Graebel was our mover and they were fantastic but nothing could make better what was happening.  We were moving.  We were leaving.  The truck showed up (Thursday, June 24th) first thing in the morning and I was sad at the reality-the day had come and it was time to truly pack our bags.  As they slowly loaded the truck and played their giant game of Tetris, trying to make all things fit snug and secure, I felt that my roots were being dug up.  So much change was ahead and I didn’t know what to feel and when to feel it.  Parts of me wanted to sneak into WA without getting involved, without signing up for responsibility and parts of me wanted to jump in both feet.  I was definitely excited about the chance to reevaluate, reconnect and reprioritize my life.  It was a chance to recreate the ME that I knew but nobody in WA knew.  It was a chance to start over and start new.  I pictured a cozy little home, just the four of us.  

The truck was full, my home empty.  It wasn’t my home any longer-a new family would replace what we were. I had nothing to call mine except the suitcase that I dragged with anticipation.   :(  The truck drove away and I cried again.  We took our little rental car, our suitcases and headed to our hotel. We stayed at the hotel for a few nights to tie up loose ends, get papers, cancel appointments and utilities, etc.  Our  amazing good-bye party was on Friday, June 25th, our last chance to laugh and cry and eat with our awesome friends.  The party was a sight to see!  I couldn’t believe that they wanted to do that for us-what a sincere token of love.  I cried and cried until my head hurt.  We met our family for a breakfast on June 26th as we headed to the airport.  I realized that our flights would no longer originate from PHX.

Leaving was so hard.  To my friends and family who I miss, you are wonderful and mean so much to me.  I had an incredible journey in Cortina/Queen Creek and now I have a huge hole in my heart.  I learned so much, I experienced a rich life full of love.  My journey hasn’t ended but taken a turn in a new direction.  Who I am and what I know is simply due to my experiences with you this far.  I know I have much to learn and much growing to do and I am hopefully entering this new stage with an open heart.  Certainly there are good people everywhere I go, right?!  ; )  Thanks for your love, your example, your time, your energy, your humor, your talents, your smiles, your acceptance and the memories.  I cherish them, truly cherish them.  I love you all!

May I take you on my moving day memory land?  Here is the massive truck that arrived on that awful Thursday morning.  Just the sight of the truck brought on the tears.

The packers came the day before the truck.  They packed each room and stacked the boxes.  The movers took them outside and used them between furniture and larger items.  Here they are all stacked on our driveway awaiting their little nook.

Before the shuffling started, they protected the floor and the door opening by laying out and taping down floor covering.  I liked the red carpet service.  Too bad it wasn’t anything special for me.

The rooms started to look empty.  I was sad leaving behind all the time and effort (and money) that was spent in attempts to make this home our home.

One of the hardest things I saw was the packing of the studio.  I was so excited to have that room-my special place to create.  I realize that the new family will have no need for a photography studio and it will become whatever suits them so this was a for real good-bye to something that I loved.

Boxes seemed to be the only thing we owned after the packers finished their job.  Our final count was near 100 boxes.  Our final “item” count was near 350 (includes brooms, furniture, etc-things that couldn’t be boxed).  I was teased about getting rid of everything but we still had plenty! 

This is the room where we entertained and entertained.  Our Festivus parties, our gatherings, our BBQ’s, etc. was shared in this space.  WE laughed with friends, ate delicious foods, hosted parties, and who knows what else in this room. 

The office was a custom addition that was for Tim and ultimately used by me.  ; )  We didn’t realize how much storage it provided until we unpacked what was stored in there… oh boy-finding space for all of it was quite a trick.

Empty studio, empty closet.  Tvedt worked hard at building all of our closets when we bought this home.  Tvedt worked hard everywhere in this home!  So, we have left this all behind and I am ok because we gained so much here.   Again, we feel rich with the love and experiences in this home.