The Moving Carousel

To quote Eccliastes:

‘There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under the heavens.”

Precisely one year ago, the youngest member of the Fabulous Four and I drove into the circular driveway of my new abode.

My son had traveled south to accompany me on my journey. I was grateful not to be alone the day I relinquished to a new owner the home my Anam Cara and I had shared for over fifty years.

My departure to relocate was not part of a long calculated decision. Sometimes, however, there are unforeseen triggers in life that point in the direction God has planned for each of His children.

And so it was in October 2016.

The sunny September morning when the young woman viewing my home remarked, “I can tell it was a happy house,” I knew the house should be hers.

The sadness that had invaded during my beloved’s illness had lingered after his death. Then slowly and ever so surely, it dissipated until I felt the peace of his presence return again, gently and invisibly.

Soon all the earlier happier memories returned enveloping what was now my solitary environment. I began to realize it was time for me, too, to depart.

Have there been changes in my life? Of course.

After a year, is my Posse intact? Sadly, no. Will I form another? I doubt it. Posse’s are difficult to replace and possibly, I do not wish to ever replace mine. I prefer it remains a constant memory of friendship, loyalty and camaraderie.

And yes, I have new, interesting, thoughtful and generous acquaintances. But another Posse, no.

Throughout this past year despite my earlier travels, I have been constantly amazed at my naivite’. I had no comprehension that other locations in our magnificent country were such amazing places to live.

Yet, when asked, I say, “I am a New Yorker,” and ever will.

I don’t miss the beauty of the woods across from my former windows because I am blessed with an almost identical view from my new home.

I have learned with gratitude that replacing Doctors, Dentists and Hairdressers is not only possible, but also, not the major hurdle I had feared.

I am no longer identified as the Mother of the Fabulous Four nor the wife of an amazing legend, but by my choice of occupation. I am now introduced as a writer.

Do I miss the home I left so abruptly? Of course. I would not be honest in denying the truth. I miss the people I left behind. I yearn for lunch at a Diner. I would love to get on the LIRR and travel to NYC.

Yet I do not miss worrying about repairing an antique fence or being a caregiver for a dying spruce tree. I do not mourn relinquishing homeowner responsibilities.

I am thrilled with Will’s Sunday afternoon visits and delight in his enthusiastic viewpoint about life. I have been included in a community of writers who shared experiences and knowledge with me as I entered the eBook world.

Most importantly, I have learned not to fear change because indeed there is a time for everything, including moving onward on the carousel of life.

And yes, his presence traveled with me, gently and invisibly and remains ever so.