Ask Jamie: Sad to Move

Anonymous asks:
Aren't you sad to be moving away from everyone you know?

First, I just want to say that I've received more emails this week than I ever have since I began blogging. This is great! It is so nice to see people come out of the woodwork to offer opinions, support, advice, etc. during a time when I've really needed it. You have no idea how much it means to me that so many of you take the time to read my thoughts and care enough to contact me. (Also, thanks so much for the stroller recommendation, Stephanie!! That is going to be a must have!!)

What's surprised me about many of these emails is that they are from random addresses that I've never seen before and I have no idea who they are. This question was the entire body of an email from a strange address. I wrote back with "Who are you?" and received no response. I decided I'd answer the question here -- and if this is you -- show yourself. Who are you?? :) Seriously, it's okay, I don't bite. Too hard.

The answer to this question is yes. Yes, I am very sad to be moving away from my hometown. I've spent the majority of the last 28 years in this town and I have many amazing friends and memories here. I can't imagine what it is going to be like to not be able to call on my friends when a crisis strikes and have someone within arms reach come to my rescue (Mandy's pretty good at that...). I can't imagine not being able to go to the high school for a few hours just to eat lunch and say hi or not being able to just run by Spieth's to chit-chat and drop off a random baked good. I can't imagine going to Wal-Mart without running into someone I know.

There is definitely a certain security to living in Olney. This is a town where everyone knows everyone and you can barely mow your lawn without the town talking about it. While I've found this overwhelming at times, in some ways it is comforting. I know that in many ways it is going to be difficult and sad to be away from many of the people I truly care about.

That said, I've also had a lot of time to process this move. This truly is something that we've been planning for the last seven years. I've taken baby steps since Bo was born to ease the transition -- quitting my job at the high school is by far the most significant example -- and I feel like I've been mentally preparing myself and those around me for this transition for years.

Also, I have no intention of moving away and never coming back to Olney or seeing my friends again. There is no doubt that this town is a major part of my history and has had a significant influence on who I am. While it will be difficult to travel for awhile after the twins are born, I don't expect we'll stay away for too long. :)

I also feel confident that my relationship with my closest friends won't change a great deal. Email, social networking, texting, etc. are all amazing ways to keep in touch and I'm already planning ways to meet up with my friends for shopping/lunch, excursions to visit us with their kids/sisters (our new town is right by Grand Bear Lodge -- one of the indoor waterparks), etc. Mike hasn't lived in the same town as many of his closest friends since high school and yet when they get together you'd never know that they don't see each other every day. True friendships will endure. Despite the ups and downs of life. Despite the distance.

Will I mourn my years in Olney? Of course I will. Countless dreams have come true here. I was raised here. I have a history here that is unlike many others. My years teaching at my Alma Mater were some of the best of my life. I feel like I know Olney like the back of my hand...

Despite all of this, I know this is the right choice for us. I know this is what my family needs. I know this is what I want. And while I don't see myself returning to Olney permanently -- Olney, and the people here, will always play a significant role in who I am and in my life.

Friday's Feature at Sticky Feet Part Deux is Ask Jamie. Feel free to email me or leave a comment with any question you would like for me to answer. Anything is fair game!