Wow! I haven’t posted on Beyond Ashes since November. That’s a long time! Let me tell you what’s been happening.
Remember I talked about moving? Well, I did it. The last few months have been grueling to say the least. While I’ve had invaluable help from a neighbor, a mechanic friend & a few guys from church, the rest of…..well, everything……has been done by me. Yes…………I am tired.
Widow or not, it’s been beyond difficult & definitely overwhelming. Even though it’s my 14th move, it is the first one done completely alone in 40 years. So….as you can imagine, I’m physically, psychologically and emotionally spent.
But what I want to encourage you with is this – moving is totally possible. And don’t tell yourself that you can’t do it – YOU CAN !!!
My advice, now that I’m on the other side is – think it through, pray about it, do your homework & then do more homework, and take help/look for help with every aspect – – – financial planning, logistics, selling stuff, hauling stuff away, buying/selling, etc. etc. Every part as it comes along the way – pick someone’s brain. We don’t realize it till we need it, but there are people all around us with a wealth of experience & knowledge. I believe God places them in our life to help with all the stuff that is unknown to us. After all, we used to be two people – two brains with knowledge – two people juggling all the details – two people which meant accountability. So. . . . don’t be afraid, and make a list of people who can help with whatever.
Where was I? St. Louis. Where am I now? Louisville, KY. Reason?? To be near family. My son & family live about 15 minutes away. My daughter & family are now only one day drive away & $150 less airfare round trip. The irony??? This crazy Covid-19. Yep – in addition to the trauma of moving – let’s just add a virus that has mega complicated life. But I’m doing it. There was a little planning ahead which helped. I had family that brought some food initially, as well as a fabulous daughter-in-love who stocked my refrigerator & provided peanut butter etc. for me – BIG Thanks!
This is what I want you to see. Please don’t look at me as some sort of Superwoman. I. Am. Not. I want you to see that should you feel a move is the right thing to do, it is possible & you are able to get through it. You will be afraid at times, that’s normal. But I promise, you will make it through. Reach out to friends at church, neighbors, colleagues – everyone in your sphere of influence. Encouragers – look for those in your life that encourage you – the for real kind, not the kind that is just lip service. They will help you be brave & courageous. Not only that, but as one who has traveled this arduous journey – I Believe In You !!!!!!
So there you have it – – – – – finally a post from me & an explanation. I’m sure you can understand why I’ve been a little over my head for a few months. I will try to be more faithful sharing more that ties into the grief journey – because this move has unearthed things connected to grief that I had not considered, or thought I had dealt with before. Grief…………….doesn’t play fair. But we can get through that too………….together.
Peace & Blessings to all of you……………….
Thank you ! A great and encouraging read as always. I have been teaching online for over a month now. and I hate it. I miss the kids. I live in St. Louis and the governor wants to reopen businesses Monday May 4. While I miss everyone at school and while I am in need for a good haircut and color, I worry that this maybe too soon. What if something happens to me? My will is drafted,, but I haven’t found eyewitnesses/a notary public. We’ll get through this. Right?
We will indeed get through this. Hang in there.