For all the right reasons...
Unexpected twists and turns have always shaped the course of my life, so it should have been no surprise when another one appeared recently. Funny though...this one had a twist of social media serendipity I've never experienced. Here's how it played out: my husband wrote a blog about leadership and then tweeted the link to his blog. An industry colleague who follows his tweets retweeted it and added "'Anyone wanting my job...needs to understand this". That prompted my husband to tweet back and ask if he was leaving his position. The return tweet came with a question: why don't you apply?
Three and a half weeks later, my husband was offered a dream job... It's not a done deal yet but it's a once in a lifetime opportunity. One that would require we move. Surprised? So was I. But I was excited from the get-go. Frankly, my husband and I are both adventure junkies. No, not the kind who lives for rock-climbing. We are those people who just can't get enough of traveling and learning and challenging ourselves to grow. That sense of adventure and curiosity is what brought us to Northern California and we've loved every second we've spent here. In order to have this experience, my husband creatively configured his job to make the move here possible. Now it's my turn to support him.
My kids were frankly shocked by the news too. Then excited. Then sad. We are working through all the emotions together. At least for my younger son, this is the only place he remembers calling "home". He keeps asking "do we have to move?". My answer is truthful - reflective of my personal philosophy. It's a choice, but we believe there are choices in life we are compelled to make. When things fall into place almost magically and a road opens up in front of you, it's a clear sign to follow where it leads.
That answer doesn't really satisfy a 10-year old boy. And it may not satisfy some who are reading this. But, life is about change...and learning how to embrace it. That's a topic I speak about a lot. Now, I'll have a new story to add as explanation.
Through this all, though, there is one element that is the most important to me. I will have time with my children. My career has been exciting and rewarding and, especially when I was supporting the entire family, necessary. I am grateful for it. However, the hardest part about it has been time away from the ones I love. Precious time. At night, tucking in the kids...on holidays, leaving my family at the time most gather together and celebrate. Even the hum drum activities, like helping with homework. That is time I won't get back, but I cannot wait to claim it now. My oldest is 13 - I only have a few more years left. And, I'm hoping the novelty of having me at home will counteract a little of the expected teenage apathy or more challenging, attitude, toward their parents. Fingers crossed.
Moving forward, I am happy that saying goodbye these days doesn't mean dropping out of sight. Thanks to facebook and Twitter and LinkedIn, I keep in touch with colleagues and friends from all the places I've lived - from England to Michigan. That won't change. If you follow me on facebook, make sure you stay in touch there. I intend to post my pictures and blogs chronicling my adventures. So stay tuned...more news later!
