Sunday, July 18, 2010

Ch-ch-ch-changes!

I'm pretty sure I've mentioned before that my parents (who live in CA) have decided to move to GA to be near to us. They are in their mid and late 70's, and it's just time for them to be closer to one of their children.

(A bit of history...my parents retired about 15 years ago, and moved up to the mountains of Northern CA. They live WAY off the beaten path, in a home that is solar-powered, fire heated, with well water. It is a very rigorous lifestyle that is getting harder and harder to for them to maintain. After my Dad's health scare last year, it became clear that they needed to move closer to medical treatment (as of right now they are FIVE HOURS from their doctors). It is cost prohibitive for them to sell their house and move back to the Bay Area, where my brother and sister live.)

Georgia's cost of living is lower than CA's, and my parents would be able to afford a home in the areas near us. I've been watching the local real estate market, and keeping track of houses that interested me.

The other night, Patrick was having a really tough time. His pain was at a horrendous level, and he was just losing hope, faith, etc. He was just...overwhelmed. I called a dear friend to come over and counsel with him, pray with him, and just...support him. His pain remained, but he was able to rest...feeling like some burden had been lifted.

The next morning, Patrick awoke and said that he felt "like his well was refilling." Then he said "And I think I've had a revelation. I suddenly realize something, and I hope you'll agree with me." He shared that he felt like my parents should move in with us. He proposed that instead of my parents buying a home of their own, that they use their money to add onto this home, to make it perfect for both households. I said "I love this idea...BUT...what if they use their money, and then we change our mind? Or you feel better? or, or, or? They won't have a down payment to buy a home of their own." He said..."I'm not offering this lightly. If we ask them to do this...I intend it to be for the rest of their lives. Where we go, they go."

(Have I mentioned how much I love him?)

So, we called my parents...(on the morning of our 20th anniversary, lol) and made the offer. They cried.

I just feel like...this is how families should be. This is how families USED to be. I can't wait for their home to sell, so that we can begin adding to this house to make it OURS. OURS, as in...all 5 of us.

They will arrive here in late September, and once their house sells, we'll begin construction! So. very. exciting!

This is the last time all five of us were together, December 2008. (I saw my parents in October of 2009, when I flew back after my Dad's accident.)

Christmas 2008

7 comments:

Jenny said...

How exciting and how wonderful for your family. That is going to be so beneficial to your family to have your parents so close not to mention that I think it will be great for them as well! Congrats!

Jennifer Farris said...

Wow, that is so wonderful. You're taking care of your parents in the way that we're told to do so in the Bible. I am sure that all of you will be blessed.

(And thanks for coming by today...I almost said "Mmmmm" myself. LOL!)

Jennifer
www.thefarriswheel.blogspot.com

Katherine Schultz said...

Ohhh that is wonderful! How truly exciting.

Have a great Monday :)

K xx

Valerie @ Inner Child Fun said...

How wonderful!! You must be so excited! :-)

Jen at Cabin Fever said...

Oh my goodness that is SO sweet! My mother, who is 44, is always slipping in little comments about how I must take care of her and my father when they are older. I always laugh as if its a long way away, but I've never told her that I will take care of them. I agree... that's how families should be!

Allied Moms said...

That is such a great offer! Your parents must be overjoyed! You have an amazing Family Cindy! I am praying for you all!

Blessings!

Kari
Allied Moms

Colleen @AMadisonMom said...

So excited for you!!!

I wish I could be closer to my parents. We visit as often as we can... but it's gonna get hard with Zoe starting public school this fall. No more spontaneous Florida trips.