Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Changes

I'm sitting at the kitchen table watching a pair of cardinals feed their three babies at our bird feeder. This is perhaps the third clutch we've had the joy of watching this year. My mom fed birds here, and sat in this same spot (different table and chairs) for years watching and enjoying birds. I'd like to think these cardinals are descended from the ones she observed years ago. Could one of these parents even have been a fledgling my mom watched? As Kelly and I prepare our house to sell so that we can leave this small town, my childhood home, for Lexington, I can't help but regret that I won't be watching more baby cardinals here through the years.

It's always hard when plans change, even when you know it is for the best, as we do now. This was our "forever" house. The peace I felt when we decided to buy it from my siblings after my parents passed away, the idealism of raising my kids on this beautiful spot of earth that helped form my childhood, is hard to let go.

We won't be giving up this idyllic setting for nothing. In exchange for the woods and the serenity, we will have access to a growing humanist community, as well the ability to join a large established secular homeschooling cooperative. And we will be able to put our money where our mouths are in regards to our carbon footprint. Kelly will work in the same city where we live, losing nearly two hours of commute time a day, and we plan to live in close proximity to a bus line, as well as within walking distance to stores and parks, reducing the time the kids and I spend in our vehicle as well.

Allowing my kids to have access to nature is imperative to me, and I recognize that this move will require a concentrated effort on my part for that to continue. There will be no more walking into the woods 30 feet from the house. This change is probably the aspect of the move that's most difficult for me, but our isolation up here is also a big part of why we need to move.

I'm so very excited for my family's future, one which includes my kids having much more time with their dad, as well as developing and sustaining relationships with other freethinking families. We've built an awesome little nest up here, but it's time to soar.





8 comments:

  1. It is exciting that you are coming back to Lexington. It will be great to have you closer, and see you all more often.

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    1. Thanks, C! We look forward to hanging out more, for sure.

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  2. Wowsers. I thought this was going to be your "forever" house as well. What part of Lex are you moving to?

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  3. Wow, it sounds like you guys have some big changes ahead! It sounds very exciting - I have often fantasized about picking up and moving away somewhere where there are more freethinkers too. Good for you on making it happen! I bet your husband's shorter commute will be a wonderful thing for all of you too. So, have you found a new place yet? How soon is your move? Best of luck with everything - hope it's a smooth transition.

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    1. Thanks, Jennifer! We have looked at some new places, but are trying not to get too attached to anything before we sell this house.

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  4. I am sorry for you losing the woods, but having a two hour commute is a waste. These are some of the hard choices we must make. Are there easy choices that impact our whole lives?

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    1. You are right about that, Jennifer. And we'll be able to use that reclaimed commute time for some family escapes to pretty cool natural areas surrounding the city.

      This house sits on my favorite spot on earth, and I will miss it, but at the end of the day, it's still just a house.

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  5. Leanna, Sharing some sunshine with you on my blog! Check it out!

    http://taytayhser.blogspot.com.au/2012/10/good-day-sunshine.html

    Karen

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