It would also be difficult leaving immediate family left here on the East Coast, but with one sister and three nieces already spread across the U.S., I've had years to cope with that reality. Now, with fewer years in front of me than behind, it's unsettling to envision day-to-day life without regular interaction with my newest tribe.
Would I make new friends? Of course. How? Likely via some of the same techniques used when I moved here sixteen years ago. I'd join - or start - a book group or two. I'd volunteer, get involved with a local activist group, find people who enjoy hiking or being outdoors. My wife would try to connect with folks who love gardening and I'd try to locate musicians and other aspiring writers. One of the upsides to the Internet is how easy it can be now to connect with people that have similar interests. And staying in touch is also much easier than it used to be.
But, however, still ...
Pat, that is indeed a quandary. I was only a four hour drive from my grandchildren as they were growing up but that still limited the time I had with them. I prioritized holidays and school vacations. And, when they are little such as your grandson, they change so fast. I am now a great grandmother and they live in Dallas. It is the quandary once removed. No easy answers but my sympathies....
ReplyDeleteInes; Thanks for the comment and sympathies. Although Dallas is not as far LA, it's still not around the corner. Bummer.
DeleteDifferent geography, same boat. I'm finding it helpful to recognize "ties that bind" that are not important to the big picture. (e.g....but I know where the dry cleaning shop is...)
ReplyDeleteBill; Thanks for the comment. Good to know I'm not alone in my quandary.
DeleteGO! You will not regret it. We moved about 3 years ago….not nearly as far….but the absolute joy of being close to family and the “little ones” is life fulfilling. There are so many important and precious things you will witness and experience that will bring you joy. And you….all of you…will be part of their life time memories. The memories you will create will become part of their lives and be passed along to their children. Don’t miss this opportunity. It is fleeting.
ReplyDeleteCookie; Thanks for the comment. If the moving part was the only issue there would be no quandary; we've moved 4 times over our 48 years together. My daughter and son-in-law's work in the film industry makes their life perpetually upside-down so moving there well mean moving back soon after. Although I appreciate your certainty about "GO-ING", in our case, it's not quite so simple.
DeletePat--you are such a fixture here and you have added so much to the creative community I personally want you to stay. But, everything you mention is true: you will continue to do all that you do and you will be close to your grandson and what is not to love about that?
ReplyDeleteRegina; Thanks for the comment, especially the kind words about what I "...add to the creative community..."
DeletePat did you make a decision you forgot to tell me about?
ReplyDeleteNo decision, just my usual mulling & musing. Been thinking a lot lately about how much our friendships - old & new - enrich our lives. I don't want to start all over, but .... being close to that little man is pulling me West.
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