This gal is headed to greener pastures.

Well, actually, it's more like paved pastures.

After five years, our family is trading in our dirt road and acreage for a new job, a new community and a shorter commute (38 minutes shorter, each way.)

We're excited for the change of pace and the new adventure.

But as I prepare our family for this departure, I cannot stop the swell of tears that leaving behind my hometown produces.

This is the first place I have ever called home. This place gave me my husband, my lifelong friends, my high school diploma and my faith. A little piece of me will dwell here forever.

I get a lump in my throat when I start to think about saying goodbye to my town and my people. So far, I've been able to avoid it altogether. However, it's down to 12 days and I need to start the process.

Lest you think I am packing up my family and moving across the country, I'm not. Our new home is located 42 minutes from our current one.

Nevertheless, it is an expanse as big as the Pacific Ocean in terms of how I do community. I get involved. Too much sometimes, but involved is how I live my life.

From book clubs to bible studies, MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) groups to spinning class, I've made friends.

And now I need to begin the “break-up” process.

Of course, there will be people that I will make a point to see. Facebook will help me keep up and in touch. But it's different. I will no longer be in community with them. And for that, my heart breaks.

As much as I like to keep things all about me, I can't help but see the concern on my children's faces as they contemplate a new place. They, too, are leaving friends and family. They, too, are going to unfamiliar territory.

While I won't miss the 20-minute commute for gas, groceries or basically everything, I will miss the peace and quiet country life afforded.

My boys will miss playing uninterrupted by traffic or trains (our new home is a stone's throw from railroad tracks), and I am trying to convey the importance of indoor plumbing. We will need to learn to be on our best neighborly behavior and remain clothed while outdoors at all times.

Don't get me wrong. I am excited for the move, but as with any change, I am saddened by what we are leaving behind.

I look forward to the new town, the new people, neighbors and all that town-living brings. I know I will get involved in Waverly as much as I am involved now. I will make new friends.

But that still does not lessen the pain of leaving my friends and family behind. I look forward to our new life, but Plattsmouth will always have a special place in my heart. I already miss them.

Judy Daniell is married with three sons. She works part-time. Read more from her here.

« Mom Blogs

Share