6 Years!
Today is the 6-year anniversary of moving to Panama! I was trying to come up with some insightful thoughts on that event. Nothing was really coming to me, but then I decided to look back on what I wrote during those first days. As I read them, I couldn't find any reason to rephrase them when I could just reprint them.
Please enjoy this flashback to March 2011...
So, the goal was to have the background information all on the blog before we ever moved. um. That didn't happen so I'm going to share a brief version of the timeline just so everyone can basically be on the same page!!!
2010
October 6- We return from a wonderful family vacation to Panama City Beach, Florida. We loved the time together!!!
October 7- Tony calls me in the morning- early. His boss has come in to let him know that he is being considered for a position overseas. The person who is asking about him has heard that we have had another baby and wants to know if we are still interested in an ISE (CAT-speak for moving overseas). I ask Tony where- assuming England. He says, "Panama." I say, "Like the canal Panama? Isn't that where the people who screw up your paychecks work??" His response is something like yes, but no. Thanks, honey. Helpful.
October 26- I receive the R U awake text. Tony calls and tells me he has officially been offered the position, and it is effective February 1st.. He is clearly thrilled. I stop breathing.
That was a Tuesday. We spend the rest of the week praying and talking with our counselors and bffs. Tony grows more and more excited. I regain the ability to breathe, but the lack of oxygen puts me in a haze.
October 31- We tell the kids that we are moving. Camilla thinks we mean Florida. Carson, after the initial 40 seconds of displeasure, is thrilled. Chloe, after the initial 5 seconds of enthusiasm, is furious. Coralynn wants to nurse. We then call the parents. Overall, they are ok. My dad is so thankful that I'm not pregnant or moving to China :-) that he immediately starts making travel plans- for Mom.
November 1- Tony officially calls and accepts the job. Much joy in Catland- at least among those allowed to know.
November 2- I pick up Mom from the airport. We head to Kohl's- never in too much of a haze for shopping!! While I'm standing in the women's clothing clearance, my phone rings. Tony calling. Everything is on hold. Paperwork is off. He has stopped breathing. I start spinning.
Rest of November- waiting.
All of December- waiting.
January 3- Tony gets the official official offer and accepts. Move date- early March.We are almost to the present day. 2010
October 6- We return from a wonderful family vacation to Panama City Beach, Florida. We loved the time together!!!
October 7- Tony calls me in the morning- early. His boss has come in to let him know that he is being considered for a position overseas. The person who is asking about him has heard that we have had another baby and wants to know if we are still interested in an ISE (CAT-speak for moving overseas). I ask Tony where- assuming England. He says, "Panama." I say, "Like the canal Panama? Isn't that where the people who screw up your paychecks work??" His response is something like yes, but no. Thanks, honey. Helpful.
October 26- I receive the R U awake text. Tony calls and tells me he has officially been offered the position, and it is effective February 1st.. He is clearly thrilled. I stop breathing.
That was a Tuesday. We spend the rest of the week praying and talking with our counselors and bffs. Tony grows more and more excited. I regain the ability to breathe, but the lack of oxygen puts me in a haze.
October 31- We tell the kids that we are moving. Camilla thinks we mean Florida. Carson, after the initial 40 seconds of displeasure, is thrilled. Chloe, after the initial 5 seconds of enthusiasm, is furious. Coralynn wants to nurse. We then call the parents. Overall, they are ok. My dad is so thankful that I'm not pregnant or moving to China :-) that he immediately starts making travel plans- for Mom.
November 1- Tony officially calls and accepts the job. Much joy in Catland- at least among those allowed to know.
November 2- I pick up Mom from the airport. We head to Kohl's- never in too much of a haze for shopping!! While I'm standing in the women's clothing clearance, my phone rings. Tony calling. Everything is on hold. Paperwork is off. He has stopped breathing. I start spinning.
Rest of November- waiting.
All of December- waiting.
March 9- Movers come to pack up our stuff. I'm acutely aware that this is just stuff and has no true value in my life. Those goodbyes will come later. Denial ensues. We move into a hotel.
March 11- Luncheon with a few people whom I have to tell exactly how they changed my life while I was in LaGrange. These are my For-A-Time-Such-As-This Ladies. Not necessarily people I spent the most time with, but people who picked my life up off of one path, and placed it on a better one. Perhaps the greatest 90 minutes ever.
March 12- The house is completely empty. Walking around it is surreal. Seeing an empty baby's room with sweet Coralynn's name on the wall brings me to tears.
March 13- Carson's 7th birthday and our last Sunday at church. Carson surprises us all by experiencing a PAINFUL goodbye. None of us are expecting it, and everyone is stunned by the guttural reaction. Chloe says goodbye to Libby. I feel like I'm walking the Green Mile as I go to pick her up. Amazingly, it goes well enough. I'm relieved. More goodbyes at church. The real hurt is coming.
March 14- I get diagnosed with a UTI. Seriously, God, now? We spend the afternoon swimming with the Estes and then have dinner together. The kids say their goodbyes. It's touching. We say good-bye to Mr. Shawn. Hurt is full on - like going from an 8 to 10 during labor. There is no epidural for this transitioning, though.
March 15- Move day. It's raining. Fitting. Run a few more errands. All this feels like pointlessness. Then, we say final goodbyes to more friends. Thankful our husbands are there. Keeps the drama down. Go to Amelia's to load up the church van. Everything fits. Make it to the airport. We look ridiculous with our 26 pieces of luggage, but all goes smoothly at ATL. Say good-bye to Amelia. Strangest sensation- overwhelmed with sadness and peace. We are going to be friends forever. Tears are for today only. We will see each other soon. I just know we will. Flights, customs, and trip to hotel go smoothly- as only answered prayer could do. Collapse into bed.
March 16- Denial didn't make it through customs. This is really Panama. And we really live here now. Blissful times in the hotel. Sickening times as we try to accomplish something. Anything.
March 19- Move into our apartment. I'm back to numb.
March 22- Tony takes Coralynn to the ER. She has pneuomia. Of course.
March 23- Chloe is near panic that Libby has forgotten her. Despite my attempts to reassure her, she is falling fast.
March 24- Finally get internet again. Emphasis on finally. We also get a rental vehicle so I'm not stuck at home. Amazing the things that give you hope.
TODAY- Camilla finished a Mario Kart race in 9th place. This is her first non-last-place finish. Here's praying the the winds are changing for all of us!!
Comments