11/21/12

Life is one grand adventure, and there's no time for being scared.

I knew I had to move.  

I loved the home; the home that wrapped me in love and comfort when I needed it the most.  It called out to me those dark days, and it kept me safe and warm and secure.  The angels who held me up stayed with me here, and helped scare away the sad and lonely thoughts that threatened to weaken me when I needed to be strong.

It did its job.

My heart was healed and Id risen to the surface.  I realized that yes, the house was warm and comforting, but it was a money pit that was keeping me from being financially stable.  I’m still providing support to someone who needs his father, and also to that particular person who shall not be named.

I couldn’t keep it up, and was going to try not to cry about it. 

I was, however, not in a position in September to start looking for a new place to live.  The lease was up at the end of November, and back then I was thinking of other things.  I had just unpacked in a new classroom, and was acclimating myself to a new school, staff and principal.  I was also in a tad bit of pain from The Fall, and was hurting more and more each day.

It was early October when my best friend decided to take matters into her own hands.

“I’ve searched online and in the papers for weeks now, and the only place that looks like it will work for you is on Smith Street.  It’s very close to your new school!  I think it’s small, but it’s worth a look.  Here’s the number- CALL THE GUY!”  She handed me the number and pointed to my phone.

We arranged to meet that weekend, and Sheila joined me. 

It was small, one-story, but it was adorable.  We walked through the place in about a minute, all the while listening to its amenities from the manager, Stan.

I smiled and nodded as I listened to him list all the pros about the place, and felt a bit of déjà vu.

“Stan? You’re voice sounds very familiar.”

He smiled, “Well, I work for Jones and Son Oil Company.”

My eyes widened as I realized who he was.  “Stan!  I’m the woman out on Lemon Road who called you every other month last year when I ran out of oil!  You helped me out all the time!  You were great!!”

He looked at me.  “And you are the one who made a promise to me about paying that huge oil bill.  And you KEPT your promise, and are all paid up!  You did what you said you would do.”

I secretly thanked God that moment, because I had received a check for my longevity pay from school two weeks before and had used it to pay THAT oil bill.  I wanted to, oh, pay for groceries or other things, but decided that the oil bill needed to be paid off.  At that moment I figured out that an angel had nudged me in the right direction.

“Also,” Stan said, “You share the laundry room with the lady who lives in the other half of the house.  You might know her, because she works at Smith and Wesson Elementary.  Her name is Sharon.”

Oh. My God. 

Sharon was the paraprofessional who worked in the library who had also recently gone through a divorce. We had given each other strength and comfort, sharing coffee, hugs and conversations in school over the last several years.

Sheila looked at me in shock.  “That’s it, vodka.  This was meant to be.”

I looked at Stan, shook his hand and said, “If you are good with me, then I am certainly interested in living here. It seems my guardian angels have made my decision for me.”

 


So now, on this Thanksgiving weekend, I will take the rest of my boxes, my furniture, my girls and my heart and prepare myself for this next great adventure.   With so many angels looking out for me, I can’t possibly allow myself to be scared. 



(Besides, I have a 6’6” angel carrying those boxes, and holding my hand each step of the way.  Ain’t life grand?)   











20 comments:

Brian Miller said...

6'6" dang did not know he was that tall...smiles...hope the move goes well...and sometimes it just works out you know...blessing

Stacie@hometownperch said...

Congratulations on your new place. We did the same thing--downsized and down-budgeted to a duplex. It was the best decision we ever made. The financial freedom and ability to be financially strong was such a relief. And that was worth more than having a big ole house any day.

Chris H said...

WOW talk about meant to be! I hope all goes well with the move Chick.

So. Cal. Gal said...

Meant. To. Be. : )

ChiTown Girl said...

This gave me chills...

I wish you much happiness in your new home.

Happy Thanksgiving, Vodka!

Japolina said...

My dear grammie (may she rest in peace) said that everything happens for a reason. Love this story. Happy thanksgiving vodka.

Pam@OurAdventuresInHomeImprovement said...

Wow. It's amazing how life works. Congratulations on your move!

Pam

Gigi said...

Totally sounds like this is where you were meant to land! Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Sheila said...

It would appear there are all sorts of angels looking out for you...here and elsewhere.
Happy Thanksgiving!

Sue said...

Sometimes we just need to let "destiny" or whatever you want to call it lead the way. I recently moved too, and its been good for me. As we age a little, tiny bit, its nice to keep changing things up. It keeps us young. I know you will have a happy Thanksgiving. . .enjoy with your kids and Mr. Darcy!

Take care. . .

Formerly known as Frau said...

You can't fight that it was meant to be, I'm so happy for you! I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Wunderwoman said...

Could you possibly send your angels my way, I need them desperately!!

Seriously, so glad for you and Happy Thanksgiving!

That gentleman's lady said...

the very best of luck to you on your new life in your new home :)

PS - I am partial to men who are 6'6 ;) xxx

Lyn Goff said...

Happy Thanksgiving! Wishing you much love and happiness in your new home.
Lyn
Mrs. Goff's Pre-K Tales

SkylersDad said...

What a great story, things are turning around for you!!

Kathy's Klothesline said...

Lots to be thankful for! My son-in-law to be is 6'6", so I know exactly how tall that is! I think the top of my head reaches just above his waist!! My daughter is 5'11", though, so he is just right for her. So glad to hear things are working out so nicely for you, like you said, it was meant to be!

Ms. T said...

Love it when God points us in the right direction!
I also say, All things happen for a reason, good or bad.

Joanna Jenkins said...

Wow-- That is realllly where you were meant to be. Congrats on your new home. I hope you are unpacking and settling in and feeling comfy and safe. It sounds like a perfect place for you.

Hope you are feeling good and continue to be on the mend.

Stop by, I'm having a Christmas Giveaway!

xo jj

Joanie said...

Super happy for you all the way around! And you dating a tall John Slattery? I'm freaking JEALOUS as hell! But still happy for you.

Now, can you send me his slightly shorter brother?

P.S. The good karma of that paid bill is rockin'!

One crazed mommy said...

Wow...that's all I can say! You certainly do have angels watching out for you, no doubt about it! :) Congrats on the new house, and the new neighbor! That's really awesome!!!