We arrived in Florida one week ago. March proved to be a very difficult month for our family. Yet, we were reminded how blessed we are with wonderful family, friends and neighbors. Support was coming in all directions; everything from phone calls, cards, dinners to even a neighbor picking up our dry cleaning to save me from a trip out with the boys when there was so much else to do.
My parents were a tremendous help throughout our moving process. On the tailwinds of preparing to sell their home in Maryland, they came directly to Ohio and helped with everything from touching up paint to running errands and watching the boys in between. A few days after they left, I drove with the boys to SC to stay with them for a few days as Ryan finished with the packers (he was able to join us for a couple of days in SC too). It was a wonderful sandbar if you will, before the next wave,unpacking,hit us. Ryan left a day ahead and my mom graciously left at 4 a.m. with the boys and I(my dad dropped my sister off at the airport and then drove down as well). It certainly made the drive much easier and more enjoyable having another adult. For the last hour of the 500 mile drive, she sat in between Owen and Logan keeping them entertained during the final stretch. Phew! They stayed for several days in Florida to help us unpack and get settled. We are so grateful for all their help!!!
The goodbye's in Ohio were very difficult. Amazing how people and a town can capture your heart in only 18 months. My last day in Ohio was the first day of the packers. (Ryan was returning from WA) As the morning started, I tended to the boys and tried to take care of last minute organizing details before the packers would arrive and swarm the house. Between grieving for Ross, anticipating all the goodbye's, wrestling with unanswered questions about our life in Florida and trying to stay on top of the lengthy to-do list before moving, my stress was overwhelming. Just a moment before I was about to completely unravel, in walked my
coffee ladies (another post is deserved for them), armed with danishes, coffee, encouragement and helping hands. Metaphorically, they scooped me up from a puddle and helped me get through the day from watching the boys to disconnecting our computer (that is Ryan's department--I don't have a clue), to folding my last load of laundry etc. Through the day, other neighbors stopped by to spend time and help with the boys.
By evening, there was a gathering of neighbors at the end of our driveway. All too
soon, the softening sun beckoned the moment I dreaded, the goodbyes. Many tears were shed and hugs held tight.
Now, we are on the other side of the move. The dust and fury of unpacking has stilled and my heart is quietly reflecting on the last month. We are soaking up the sunshine as we surface for air.
