Leavin’ on a Jet plane

~from Jill

I spoke with a good friend on the phone today, and was so relieved to hear from her. She is in between houses and states at the moment, and seized a rare moment to chat with me. She voiced some of the same concerns and anxiety that I remember having last Summer before we moved.

She and her husband are leaving the Bay Area to try their luck at making a living and a home in Texas. This week she and her baby girl are staying with family in San Jose while her husband and 7-year old son drive ahead to meet them. She confided how strongly she wishes she could go to Texas, and get on with the work of starting over.

I remember that feeling well. My husband Steve also drove ahead in a U-Haul while the boys and I tracked his path with pushpins on a map. I thought it would be fun to stay behind, but ended up with that same desperate wish to leave.

When Steve called long-distance to tell me about Bourbon Street in New Orleans, or the Epcott Center in Orlando, it was more than I could take (of course his travel had also included long driving stretches and dozens of cans of Red Bull, but that’s another story). I was busy tying up the loose ends of the home we were leaving behind; selling our car, getting our paperwork in order, and saying goodbye to friends and family. I realized with each passing day how draining and sad the work was, and how I wished we were all together again.

My friend is taking a redeye flight with her daughter Tuesday night, hoping she’ll sleep until their 3 am arrival. I think she knows the work that lies ahead of her; so many boxes to unpack, a change of climate, and getting settled in a new house and neighborhood. I’m hoping her baby will sleep soundly on that plane, and that my friend will take the strength of her experiences with her. That one morning she will wake up, look out of her window, and see evidence of the good work she’s done, feel grateful for her strong young family. And in that moment she will realize with certainty, that anything is possible.