I remember reading John Grogan's Marley and Me a while back and enjoying his vivid descriptions of life in Florida. Something he discussed later in the book struck me however. He talked of how though he loved so much about living in Florida as a young couple, he just couldn't handle the thought of keeping his family there once they had all their children. I remember feeling a little shocked that he would think that way and wondering why he'd leave this gorgeous state to go back to the heinous shoveling and shivering that is northeastern country life.
Now though, I am starting to understand from whence he came. When I got pregnant, both of us knew we would miss family. Both of us knew we weren't pleased with certain non-family friendly aspects of our community and this state in general. But what we didn't know was that the way we raised and educated E would become the most important factor in our lives. I know, I know. It should have been a Duuuh thing. But though I worried most about education in this state, I genuinely thought there were enough pluses that we could make it work without too much strife. Then the only family we had here left, and that blew an even bigger hole in my comfort here.
Don't get me wrong. There are so many wonderful things about living here, and we've built some wonderful relationships that I'm loathe to leave. But we've decided that in the next 3-5 years, we are going to be working toward the possibility that we will leave this place for somewhere in the mid-atlantic to Northernmost Southern states. (I still can't abide the thought of too much snow and cold. Ugh)
Just as I did with my thoughts on where to go with our infertility struggle, I plan to hash out the issues, thoughts and tribulations we are having with this decision. You know me. I need to get it out. Verbal.. er.. written diarrhea allows my brain to unclench so that I make better decisions. I'll be looking to you as well dear friends for thoughts, suggestions and geographical expertise as we move through this process.
'Til next time.
FCiF (possibly future FFCiF)