Moving Week: Day 3

Wow.

That’s all I can say.

Wow. I can’t believe it’s finally here.

Our truck is packed, our legs are sore, our eyes are moist, and we are sans automobile.

We’re moving to New York City.

I think it was when I was running some errands late this afternoon when the immensity of that statement really hit me.  Kind of a weird time, huh.  As I drove our beloved ‘97 Accord near Southpoint, I was struck by how much I love North Carolina (and even Durham!), how dearly our friends and family will be missed, and how blessed I’ve been to call the Tar Heel State my home for the last 26+ years.

Perhaps it’s appropriate that it was in the midst of the mundane that I realized how much I’ll miss this place.  It will only be a few short days until there is no mundane, at least for a while.  We’ll be wide-eyed newcomers trying to take it all in (and trying to avoid looking like tourists!)  Every little task, every aspect of our first days will be a new challenge and a chance to learn more about what we’re made of.

It will all be part of this adventure we’ve chosen.  And though right now it’s a little scary (and sometimes even a lot scary), it’s exactly what we wanted.

The pain of leaving has been good for me, and good for Tracy.  It’s reminded us of the things we take for granted.  It’s caused us to cling to our faith, cherish family, appreciate friendships.  It’s been very hard, and yet very good.

Thomas Wolfe once wrote, “You can’t go home again.” I don’t believe him.  We plan to come home, and often.  But we also plan to live life to the fullest in New York and to make the most of this amazing opportunity.  It should be quite a ride.

PS - when we get really sad on the way up (probably while sitting on some lame NJ toll road, I’m probably going to try and picture this, because it’s pretty awesome and will instantly put a smile on my face.