Childhood memories. I have many fond ones, with friends, family members. When I go visit my family still there, I point out the high school I graduated from, the football field I cheered on, the printer we dropped off the paper at each month. We visit favorite places to eat, take the kids to the playground I frequented when I was young. Often we meet up with old friends for dinner or drinks, and laugh at some of our past antics. They love to reminisce, and most either returned or planned to return- this place was where they were meant to be.
For me, while I enjoyed my family and friends growing up, it just wasn’t for me. I had plans to leave for college at 18, and that’s exactly what I did.
Once I met my husband, I didn’t imagine we would leave this place. When a work opportunity came up and we moved to Utah, it was always to be temporary, never long-term. We didn’t imagine staying there forever, and were thrilled when we returned home.
Just as we thought we were settling in and welcomed our second child, we went ahead and moved again…
That move, which we thought would be brief and temporary, turned into three moves. We spent a year in Florida (which, okay, wasn’t that hard when we could spend weekends at the beach…), another year in Virginia, and topped it all of with a year in Alaska.
Sigh. Alaska.
Through it all, the fun times, the tough times, the going-to-lose-my-mind times, one thing remained constant: all of this travel would eventually lead us back home.
Back to Georgia. Neither of us grew up here, but we met here. We fell in love here. All three of our babies have been born here.
It’s the place we love. The community we adore. Friends we cherish. Memories we’ll hold close to our hearts for the rest of our lives.
Because now? This place will become a memory as our promise of “home” has vanished. Instead, we will be leaving this place once again. Except this time, it won’t be temporary. This time? It will be forever.
And my heart keeps breaking.
We are headed out west this time! Our next adventure is taking us to Dallas/Fort Worth Texas. I’ve never been, so I’m hoping it’s amazing. I figure that at least it’s in the south… if a different south. We’re so lucky for opportunities even when they challenge us deeply- so here’s to some seriously fabulous pink cowgirl boots.
For my daughter of course. Ahem.
I'm Ashley, a mom of 3 forever on the move- quite literally! We have been in 5 times over the past 7 years, and we're getting ready to move once again. I run a digital marketing firm focusing on small business and startup social media from home with my business partner and am a tech junkie in love with the south. This blog is where I try to capture the pursuit of balancing it all. Emphasis on "pursuit". 
I was just there over Christmas and thought of you often. Do tell where you land! Keller is great!
Sending love and pink cowboy boot vibes.
angela recently posted…The Last Runaway – A Review
Oh you! Sending so very many good thoughts -and fab boots!- for your new adventure! xo
Galit Breen recently posted…That Tug
I’m sorry your heart is breaking. There are a lot of awesome bloggers that live in that area. They may he able to help point you to some great neighborhoods and such. I hope that the move brings many wonderful times into your future and that I get to see your daughter in those cute, pink, cowboy boots on Instagram.
xo
Also, please let me know if there is anything I can do to help during the transition.
Kristen recently posted…2012 Favorites
I saw you posts about this over the past week and I remembered how happy you were when you were able to go “home” after living in Alaska. I am so sad for you. I know that in the end the move will turn out to be great for you and your family and you all will do great things in Texas, but I can’t imagine what it feels like right now.
And if it is any consolation I never thought I would end up living where I am living now. I always joke to my husband that he moved me right back to the small town that I “escaped” from in 1991. (We don’t literally live in my hometown – it is actually a different state, but it looks exactly the same!)
Wow! You are going to be raising cowboys and cowgirls!
Oh, wow. I am sure that this will be a tough transition for you. Your words sound so sad, almost haunting. I hope that the positives outweigh the negatives, even with the intense change coming your way. (hugs)
Andrea recently posted…The Tell, Hester Kaplan ~ Book review
Ashley! I don’t know what to say. My heart hurts for you having to leave the place you love but I am excited for this new adventure. I’ve never lived in Texas but it is one of my very favorite places to visit and I’ve always said that if we had to move out of state, that’s where I’d want to go. I know that I’ll be someone who is with you (well from my computer anyway) and praying for you on this adventure. Hugs.
AnnMarie recently posted…Windows
Moving is such a rough transition, especially when its a new place! Good luck on your move!
Steph recently posted…Finding Faith
I hate this for you. Maybe it will end up not being forever? I wish we could live in the same town, but there was at least comfort in having us be in the same time zone and a day’s drive away. Because let’s make this about me.
Shell recently posted…Pour Your Heart Out: Living Far from Family and Friends
Good luck in your new town..I’ve heard good things about Dallas. I have never moved states…but I bet it can’t be easy.
Natalie recently posted…Ready to Rock Out 2013!
I’m sorry that you’re having to move yet again… on the up side it’s not Alaska or some other far off distant place.
I wish you and you’re family all the best of luck in your new home!
Jackie recently posted…My week with a Kia Optima
I actually love moving, so I find this so incredibly exciting!!!! Good luck preparing for the move and I hope you find the perfect home there!
Liz @ A Nut in a Nutshell recently posted…Gotta Feed the Hungry Before it Turns Hangry!
I’m sorry, and? Welcome to Texas baby! I’ve never lived in Dallas, but I can help you with other Texas type stuff.
Jennifer recently posted…Book reviews: Magic, Knights, and Love
I’m sorry you’re sad. Moving that much has to be tough. I hope you can get excited about those boots soon!
Adrienne recently posted…We’re Accident Free!
A new adventure right?
Thinking of you and your new road, a new path and journey for you and your brood.
Much love to you, you will make friends wherever you go – because you are ‘good people’ xxxx
Sisters from Another Mister recently posted…Fork in the road
Maybe you will make your way over to California? and stay awhile.
Raquel S. Hunter recently posted…No one knows but the nose