I cried.
I bit my nails until I could feel the throbbing in each and every finger.
I thought of how my son wouldn’t go to the school that I couldn’t wait to walk with him to.
I thought of how I’d miss the quick drive to our church and all the wonderful people there.
I thought of the house we were leaving, the only one my babies knew.
I thought of how we were leaving family and so very many friends. Best friends.
I didn’t want to do it.
I didn’t want to go.
I watched as they dug deep wholes beneath my house so that we could sell it to someone else.
I looked out at the new brick mailbox I just had built.
I wondered who would cook in my newly re-done kitchen.
I took in the smell of baby that lingered in the room where both of my baby boys had slept and now my baby girl would not.
I cried some more.
But we did it.
We left.
We came here and it was hard.
At first, so VERY hard.
But we’ve made friends and eaten new food in a new kitchen and found a new church.
We’ve found new routes and places to visit and restaurants to love.
The people here are so good.
It’s actually nice to live in s smaller town.
Our old place actually seems overwhelming when we visit.
Here they make fabulous gumbo and po boys
The Cajun people are so nice and say things like “save the dishes” (meaning to put them away) and “come see” (meaning come here) and they eat “plate lunches” and “boudin” (I’m not a fan but that’s okay…).
And they say “Sha Baby” to my babies. (translates to darling, dear or sweetheart [per google])
They even print it on clothes…
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As I went though K’s closet the other day (the only closet she’s ever known) I came across an outfit that a friend gave to her for her birthday. It’s a pink “onesie” and printed on the front is “Sha Baby”.
There will always be a little Cajun in us now.
I didn’t want to do it.
But I’m so glad we did.
I still miss “home” at times but our life here is good and I would do it over again.
That says a lot.
Can’t wait for Baby K to wear her “Sha Baby”, darling, dear, sweetheart outfit.
Soon.
The prompt for this: Write a piece – 600 word limit – about finding a forgotten item of clothing in the back of a drawer or closet. Let us know how the item was found, what it is, and why it’s so meaningful to you or your character.
I am so glad you are happy in your new home. It is quite an adjustment but you have done so well.
Again, great post Elaine! Loving your writing these days (and all days, of course).
Love your writing, always. Love this post. Change/moving is so hard but usually so worth it. xo
I love this post, Elaine. It kind of hits home with me right now. My husband’s job is about to end and everything is kind of up in the air. I’m praying he gets a job here in Tulsa and not Oklahoma City. I don’t want to move. Waaa! Thanks for helping me see that it will be okay no matter what happens.
Speaking of Cajun… we had cooking club last night and our theme was Cajun. One of my friends is from LA and she told us stories, sayings, etc… and we had some great food. It was one of my favoritest (I know that’s not a word) themes we’ve done. I love Cajun food.
That is so sweet. It is hard to move. I find myself wanting to move from where we are but it is such an undertaking to uproot your whole life!
It is so hard to move, but when you get to take all of your favorite people with you, it’s not so bad.
How very touching!
Isn’t it crazy how it can take some time to fully realize a big change that you may not have been crazy about at the time, really was the best decision you made?
I think it would be hard for anyone to not feel welcome in Louisiana. LOL But I can’t even imagine how hard it was to move and leave everything behind.
This was a sweet, but an “OUCH” post. I know when we moved I wondered about who would cook in my kitchen. Would they sit together as a family in front of the fireplace like we did? Would they experience the joy of a birth like we did? Would they be as blessed as we were?
I loved this post. Well done!
what a great post. moving is so hard. we just moved 18 months ago from the only house my kids knew… they were young, so probably won’t remember much. but when you leave, there are so many memories.
I find this post very comforting. We’re faced with the prospect of possibly having to move in the (near) future, and honestly it fills me with dread. All those feelings of fear you mentioned? – That’s what I’m experiencing right now. So it’s nice to hear you came through the other end and everything was okay. More than okay by the sound of it! Happy for you.
Great post. It’s so hard to move from what you know. It’s nice to hear you’re creating new memories. I love that saying, Sha Baby!
Very sweet, I’m so glad things ultimately worked out for the best for you guys. Moving is so hard, especially from a house you have raised your babies in. Great post!
Such a touching post.:-) Well, in life there are changes we have to take; decisions we have to make for the betterment of our family. I’m glad you’re okay now with your new home and environment.:-)
Oh Elaine! This is about to make me cry. Happy, happy tears for you. I have been waiting and hoping for a post like this. I mean, Texas totally wants you back, but I’m so glad you are happy there. :o)