THE BIG MOVE

The Newest Addition to Quincy, Florida Living! 

Well folks, I have held this in for as long as I could possibly could. At times, I have felt like I was underwater and someone was smashing my head down with their heavy hand - just trying to see how long I could stand it.

It's been a long time coming, for me at least. I have wanted it, prayed for it, and finally - it's here. I know there are mixed feelings for some people wrapped up in this deal and I fully understand that. Once you have found it, settled into and love it, you don't want to leave it. It's yours, you looked for it forever, finally found it and you never wanted to leave.

But life and circumstance have stepped in and said Whoa Nelly! We're going to have to go in this direction now. My heart hurts for you and feels for you - but it also sings. It sings loud and it sings excitedly and proudly. Admittedly, many of those feelings are selfishly for myself and mine - because again - I have prayed for this more times than I could tell you.

I know what a monstrous event this feels like for them - moving themselves and their entire lives in a truck, two hours up the road. I also know, to most, that doesn't seem like much of a big deal - but I'm only 55 years old and I have accumulated a lot of life in my home too - believe me, it's a big deal.

But once it's all said and done - my folks, the people who created me, will be no more than ten minutes away from me whether I am at home or at work. I cannot tell all folks what relief and joy that brings to me and mine. I will be able to see them most anytime I want to - after work, on weekends, Sunday and Saturday lunches - just the thought of all that instant access make me plum giddy.

I don't know what the future holds for any of us, but my thought is this: whatever comes our way in sickness and in health, for better or worse - we will all be right here together to help one another get through it. I hope in time the love for where they were and their life before, shifts to where they will be now and all the hopes for the better lives for us all it will bring.

Needless to say - this will absolutely be the best Mother's Day present this daughter could have ever wanted to receive. To have her mama, her best friend, so close that she can almost reach out and touch her. To know that the woman she called and talked to on the phone, everyday without fail, sometimes wondering if she was reading words and moods differently than they seem to be conveyed, and worrying about that same difference, causing her nights to be restless - was about to be over. If I need to know - I can just go see for myself!

Happy Mother's Day to THE best Mama any girl could ever ask for - our days are about to be better than we could have ever imagined and you will never know how much I'll treasure this time in our lives as adults and friends, not just mother and daughter.

So without further ado, Ladies and Gentlemen of Gadsden County - on Monday, May 13th - my parents, Jean and David Mount - will officially be homeowners here in Quincy, Florida! If you see them (or my sister Ashley) out and about, and you will before long, please welcome them with all the open arms and kindness that you welcomed me and mine almost 21 years ago now. I know they will come to love this place and all of you - just as I have over the years. Quincy is a magical little town - and I pray they can feel that and come to appreciate it just as I have.