In March 2010, we learned that the Siemens plant in Hamilton was closing and transferring operations to Charlotte NC. At that time, I was laid off and home with our new son. When asked if I would be willing to go, my answer was something like "hell no". Fast forward to December and I found myself accompanying Paul to an information session in Charlotte. Shortly thereafter, with great trepidation, we found ourselves agreeing to move. We had to agree that it was a good move for our little family, after being soundly whooped by the Ontario economy for 6 years straight. What a difference a year makes.
What came next was 6 months of hurry up and wait. Wait for offer letters, wait for lawyers, wait for relocation companies. Never leave a Virgo (which we both are) alone with their anxiety and speculation, its not pretty. We both imagined the worst. Finally, the day came where we flew to Charlotte to find our home, which ended up being the one that I had been drooling at over the internet for months. Finally a good nest for us birds.
We listed our house in Ontario early June and continued to be put through the wringer with offers withdrawn due to the fearfulness of buyers to deal with our relocation company. Finally, with alot of help from our excellent real estate agent, today we find ourself with an accepted offer ready to put up the sold sign. A wee 4 weeks away from departure. Needless to say, we have alot of tension, and more grey hair, and do not want any strangers walking through our house anymore.
And with all that, the hardest part is pictured above. When we travel to our destination, we will carry 2 cats in our car, and one very precious cat in our memories. Last week, my dear Buddy became very ill and we learned he was in first stages of heart failure. After much angst and only a few hours to decide, we put him to sleep. We will never know for sure if the stress of selling the house accelerated the process or not, but it would have come eventually as he had a very enlarged heart. I could not bear the thought of him having a heart attack and suffocating when when he was home alone, so I held him as he left. Those who know me know this boy was my constant companion for 13 years. I nursed him through 2 boughts of feline lipidosis (which is usually fatal) and never slept without him. Letting him go took all that I had and then some, and I miss him terribly. It will be awhile before the tears stop, but I am trying to be strong. It will be hard to be brave in a new place without my Buddy at my side. He was truly a wonderful animal.
So, why am I writing all of this? Because I am scared sh*tless and I know that at many points in our new journey, I will need to write it down. I'd also like to share our new experiences with you, the people who we love and surely will miss. After spending my entire life in one city, one place, I am going to live somewhere else, in another country. Sure they've got costco, but its not Canada. I am sure there will be alot to discuss. So please join me, if you'd like. I suspect some days this will not be more than a rant, but some other days, may be informative. So hang on and enjoy this ride! xoxoxo
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