It was a chilly day in November as we experienced more rain (our winter’s in Oregon on the coastal range). My windows of opportunities were diminishing as I was landscaping my daughter’s side yard. With the past 22 months behind me of cleaning up the old to replace with the new, my son, Tim requests my physical presence at his new home in the EAST. Pennsylvania to be exact.
My immediate response was NO. I had projects to finish, (never done), and plans were made to work at my Avon business, and publish my YA novel. Being widow 18 months and living with my daughter and family of seven, I felt comfortable enough to hang around longer. I did not feel the urge to uproot my life at this point as my daughter was embarking on a new endeavor of her own and I felt needed to some degree. My grandson, Jordan was my responsibility as I was his PSW as was his mother.
But as life happens on His terms, I was released of known responsibilities, was instructed to “Go Mom, and be Happy”.
Oh, no, not yet! My project was not done. Still needed the 3/4 inch minus gravel hauled in and the bark trucked in and spread. The projected date to leave the West was January 22, 2018 a known date to be remembered as it was my 48th wedding anniversary. Married in Lynnwood, WA and living on the West Coast most of that time, the children considered it HOME, as did the grandkids.
So the plans were laid, and the rain came and went, the ground was covered with cardboard to kill the weeds/dandelions(oops sorry bees) and some patches of grass. The perennial, as many as 12, were still in their decorative planters, waiting for permanent placement by Rachel, or not. The two trees, an hydrangea, and a Quince were placed in the best location if they survived.
The gravel was requested with the use of his truck, needing 7 loads a possible 10 as the ground was prepped to receive it. With an helping hand, I unloaded the first load as my helper spread it out back to front. Black surface appeared as the contrast was amazing against the brown cardboard was being covered. The old was now new. I saw an end in sight as the days flew by.
I loved gardening and landscaping was it was in my DNA, as a farmer’s daughter. I wanted to help my daughter beautify her unused yard and create a cool sitting area as she enjoyed her later years at her home. My labor of love was received as I made plans to move on with her blessing.
I had my room to pack into shipping boxes (12) unpacking from all the hiding places I tucked away my keepsakes. This was no time to be nostalgic or in need of money for a moving sale so many trips to the Goodwill truck was made constantly, as William and I became great “friends”.
Christmas Market’s were in full force as I sold my Avon stock at awesome prices. I found a transitional girl’s home to donate the lipsticks and eyeshadows plus the lotion for gifts to give to each other. Even some earrings were put in for a very special lady. It was Christmas for everyone.
What was happening to me, was extremely liberating, as I had unloaded what was weighing me down and I didn’t even notice how I had accumulating so fast in a short time. My wants were scaled down and my needs were few. Starting over was not my mindset as I moved to PA but an adventure of new beginnings as I had stepped into real estate investments with my son and fiance.
As my plans are not His, the Lord opened more doors to bless us as we are getting established in this small community in east central PA. Similar terrain of many rolling hills of parts of Oregon with the community flair of Minnesota “nice”, the four seasons yet to enjoy as Oregon was just green.
Settling in my small office/bedroom in this duplex split house, it has a country feel from the 40’s with aflair of the techy era that I need to embrace in this 21st Century. My YA is emerging to the surface after 8 years as I find a niche of time to self publish.
Many more adventures in store as the other ocean awaits my appearance. As does the history lessons of our founding fathers expound their truths from the halls and steps in the state capital.
My days will be full of new memories. This is one dream that is coming true. From sea to shining sea I shall behold.