Mom's Moving Day

Mom's Moving Day
May 27-30

My mom was finally able to make her big move to her new house.  It has been years in the making, basically since my Dad passed away four years ago.  She has loved this retirement community, the available activities and social opportunities, the feeling of community and safety, and the thought of having her own home to start over.  I'm glad she took her time to decide, because now even though any change is hard, it is definitely the right decision. 

Matt and I flew out to help her, both for physical and emotional support.  There were many emotions going through all of us, mom starting over, James's first time living on his own, leaving Dad behind, change in general, etc, brought on lots of different feelings.  Mostly our focus though was just trying to get as much done for Mom as possible.  We were busy nonstop the whole weekend.  We flew in late Friday night, moving day was Saturday, and Sunday was spent putting things away, building shelves, organizing the garage, hanging pictures, etc, and we left for the airport Monday morning.  I was happy with all we were able to get done for her, even though she had lots of unpacking left to do when we left.  Matt was a super hero and was able to organize the truck, lift super heavy things, fix their internet, put things together, etc.  His list of "to-do" items seemed to keep going, but he managed to finish them all.

Our moving crew consisted of Matt, myself, James, Mom, Mom's best friend, Books, and her husband Al.  We were small, but we were mighty!  Well at least Al and Matt were mighty!  My brother John came late Saturday night and stayed with James, and helped him get his bachelor pad set up, ping pong table, putting together his bbq, etc.  We all met up at Mom's house on Sunday to finish up some things for her.  All in all, I would say it was a success.  Both James and Mom seem happy, although still adjusting to the change.  I'm so glad we were able to be part of the big move, especially for my mom making this big step forward.  A very special thank you to Matt's parents that took care of our girls so that we were able to go and help, free of worry, knowing our girls were well taken care of.  They had so much fun, I'm not sure they wanted to come home with us!

These first pictures are on the flight out, the view of the sunset and clouds was spectacular!