Rocktober Music Fest – 2019 – and other October Oddities – Moving

Posted on October 8, 2019 by scr4pl80

You may (or may not) have noticed I skipped a couple of days in the Rocktober Music Fest.  I was helping my mom move from her apartment to a new home with my younger sister.  It was kind of an emotional experience because mom has lived in this apartment for 37 years, longer than she lived in any of her other homes.  Longer than she and my dad lived the house in which I grew up.  Her apartment was five minutes from us.  She is going to be an hour and a half away now.  I know I won’t see her as often as I am used to.  She won’t be spending Thanksgiving and Christmas with us every year.

I know that it is time for her to be with someone on a more full time basis as she has had some medical issues in the last couple of years that make living on her own not a great idea.  I am grateful that my sister has room for her in her new house.  I should be relieved because now the emergency room visits, trips to the library and grocery shopping will be someone else’s responsibility.

Locking the door of #8 one last time.

 

Putting on a smile.

Still, I am thankful for the last few months since mom has needed me to take her places and do things for her.  It made me happy to think that I could try to repay her in some small way for all of the things she did for me and my family.  She watched all three of our children when they were babies and took them to school when they got older.  She lent us her car or, more specifically she drove me to work every day, when we were a one car family.  She let us come and swim in the pool at the apartment complex during the summer and even let us use her shower when our bathroom was being remodeled.

If it is hard for me, imagine what it must be like for her!  She is having to get used to not driving herself wherever she wants to go, living in a new city, living with someone again, and having to get used to a dog!  My sister and her husband are strict vegans as well so mom is going to need to learn a new way of eating.  I’m sure there will be more activity for her though as my sister has her kids living close by so there are grandchildren and great grandchildren for my mom to enjoy.  At 96 though, and as someone who is very set in her ways and used to her independence, it will definitely be a new journey.
Which leads me to the #RMF.  I’ve chosen Journey for today.  We have seen them multiple times although, sadly, not with Steve Perry.  I was wishing that when they performed in San Francisco they could have persuaded Steve to come and sing a song with them but it was not to be.  This is from 2016.
Neal Schon does one of the best versions of the Star Spangled Banner I’ve ever heard.

 

Neal Schon

 

Arnel Pineda

 

Ross Valory

 

Jonathan Cain

 

Steve Smith
And the song is Don’t Stop Believing.
Because I have to believe that mom (and I) will be okay.

from Blogger http://asmile4ufromjanet.blogspot.com/2019/10/rocktober-music-fest-2019-and-other_8.html

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About scr4pl80

I'm a 60-ish, married, mom to 3, creative soul looking to make the world a better place one smile at a time.
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21 Responses to Rocktober Music Fest – 2019 – and other October Oddities – Moving

  1. Retirement Reflections says:
    October 9, 2019 at 7:42 am

    Hi, Janet – Transitions are hard. Sending warm wishes to you and your mom.

    Liked by 1 person

  2. Retirement Reflections says:
    October 9, 2019 at 7:41 am

    Hi, Janet – Transitions are very hard. Sending warm wishes to you and your mom.

    Liked by 1 person

  3. Cathy Kennedy says:
    October 9, 2019 at 4:43 am

    Janet,

    WOW, your mother looks great for 96! DH’s dad passed away last year. He was 95 but he didn’t look as well as your mom. It’s so hard to see parents grow old and dependant on their kids. While your mom has adjustments ahead, it’ll give you peace of mind that eyes are on her 24/7, as well she will feel more comfortable in the care of her daughter’s family. Don’t worry about not participating every day in the Blogosphere. Life happens and we must deal with it. Your bloggy friends get it. Thanks for your visit yesterday. I’ve been a wreck since last week with this head stuff but the cloud is finally lifting. YAY! Have a good week, dearie! xx

    Liked by 1 person

  4. joey says:
    October 8, 2019 at 6:14 pm

    I really loved this post. Everything about it. I hope everyone settles in and enjoys cohabitation. It must be hard, but then nice, too. I am so glad this will increase safety and reduce worry. Love this post, Janet. ❤

    Liked by 1 person

    • scr4pl80 says:
      October 9, 2019 at 9:10 am

      Thanks Joey. I have to keep thinking that she will be better off with my sister but I know that my mom is afraid to voice her feelings sometimes. On the other side, I know that she can be opinionated and judgmental too. So far so good though.

      Liked by 1 person

  5. Mary B says:
    October 8, 2019 at 2:16 pm

    Moving is stressful for anyone, but when you have lived in an apartment or house for a real length of time, it is difficult. I moved from my apartment of 18 years a year or so ago, and it was one of the hardest things for me to do. We can only think of the improvements that we are making in our lives and go forward. I’m happy that your mom will be with your sister. It will be good for the both of them in many ways.

    Thanks for taking the time out to play along with the ‘Fest.

    Liked by 1 person

    • scr4pl80 says:
      October 8, 2019 at 2:46 pm

      Thanks Mary. I’ve been calling her every day to help with the transition. She’s not fond of the dog or the protein shakes my sister makes her drink in the morning but if that’s the worst…

      Like

  6. Kate Crimmins says:
    October 8, 2019 at 1:35 pm

    This will be a big change for both you and your mom. Kudos to her for making a change like that. So many times the move is forced because of severe health issues. Looks like your mom is mobile and smiling!

    Liked by 1 person

    • scr4pl80 says:
      October 8, 2019 at 2:04 pm

      She has really slowed down in the last few years and the last fall she had resulted in a compression fracture so she knew it was time to make a move. We were lucky that my sister moved back to the area from the East Coast and could take her because we have no room in our house. I expect now she will be around for a few more years!

      Liked by 1 person

  7. Jill Weatherholt says:
    October 8, 2019 at 1:23 pm

    This is a lovely tribute to your mother as well as the relationship you have with her, Janet. I can totally relate. I’ve struggled a lot this past year with all of the change as my mother’s Alzheimer’s progresses. I hope you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your mother will be in a loving environment. Even though I’m sure it’s difficult for her to give up her home, she’s fortunate to be able to live with family. I’ve seen some of the horrors that go on in some nursing homes.

    Liked by 1 person

  8. Ally Bean says:
    October 8, 2019 at 1:10 pm

    It’s wonderful that you were able to help your mother move to her new home. I cannot imagine what it’d be like to live anywhere as long as she did in #8 then go to such a different environment. No doubt she’ll do well. She’s got spunk, doesn’t she?

    Liked by 1 person

  9. John Holton says:
    October 8, 2019 at 12:42 pm

    This was the theme song for the 2005 Chicago White Sox, who won the World Series that year.

    It’s going to be a tough time for all concerned, I think. Your mom is leaving a place she’s lived a significant amount of time, you’re going to have to get used to not having her nearby, and your sister and her family is going to have to get used to her living with them. I’ll keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers.

    Liked by 1 person

    • scr4pl80 says:
      October 8, 2019 at 12:55 pm

      Thanks John. The Giants use it every game if they are not winning in the 8th inning. Steve Perry has been to several of games and even led the singing at least once. There are a lot of family dynamics going on behind the scenes too. Appreciate the prayers.

      Like

  10. rugby843 says:
    October 8, 2019 at 12:35 pm

    Been there, doing that. I live by myself but the rest I can relate. It takes a lot of getting used to, always relying on someone else. Good luck to your mom!

    Liked by 1 person

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