I'm a sentimental gal. I like dates. It drives my husband crazy! But this is a little different. FIVE years ago today we moved over to the grand U. S of A. Where you will recall I was SIX months pregnant and we somehow lived in a hotel for 2 weeks with a Eight and Five year old in the extended stay in Southfield.
The scary part is, that if we weren't fortunate enough to have our green cards. We would be going back home. Which feels surreal.
It was such a monuments event for us as a family, one we have never regretted. But perhaps pined for certain comforts other friends have.
For instance, having your mum 20 minutes away from you when you need a break from the kids is a luxury. Because FaceTime just doesn't cut it. That cuddle you need when the world feels like it's caving in. Or imagine being six months pregnant and all of a sudden all of your normal foods that you crave are no longer available, you have to substitute it for some weird foods that you've never heard of. Let me tell you something. Skittles and Mars ice cream do.not.taste.the.same. It's a thing.
Whilst we have been building a foundation doing this thing called life, we've missed out on moments "back home". Gut-wrenching events that make you home-sick. The passing of both our grand-mothers within a year was horrendous. We were going through our green-card application that meant we weren't allowed to leave the country. If we did, our application could be delayed and there was no guarantee we could get back in. That knocked the wind out of our sails for a bit and our families. Other events like friends weddings and children being born. Parties. Everything. But thank goodness for the internet - where we can FaceTime, message each other, share photos and life events. I couldn't do any of this, knowing the people I love back home are only a message away. Not a postcard that takes 4 weeks to get there. Because that's a thing too. Sending back Christmas cards take at least 4 weeks of planning. Which is a skill I have yet to master :D
I used to think anxiety was a made up word. That feeling you have in the pit of your stomach, the nervousness you feel in your fingers. These Americans like to talk about their feelings LOL. Something that has taken me a while to become used to. I've definitely learnt that I am mentally stronger than I previously thought, I think it's made me a better person. But I certainly feel a lot more on edge than I ever did. But that is adulting right?
The most amazing unexpected part of this, which I never even thought about. Is the friends we have made. The ones who have become our adopted family and put up with our quirkiness. Also, the opportunities we have experienced. Going on a school trip to Washington D.C put our little Calais trip to shame! Having weekends away in New Orleans, San Francisco. Places that blow my mind. The amazing opportunities Dave has got to experience thorough work. This was the guy FOURTEEN years ago who was an engineer, going in jeans and a t-shirt. Now he actually owns a couple of suits. Monumentus progress RIGHT there :D
Overall, it has been a great experience for our family. It's taken a while to feel like home, and England will always BE home. But FIVE whole years have gone in the blink of an eye and I can't wait to see what happens next.
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