We Arrived and Survived a Cross-Country Move

We arrived on our new island home on August 23rd. What a trip! in more ways than one. We left on a Thursday afternoon, stayed overnight at a motel about five hours from our home, then traveled to my brother's home for a wonderful stay - bed and breakfast included, on Friday night.

Saturday night we spent in Oklahoma, and Sunday night just 75 miles from our new home. We drove in early Monday morning and were met by a wonderful team of movers who promptly got us into our new living space.

My daughter and her family were there to greet us, took us out to dinner, and made sure we were settled in. We are really enjoying our new lifestyle although Dad, especially, misses all his old friends in Michigan. After all, he had lived all of his 87 years in Michigan. It was tough for him to move, but he stepped up to the plate for the sake of our family. We really appreciate his willingness to make that sacrifice.

We are enjoying our life here although it is very hot. It is starting to cool down now that it is September, and I am sure that we will enjoy the winter. We live within close walking distance of a Dairy Queen and a hamburger drive through - no not THAT one - and will take advantage of both!

Just wanted to update everyone that we arrived and survived a cross-country move. At our age, that is really saying something.

Take care!

Sunday Morning Musings

When I moved from Tucson to Michigan in 2006, I made a quick stop at the Grand Canyon. I had lived in Tucson for over a year when I made the decision to join Dad so he could stay in his home.

I love Arizona, especially Tucson, and would love to spend more time there. Michigan has its own attractions, but the wide open space draws me to the southwest. I wasn't able to see everything I wanted in that area, but the time I spent there was well worth the expense of moving across the country twice in less than a year-and-a-half.

As an early riser, I appreciate quiet mornings. With coffee at hand, I'm quite often writing my morning pages or catching up with email. Then as I read the news, both on-line and print, I am in my element. There is something special about spending quiet time with oneself when everyone else is still asleep. It is a time of reflection and renewal before the bustle of daily life begins.

My brother and I had a conversation recently that made quite an impact. I commented that there were quite a few decisions I wish I could change over my life. Things I would do differently knowing what I know now.

His response - as he looked back on his life, he pretty much would do what he did, that he was content with his decisions. I thought, "WOW!" That impressed me. To have that kind of peace about the past is wonderful.

What I have learned over the years is to forgive myself and others, no matter what! That brings peace. I may not have ended up where I could have, but I have peace. And that is important to me.

If you have any regrets, are holding bitterness and unforgiveness in your heart, take the time today and let it all go. Begin each day with a fresh perspective and an open heart and mind to live your life to the fullest.

Someone once said unforgiveness is like having a horse standing on your foot. You can't move forward. Forgive and be free to move on!