by Hope
I am back on the road to Texas. I was delayed in leaving by two days because I was EXHAUSTED! The set up, the wedding and dancing, and the clean up really took it out of me. I even gave in and went to get a foot massage yesterday because my legs were hurting so badly I hadn’t been able to sleep well. It was a $45 expense I hadn’t planned for, but so worth it because I can walk again today without pain. Princess gave me a melatonin last night to help me sleep as well. So between the massage and a good night’s sleep, I was ready to hit the road today.
Taking Stuff Back to Texas
My car is quite packed because I picked up a number of things from storage since I’m not sure when I will be back this way. I got a big tub full of clothes. I’ve been living out of a suitcase since May and with the changing seasons, it will be nice to have some more clothes. I got all my books – 2 small boxes and 2 small bags. I’m not a book hoarder; I tend to read them and get rid of them with few exceptions so this will give me something to do in my “free” time.
I also picked up my crafting stuff. There’s not much left of it, but I want to make some Christmas gifts, and figured I could use it up rather than buy more. Thankfully, I had the foresight to label everything well, so grabbing these items was easy to do. And was alot of fun to do with the kids.
I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to sleep in my car on the route back, but I think I’ve got enough space although it will be tighter than usual.
Christmas Stuff Dispersed
While we were in the storage unit, the kids all grabbed some stuff they wanted. From clothes to Christmas decor, I was ready to purge some more. The two girls divided my Christmas stuff – the tree and recently purchased decor went to Beauty and Princess took more of the sentimental items that came from the family. The twins and Princess also raided my clothes taking sweatshirts, winter items, etc.
We did a lot of reminiscing as things brought back memories. It was a good time. And it was good to be reminded of the things I had kept.
Purpose Found
I know my purpose for the first time in years. Many who’ve been around know that I have really struggled mentally since my kiddos started leaving the nest. Figuring out who I am outside of “mom” has been a really tough challenge for me. But I feel like I know where I’ve supposed to be for now. In Texas, with my parents. They need the help. And perhaps this was God’s plan all along, I just didn’t recognize it.
But I know that caring for my parents is where I am supposed to be for now. Until they no longer need me, I plan to stick.
It’s been nice to have that clarity.
Hope is a resourceful, solutions-driven online business manager with over two decades of experience helping clients streamline operations, manage projects, and grow their businesses through digital marketing and technology.
But life has a way of rewriting your plans.
A year ago, Hope made the decision to move in with her aging parents full time – a season she wouldn’t trade, even as it came with its own financial and emotional weight. Earlier this year, she lost her mother, and is now walking the tender, disorienting path of grief while learning what “forward” looks like from here.
Hope came to the Blogging Away Debt community in 2015 as a single mom raising five foster and adoptive children. She’s written through job changes, financial setbacks, and the bittersweet transition to an empty nest. Her kids are finding their footing in the world now – and so is she.
Rooted in faith and fueled by the same perseverance she’s brought to every hard season, Hope is ready to face her finances with fresh eyes and an honest pen. She believes that clarity, courage, and community can change the trajectory of anyone’s story including her own.
She lives in Austin, TX with her dad, loves adventures with her dog Addie, and is figuring out, one step at a time, what this next chapter is meant to be.
So, what do you think ?