A Senior Seeking Change: Reflections on Life, Loss, and a Journey Back to My Roots

The hurricane destruction has been fierce here in N.C. I'm seeing grocery store shelves, completely empty at major areas. Helicoptors are bringing in supplies for survivors. People are feeling isolated. The sadness is hard to overcome. So many people suffering, here and abroad. My Ukranian neighbor cries daily at her country's destruction. The news is so very hard to watch, so I have to find comedies to lift and help my feelings. It's been very hard to sit at my computer to even write an article.

severe hurricane damage all over the south.Photo byR.Gerner/Canva

I'm leaving for N.Y. soon, to my daughter's farm, where the goats are kinda crazy and the chickens are chasing the cats, and alot of laughter fills the house. I'll stay for the holidays, to see if I can tolerate the cold weather and snow. I took the first hard step, and called my favorite realtor. It was actually hard for me to do, but I have my daughter's family there, but my Son's kids are here. Fortunately, here they are busy, working and attending school, so even though they will miss me, they have lives to live, and young enough for bright futures ahead for them. I need to start taking care of myself now. So, my point is, I might return to the north and relocate and downsize, to a more manageable life.

Fun goats and crazy chickens await in N.Y.Photo byR.Gerner/Canva

I moved here, from Florida, after my husband died, to be closer to my son. Now my son has died and I'm thinking it's time to return north, to my roots and my daughter's world. She had moved to Florida while we were there, to help with her Dad, but after he passed, she and her family went back to the north to buy and work a more quiet life in the country with animals. I believe I'm just writing this to think things through, more like a diary entry, than interesting facts about the hurricane.

the quite times and fresh farm produce.Photo byR.Gerner/Canva

But thank you for allowing me to share this information. It can be hard for seniors to uproot their homes and move, towards what they think will be better for them. How do you deal with this dilemna? I'll continue to be in touch while in N.Y. this fall/early winter and write about the news from up there. Best to you all, as always.