Well, nobody but my friend Rob who moved with his family back home from Florida.
And me, who came home from southern Missouri.
I said goodbye to my oldest son this morning. We had breakfast at the little family restaurant where he worked years ago and where he and I have shared breakfast many times. He is on his way to pick up the trailer and will load it up with the help of friends, and will be on his way to Arizona in another day or so. I'm sad because he is leaving, but at the same time glad that he won't have to suffer through another Minnesota winter.
He tried to give me back his keys to my apartment. I wouldn't let him. I want all of my kids to know that no matter what, they can always come home.
Living in the South is good for old bones, but bad for the memories of those that played in the snow, enjoyed White Christmases and enjoyed the fresh, pleasant, cool breeze through the window on a Summer night.
ReplyDeleteWell, now I'm sad for you feeling sad. I hope it doesn't become overwhelming.
Jess...When I lived in a warmer climate, those were the very things I missed. I suppose it is all in where a person grows up and the memories one has of those times.
ReplyDeleteEven though I am sad at his leaving, I will be fine. He has had some health issues in the past that will make the Arizona climate better for him than the climate of this frozen tundra. We will set up Skype accounts when he is settled and I'm sure he will come home now and then to visit. I will just miss the hugs.
Arizona is a beautiful place to live. As long as the water holds out, anyway.
ReplyDeleteHarry...My son lived in the Phoenix area around 20 years ago and he loved it. I'm not at all surprised that he is going back. I've been there and you are right. It is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI prefer the cooler weather - heat makes me wilt lol
ReplyDeleteDani...If the temp. stayed at 65 degrees F. year around, I would be a really happy person. But here, temperatures have been known to get down past -30 in the winter and up to +100 in the summer. This summer has been pretty moderate, though. I guess I need to be thankful for that. Excessive heat makes me wilt, too!
ReplyDeleteJess said exactly what I believe, only he said it better than I could have. It all has to do with roots. I'm rooted in Indiana, but my feet are now in Florida, and my heart is constantly homesick. If I had just one family member down here, I'd feel so much better.
ReplyDeleteDana...My son is lucky in that he has a step-sister in the area and I also have a cousin living nearby. The winters here are tougher on him every year, so I sure don't blame him for going where it is warm. Will sure miss him, tho!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the plug. My kids too know that they can come home anytime. We talked today about the upcoming winter and agree it will be the same because its cool already.
ReplyDeleteI saw that a while back on FB... it is so darn true. : )
ReplyDeleteI also saw one similiar about the United States and immigration.
Rob...That's how I was raised. I knew that no matter what happened, I could always go home, and that's what I've tried to teach my kids as well.
ReplyDeleteAll the forecasts I have heard so far talk about a bad winter. Nothing we can do except get ready for it and hope they are wrong!
JUGM...There are some who love the winter sports. My youngest son loves to snowmobile with his kids and go ice fishing. One of my daughters and grandson love to ski. But most of us who are of my vintage are here because we either were raised here or because family live here. Me...the only way I like ice and snow is to look at it through the window of my warm apartment, cup of hot chocolate in hand!
ReplyDeleteWell Mom, I know that I will miss all my family in Minnesota. And I will be back to visit when I can. But know that you could always come out an visit me in the dead of winter. You could get away for a week and thaw out. Duane
ReplyDeleteDuane...I know your family will miss you too, Son. But I am happy for you that you can get out of the deep freeze that is winter in Minnesota. I never quite pictured myself as a snowbird, but hey, you never know. Stranger things have happened!
ReplyDeleteLove, Mom