Year 36 saw a lot. I finished chemo, started and finished radiation, dealt with my husband being sick and in and out of the hospital multiple times, the entire family getting COVID, and that is just the health side of things.
We also decided this was the year to make the leap. We have been wanting to move south to be closer to family for a few years now. I worried that after all of our health scares last year that we wouldn't be able to do it because of work, health insurance, etc.
But we did it. I started looking for jobs in March and landed a teaching position at what I have heard is an amazing school near Raleigh. We started looking for houses in April and again we landed our dream house within a few weeks.
Then began the emotional part of saying goodbye. The first time we moved from Virginia to Maryland was more exciting than sad because we had just bought our first house, we had friends in Maryland already, and there were no kids involved. This time our move involved two kids having to say goodbye to their friends that they had made over the past few years. It also included me saying goodbye to my school that I had been at for the past 9 years. You don't realize the relationships that have been built with not only your coworkers, but families that attend the school. I have had so many siblings that I have taught over the years and some of them still had younger siblings that were looking forward to possibly having me in 5th grade.
As we get settled into our new house, new state, and new normal I am reminded why we made this move. Our kids have already stayed at their grandpa's house a few times giving my husband and I a kid-free date night or to go play golf. We also hosted a birthday cookout with family yesterday with my aunt and grandma. We are going to see my husband's aunt this week and I get to see my mom for dinner. This right here is my reason why. I absolutely love being close to family.
In 17 days I get to meet my new school family and I am so excited to start this next chapter in my educational journey!
For now though, going back to enjoying my summer break. 😎
