I am quickly approaching the end of my 35th year on this earth.
Each year has brought many changes in my life. And I still find it fascinating how each choice, split-second decision, or long-drawn-out plan comes with big feelings of excitement or regret. How each decision can change the course of life’s journey.
Change
This year our family of five made some big changes. We decided to leave our amazing cul-de-sac neighborhood and head out of the city to embrace small town life and Class B schools.
Thanks to the pandemic, we spent a lot more time all together in our home and realized we had outgrown our space.
So, we packed up our home, spent time with our neighbors, cried on our last day of school, and said our “see ya laters.”
And I was quickly reminded that once we become moms, our decisions are no longer just about us. There is so much more at stake because these decisions affect our children as well.
Especially the big changes— like deciding to leave a place that was so comfortable. Leaving behind neighbors who had become family and amazing teachers and administrators who have had such an impact on my three kiddos.
New Opportunities
This move is about so much more than just more square footage.
It’s a small school district with more opportunities. A small town similar to where I grew up, where everyone watches out for everyone. And it’s a slower pace.
This change is about new beginnings. New friends, new schools, and new daycares.
But I worry about the transition. I pray nightly that this decision I made for them was the right one.
I guess we never really know if we’re making the right decision, do we? That’s the struggle of being a parent. The struggle to do what you think is right and what’s best for the family. While second-guessing yourself, worried that you might be missing the big picture.
I know the kids will adjust amazingly. And to be honest, I have seen it before that the thought and worry I put into each situation is far more stressful on me than it is for anyone else. It’s a burden we bear as moms because we care so much, and it never goes away. It comes with each and every decision we make from the day we become mamas.
Change Is Hard
And I try to remind myself that change isn’t easy. But it’s a blip, it’s a moment, and we are headed toward a season full of new memories.
As we head off in another direction and take this new adventure as a family, I remind my kids how blessed we are. That even though we won’t get to see our old friends as much anymore, that they’ll still be in our lives. And that we have the opportunity to meet new people, to continue to grow our village of people who love us and care about us.
That makes us pretty darn lucky, that no matter where we go the lineup of those with us on our journey makes each change a little less scary.
And to our 54th Street Crew— thanks for the memories.
