll miss having you as a Michigan neighbor, I'm glad we'll be able to keep in touch via the internet! So happy for you!!!

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    1. Yes! We are friends regardless of location. I adore you and am happy to see you here. ❤️

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