It’s been three weeks (tomorrow) since we packed up our life into a 26 ft Penske truck and drove it down to MA. It feels like no time has passed, but at the same time like we’ve been here for(almost)ever.
Making this place feel like a home has been an interesting challenge, because we’re not really allowed to hang anything up on the walls (which I can understand and will respect – it just feels like a fish out of water for me). But, we have brainstormed an epic project that we think will help solve this problem! I feel like I’m still in this sort of limbo where I know that this is our home now, but it feels like we’re still just visiting.
We’ve unpacked what feels like hundreds of boxes, and we’re basically all done. We actually finished last week! I’ve legally registered my business in MA (dang, everything really is more expensive down here!), and I’ve got a bunch of second shooting gigs lined up. So now begins the real work. The work of finding what makes this place special. The work of turning it into a home that FEELS like home. The work of setting a good example for Lily at how to deal with change. I wish I could be more like her! She’s done remarkably well with this move and I envy that a little bit. I feel super motivated lately to recognize all the things that are wonderful about this space, and working to find ways to get out of the house, because when I become a hermit, that’s when I start to feel down!
Yesterday we went to the playground and we met some other toddlers for the first time and Lily had the most fun ever. She watched this little girl and her uncle play with a ball for a while, and then she decided she wanted to join in, and she boldly grabbed my hand and walked over there so I could introduce her to them. Seeing her run around that tennis court with those little ones that she immediately hugged and started to play with gave me the sign that I needed – that we’re going to be okay. That we ALREADY are okay. It’s all good right now, as it is, and I need to remember to acknowledge that. Sometimes I think I’m supposed to be sad because we moved, and while I am in some ways, I wonder if maybe I’ve been “dragging” it out because that’s what I think it’s supposed to be like. Does that even make sense?! haha.
All I know is that we’re sticking around for a while, and I’m determined to make the best of this experience, because all that matters is that I’m with Steven and Lily.
This isn’t what I imagined our life was going to be like when I came into 2018. But the biggest lesson I’ve learned in life is: never say never.
Linda is a Boston-based photographer specializing in weddings and creating family legacies. You can see more of her work online at lindabarryphotography.com, on Instagram, or on Facebook. If you want to reach out directly: linda@lindabarryphotography.com. To sign up for the monthly newsletter full of encouragement and real life, click here!
If you liked this post, you might like these also!
comments +