Yes, it's happening. We are leaving Hawai'i. Dh's job will be changing soon (re-organization of his civil service task force), and he's not sure how long his current position will be available. So, since we don't intend to retire here, dd and I are moving ahead of dh. We're returning to Colorado at the end of this month. Dh will remain here for a few months in anticipation of his transition. He'll probably retire, as he's eligible.
Of course, this is not a simple task. Movers came yesterday and packed what belongings we have here (not a lot, as we rented a furnished home here - mostly dd's electronics, clothing that we won't need for several weeks, small counter-top kitchen appliances like my Vitamix and food processor and all those things we like to cook with). Those boxes will all be placed in a shipping container and start a very long, very slow voyage across the Pacific, then the container will go via freight train and trucks from a California port to Colorado, and it will arrive late to mid-April. Our car will also go on a boat on the 16th and we'll pick it up in San Diego at the very end of March.
Then dd and I will start driving from San Diego - we want to stop at the Grand Canyon, then on to Denver. Dh will fly at the last minute, take just a weekend, and meet us in Denver to help us get settled, then get right back to work.
She's having some anxiety attacks, and eczema outbreaks, and headaches, but so far, none that have made me have to call 911. She's excited about going to Colorado, as my MIL is there, and BIL and SIL and we like the area. We rented an apartment sight-unseen, although my favorite SIL toured it and I trust her and she says it's great. We have really missed being able to be with family at holidays. And we only get to see ds about once a year, but he travels to Colorado for work often, and we'll be able to visit him more often.
So if you think of me, send me good thoughts and prayers and hopes for safe travels, and a stress-free trip, although with dd, I am not sure that's possible.
We have enjoyed these almost 2 1/2 years in Hawai'i, but it's just so far from ds, from family, and you just can't pick up and go if there's some kind of family event or emergency. So we realize we all want to be back on the mainland.
Wish me luck!!!
What a fun experience going to Hawaii must have been, and it will be great for you to be with family again in Colorado. Best of luck to you all and safe travels!
Best wishes to you. E.!
I know it's been hard for you being so far away.
Good luck with the move and I hope your daughter manages it well.
Good luck E. and family!
You know I remember reading your post discussing this move to Hawaii. All the strategies, decisions, worries and planning for ‘what if.....’.
What is amazing is that you and your daughter (and family) made it through and conquered whatever issue came your way during that move.
What a great accomplishment for the both of you to reflect back on and gain confidence as you face the challenge of this move.
I wish you all the best of luck in your travels, but you clearly (from reading your posts) have the characteristics of wisdom, fortitude and patience. Please realize .....that you already have all the tools you need to make this a wonderful transition with your family!
Keep us updated!
Wow!
What a wonderful adventure it's been!
And now you get to move back to a familiar area.
If there's anything you haven't seen yet in Hawaii, now's the time to go see it.
Then you can wish it a fond aloha! and move on to your next chapter.
It sounds like everything is set for the process to be easier than when you moved to Hawaii--you all know where you are landing and you did this move successfully the last time! Wishing you a good move back, with plenty of pleasures along the way.
Wow E. - what a big change! I'm sorry your daughter is having some anxiety around this and I know her medical status is precarious and complicated. After the move to Hawaii and the long drive to an unknown place, perhaps this will be easier once you get started. First, you'e done it before, and second, you're headed to a place with more family.
I hope this is a wonderful change for you - as hard as it will be to actually get there. Seeing the Grand Canyon and other sights will be terrific though, and I hope you and your daughter enjoy that time together.
Drive safely and slowly, and take time to smell the roses! By the time you get to CO, perhaps spring will have arrived!
well that was a short tour! I hope you were able to get out and explore the islands!
I wish you safe travels and happy memories with your daughter!
you go from one amazing beautiful spot to another! damn!
you were super worried about the long trip you and your daughter took to get there, and it sounds as if it went awfully well.
so will this.
enjoy what time you've got left in Hawaii, and say hello to astonishing CO for me! in the spring no less. wow!
khairete
S.
Good luck E. - I think this sounds wonderful for your family! I can't believe it's been 2 1/2 years already!
It makes me realize how fast time is going - and how our families are growing up before our eyes.
I think this sounds like a great move for your daughter - I bet she will be very happy with family nearby and Colorado is such a lovely place. A good friend of mine moved there a few years ago, and absolutely loves living there. I am envious actually - the lifestyle seems beautiful with how outdoorsy and healthy it is for her and her family. The pictures she sends are just breathtaking. She is very happy with their choice to live there.
I am glad Hawaii turned out to be a positive experience for you all and that your daughter did so well with that situation not long ago with the scare. That was quite a telling experience, that she was able to handle it and deal with those fears and make it through. She should feel proud of her accomplishments - and you too mom :) It sounds like you all have made progress while living there. I'm glad things have worked out as they have and this will be a new chapter yet again.
Best wishes for you all and for a safe and uneventful move - I hope your daughter transitions well. Keep us posted :)
E.
I'm glad you haven't had to call 9-1-1. I hope this change will be good for your family.
Safe travels!!
So glad that your daughter is happy about this, which should help her anxiety. And happy for you that you are looking forward to this, as opposed to when you were going to Hawaii.
Have a great time on your trip!
That's very good news. You go from the warm sunny days in Hawaii to the cool to cold days in Colorado.
You will be close to family and that is a good thing. Your son can come to see you often and your daughter will enjoy that as well as you and hubby.
I will be one state away in New Mexico. My son lives in Colorado Springs and I make trips to see him.
Good luck to you.
the other S.
Best wishes! Will think good thoughts and say prayers for safe travels and easy adjustment!
Best wishes with the next chapter. I so admire your willingness and ability to move, even with all of your daughter's medical needs. You truly make the best of stressful situations for her. Take care and enjoy the trip to you new home!
Why didn't you wait and all come back together. Just curious. As I always play the devil s advocate, what if something changes with your husbands job. He's there, you are here😢
