Moving the Old Folks
But this move is a new challenge for me, because there are no kids. It’s easy to move into a new community with kids who are immediately the object of attention in the neighborhood, and who join the swim team, Scouts, and that, of course, means I’m out and about and meeting other parents, coaches, joining play groups, and signing up as “the mom.” I learned my way around new towns by driving carpools to swim meets, and soccer games.
Now, it’s just Dave and me. No games, no choir practice or swim meets, no more parties, teams, or classrooms. I had a bit of anxiety about this move because of that. What will we do, I wondered? Will this historical town accept newcomers? How will I make friends? I’d never wondered about that in any previous move because there were always kids who just made it happen.
Buddy is an ice breaker. When we walk down Broad Street everyone wants to pet him and talk to him, and that leads us into a conversation, where we came from, what house did we buy…and then they exclaim how they’ve always loved the house, been watching the progress, and would love to come by and see the house. And they do!
I need to buy a notebook and label it The Network. Everyone I meet knows someone I need to call. I joined Bible Study before I’d even moved in. Now the Sound Gardeners have found me, the Women’s Club President wants to talk, and the chairman of the Pilgrimage has a plan for a book signing and a reception during the Pilgrimage. Someone I’d not met stopped in to introduce herself. She lives in another part of town in a similar house and was interested in seeing the restoration. In Elizabeth City the Page After Page Bookstore has assigned me the title of their Author in Residence, and the Christian bookstore here in town plans to carry my books. I’ve met the librarians, gotten a library card, and I’m scheduled to be one of their programs in the fall. This week I became a Wednesday Weeder at the Cupola House. (I could only weed for an hour because I’ve been on the injury list and must be careful.) And finally, just last night, we made it to an Edenton Steamers baseball game. (http://booksbydeanna.com/mini-blog/archives/06-2018.) I’ve become their newest fan; it’s official, I have a cap.
It turns out that my enthusiasm, positive attitude, excitement for all things new and old, are serving me just fine without my kids. I have friends and things to do and already feel at home in our new community sans children.