HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS

After I moved back to Texas, people would ask where I moved from. When I told them I moved here from Key West, with a puzzled looked they would always ask, "WHY?" As of late, I have wondered the same thing. Why did I leave my friends and family? Why did I leave that clear blue water? Why did I leave that laid-back atmosphere? WHY? I tried to explain my reasons for leaving Key West, but I think I was trying to convince myself more than everyone else that it was a good decision.

I left Paradise ( Key West ) more because of an emotional need than financial. Sometimes you have to distance yourself from a situation, or location, to learn about yourself. Texas has done that for me. The Israelites spent 40 years wandering in the wilderness before they reached the Promised Land. Jesus spent 40 days in the wilderness. I have spent more than 40 weeks in what has felt like the wilderness. Feeling lost, but hopefully wandering toward peace in my soul. I guess you could say that I "found myself" or "got my head together". I learned life lessons.

A few years ago, when I was at my daughter's home, on the chalk board was a list of Pros and Cons to living in Key West vs Texas. That stuck in my brain, and so I did the same. Needless to say, there was only one item on the Cons of Key West... expensive rent.

Last December, I flew back to Key West for a visit. It felt like I was home. With a lot of thought and soul searching, I have decided to go HOME. It will be a financial challenge, but I have had that here too. I have worked as many as three jobs trying to make ends meet... and most months they didn't.

"IF YOU DON'T LIKE WHERE YOU ARE, MOVE. YOU ARE NOT A TREE."

Easier said than done. In the past year, I have accumulated THINGS. It takes money to move these THINGS. The alternative is to get rid of said THINGS. But, I don't want to. I like my bed, I like my table, I like my couch. My last move, I was able to load everything I owned in my Ford and boat. I can't do that anymore. A rental truck has been reserved, and I have started to accumulate boxes. I will get there, and have my things with me.