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Monday 3 November 2014

#Microblog Mondays: Leave-takings and homecomings

The new keys have been collected, the boxes arrived and the unpacking and settling in begins again.

I've hinted that changes were afoot, and now here they are upon us.

And so, farewell to England.

More than a decade after I first set out for these shores as an eager young graduate student, through all my sojourns elsewhere, I always returned to you; you were the closest thing I had to a home outside the country where I grew up.

Although (hardy Canadian that I am), I often bemoaned your rather hysterical response to 'extreme' weather conditions, and your unique, occasionally callous brand of the welfare state, we had a good run, you and I.

You instilled in me an unshakable appreciation for an orderly qeue, and a lifelong confusion over the use of words like qeue vs line, lift vs elevator, pushchair vs stroller. You made me love chocolate. Your quirky neighbourhoods and streets taught me valuable life lessons, took me on many adventures, and consoled and distracted me through ill-advised romantic entanglements.

On your soils, I gained a PhD, a soulmate and life partner, and the most beautiful daughter imaginable; you answered prayers I didn't even know my heart was saying, beginning all those years ago. Here too I experienced the most profound of losses, the most harrowing days of my adult life. In all these, a part of you will rest in my being forever. I cannot look on your gentle countryside without imagining S lingering there in your beauty. This brings me great comfort.

I guess it's fair to say, I grew up under your watchful eye.

And now, here we are, four minus one, to begin anew.

In H's home town, a city famed for schnitzel, strudel and Strauss.

And the adventure continues. The growing continues.








Written as part of Mel's Microblog Mondays. Check it out here to participate.

14 comments:

  1. It must be exciting no? I always like going to new places, starting fresh...but then the boxes and unpacking is what I fear

    Random Thoughts Naba..#MicroblogMondays: Gardens & Books Read

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  2. As someone who recently left my chosen hometown for a whole new country, I can relate to so much of this post. I would imagine that H's family is ecstatic that the three of you are returning to his home. Safe travels, and let the new adventure begin!

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  3. Wow, that IS big news. Congratulations on the move. I can imagine this must be an exciting change.

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  4. Wishing you lots of luck in your new adventures!

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  5. Beautiful Sadie! All the best to the three of you as you embark on this new journey!

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  6. Whoa! Big move. I love this post. A change becomes almost poetry.

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  7. Enjoy the move and learning a new place! I remember what it is like to move to a new country, although not with a kid in tow. :)

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  8. What a beautiful meditation. I wish you the best in your new journeys! It is true; we leave something of ourselves in the places where we have big life milestones.

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  9. Hi, I'm sending all of you best wishes for your new adventures together, due to a technology glitch you emails to me vanished and a long stay in hospital put me out of touch with your news. I hope with all my night that the wonder of winter surrounds you, whistling winds that whisper to you the happy voice of your eldest and the promise of magical things when you glance a new snowflakes and feel the strength of your Babies hand. Much love, Sally from thebenefitofbirdsong.xxx

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  10. What a beautiful tribute. I hope you find places to enjoy with GW in your new home, as well as places to remember S.

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  11. Such a tribute to a place and people that will always be with you, no matter where you are. Wishing you all the best in that beautiful city to the east.

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  12. A great post to honor a special place and important chapter in your life. Your reflections are deeply moving. Sending my best to you during this transition and good luck in your new home!

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  13. Sounds like a beautiful adventure awaits your family. Best of luck and congrats. :)

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