A Mid-Life Move

I'm moving to Texas.....

I can hardly believe it is true myself, but it is. Most of my family have gradually been moving there over the last 16 years, and been hankering me to join them. They have been very persistant--but I have kept my heels dug in as it has never been my desire to move there. "Too hot, too flat, too dry, too brown," has been my mantra.... I like green rolling hills and a cool breeze from the ocean....and I really love Connecticut. Besides, I'm 54 now, and it is late in life to be making a new start. Still, (and I can't believe I am writing this)-- I am moving to Texas. My parents are elderly and getting frail, and in greater need of assistance. Although I have siblings there who are caring for them, they also are getting on in years, and need others to share the load. These same siblings have cared for me my entire life and never asked for anything from me in return---now they need me to help them care for our parents; Our parents who never once took a vacation, because they needed the money more, to raise their 9 kids. As their lives showed us--sometimes convenience and personal desires need to be sacrificed on the altar of a greater love. So, though it is painful to burn the bridges to all one has known and move to a strange place late in life, it is a sacrifice worth making. Real love is known by the willingness to sacrifice. -----and I love my family.

At 54, most people are grandparents who are well settled into their communities and family lives and would never consider a move so late in life. I hear them----they are spouting the same arguments against such a move, as I have been rehearsing to myself and my siblings for the last 16 years. The truth however, is that I am still single and it is time for me to come up with a game plan for the later years of my life. How could I ever expect my family to help care for me later, if I am unwilling to upset my own apple cart and help them in their need now? I have to give if I ever expect to receive. Also, if I am ever going to make such a move it needs to be now while I am still in good enough health to do so, and young enough to still get out to make new friends. Thus, you see the wisdom in my making the move at this time.

I have completed the process and obtained my Texas Nursing license. Now I'm in pursuit of employment there. So far, it looks like it will be approximately a $12.00 an hour pay cut.... I know, I know--I can hardly believe it myself. I hope to be able to negotiate for a slightly better deal, but come what may, I will bite the bullet and go. I am just awaiting the firm offer from the company that is pursuing me. So it may be only a month or so before I leave. I am hoping for the end of March, to have less chance of having to move in a snowstorm. That wouldn't be good....but might help me be more willing to leave...

In some ways it is exciting to be making a new start. One never knows what could come of such a move. Friends I never would have known otherwise, a new language (Y'all), and a new gastronomical experience---(did anyone say hot sauce?) City life will be an eye-opener I am sure, as I have never even lived in a suburb before. The shopping will be phenomonal--if I am only offered a decent paycheck---and liked shopping. (Which I don't). Still, I look forward to the big sky sunsets, the sight of horses in the open, and the men in cowboy hats and pick-up trucks. I have been getting prepared by listening to more country music, and have a growing fondness for Keith Urban and Alan Jackson. I think I will adjust in time, just fine, thank you. Now, if only I could find a way to protect my fair Irish skin from the intense sun and heat, besides living indoors in air conditioning.....

It will take some time, to find my way, and feel confortable there, but I intend to explore this new world slowly, and find my place in it. Surely if the Lord is bringing me there, it is for His own good purposes, and I'll need to look to Him to show me what they are. I suspect my next series of blogs will be all about the actual move and the strange new world of Texas that I'll have discovered as well as my reactions to it. Should be interesting, to say the least. I'll keep you posted