I have lived my entire life in Washington State, particularly the Kent/Auburn area. The farthest I’ve ever made it is a few miles south to Olympia – but never out of the state. Sure, I’ve traveled a bit, but I always came back home. Washington is an absolute glorious place to live. When the sun comes out, there is no other place as beautiful. When the sun comes out. I’d like to say that the people are marvelous – and they are – but I have learned in my traveling that this is true everywhere I go. Sure, there are different cultures and ways of conducting business, little quirks and odd ways to make them laugh – but people in general are marvelous EVERYWHERE. It could be just me, but I don’t care. I find the most amazing people wherever I go.
After this winter, which was particularly difficult (5 days with no power or heat in 32 degree weather), we came to the conclusion that it is, indeed, time for a change.
Now I am leaving. I pursue new opportunities, new relationships, and a new climate.
The decision came on the heels of my mother’s death. Suddenly, I realized, I have no one to look after, no one to answer to – except myself. As a child, I took care of her and my siblings. This continued well through adulthood, and is a role I never realized I had taken on until Jim pointed it out to me. I have always been a caretaker, perhaps a bit codependent – which made me ripe for my abusive marriage and other messed up relationships. Now, I am different. Not just because Mom died, but because I was able to see my codependence and determined take-overedness and step away. Yes, that meant watching my mom die – but it also meant admitting that there was nothing I could do to stop it, and being at peace with that. It’s a daily process, but it’s worth it.
Jim and I decided that we’re going to leave on May 28 come Hell or High Water (both of which are possible in this climate). More on where we plan to go, how, and why tomorrow.
Loading tweets...