Making A Change.
The Gerlachs are making a change. And it’s been in the works for a little while now.
For a couple of years, we’ve talked about moving to the east coast. Let’s just say … every time we take a vacation there or travel back home. It re-enters our conversation and we start looking at real estate. At vacation homes. At the potential of purchasing. Wanting to know what we can get for our $.
We have talked about it… but then I start to think about the change our children would endure being removed from the only school, community and friends they’ve ever known. And leaving our beloved late son Benjamin behind. Inevitably I get scared because it’s much easier to stay the course and not make a move or take a chance, entering into the unknown. Every time, the talk of relocating would slowly calm and lessen, moving again to the back burner of our life.
Except for this time.
There have been many reasons to move. The weather. The taxes. The cost of living. The Midwest. Our lack of a support system. But only one to really stay. Benjamin.
I can’t yet think about driving away from here on that final day. I don’t know how and if I’ll be able to do it. And when I think about it now, I simply break down. This was Ben’s only home. He is in every room. He played here. He laughed here. He cried here. His bedroom is here. And I can’t imagine leaving him behind.
But life is about choices. And I choose to live for the family here with us. I want to make decisions that are progress, not a holding pattern in an attempt at happiness. I want to live, not just exist. I recently read an article that said if “parents are okay and happy, their children will be okay and happy.” Even with all external factors, children are most affected by the health and love of their parents. I want to feel okay for the sake of my children. We need a change of scenery and a new adventure.
Answering the Questions:
What about work? We are figuring this out and taking a risk. The good news is Rob can continue his army reserves career from anywhere. AND he has been selected for Army War College which begins in July, giving him a full-time salary through next year. And Sears? Well, who knows what will happen with Sears but with the economic changes and downturns the past few weeks, its future does not look bright. And for me, I have a marketing background and my plan is to consult or find part-time work that allows me to work from home, while still managing Ben’s Adventures and Ben Smiles.
When? Very good question – sooner rather than later. We have been tackling projects over the past couple of months in preparation for our house to go on the market. Our realtor suggested listing on the Private Listing Network, available only to realtors. It’s like an ‘fyi’ on what’s coming soon. Within four days of being on the PLN, we had an offer … but with a “contingency”, meaning the buyer needs to also sell their house. But at this point, they still do not have an offer with just six days to go. We have continued showings and our plan is to list on the MLS next week. In all honesty, our house has never looked cleaner! It is really a nice house, and my only hope is we can find a family who will love it as much as we do.
Will the kids miss their friends? YES, obviously. I will miss the friends we’ve made and the activities we do. However, the kids are excited about the idea of moving. And I think this is where COVID has helped: Sheltering-in-Place has removed us from the usual routine. Relocating amid this will be less abrupt and jarring for them…maybe. It gives us something to look forward to. Something to be excited about. The kids have been helping me look at houses online, look at neighborhoods, and what I have come to find out … Ava has expensive tastes just like her mother! Colin talks about his ‘new school’ and wants its name to be one word like ‘Munhall’ so he can remember and pronounce it. LOL. I think they will be okay and adjust. Several people have mentioned how resilient children are and I think so too.
Where are we headed? Only the best city in the US… Charleston, SC. Or more specifically Mount Pleasant which is just over the bridge. We have visited the Charleston area a few times and really love it. It has history and culture, good food, sweet tea, beach, salt air and palm trees, and a very highly rated school district. And WARM weather – PS, the low temperature in January is in the 40s/50s … I’ll take it, especially as I’m facing this next winter as a ‘single mom’ again while Rob is at school.
But what if our house doesn’t sell? I think about this one every day. I guess we will stay here. That’s the answer.
To state that I’m nervous is an understatement. I’m anxious and on edge. Stressed and second-guessing if this is the right decision. I think it is. I’m originally from Virginia and all my family is on the east coast. And I’ve always said I don’t want to ‘live here forever.’ Now is the time to make a change and take a risk.
Wish us luck.
