Wednesday afternoon we made our way to the Coast on the Magic Carpet. Well, it felt like a magic carpet to me. I finally was able to trade in our old van on a new Nissan Titan truck…. and come in under our van payment. You may feel the need to inform me that they do not get very good gas mileage, but you’re too late! I already know that! I was driving a van, I’m used to it. I will put in a plug for my friend Davin at Sparks Nissan-Kia … if you’re in the Monroe area and looking for a new vehicle give him a call!
Thursday morning I drove over to Mobile and met Danny Dodd for breakfast at Cracker Barrel. The food was good but the company much better. We enjoyed a few hours of visiting. Danny was on his way to his mother’s to celebrate her 80th birthday. Danny recently turned 50 and wrote about that on his blog.
In the mean time, there is much packing going on at the Coast house as we prepare to move our things to the Monroe house. Now before I start sounding like John “I don’t know how many houses I own” McCain, I would like to tell you that prayers have prevailed. Our Coast house has sold. I hesitate to say that, knowing that there are some formalities that still have to take place and it isn’t all finished yet. However, it looks like the final goodbye to 1715 Williams street is near. Movers will be here Tuesday and we will unload Wednesday in Monroe. Maggy’s brother and his wife are coming to help us unpack and get setttled in.
I am sure that some emotions will emerge over the next week as we drive away from this place where John Robert grew up. His room remains basically as it was when he was taken from us so quickly. And after living in this house for 14 years we have lots of memories here. They will go with us, packed away in our hearts, ready to unpack at any moment we would like to view them.
At this point, however, there is not much time for reflection. Maggy and I will drive back to Monroe Saturday so I can be in place Sunday morning. Then we will come back to the Coast either Sunday afternoon or early Monday (depending on the progress we make today) for final preparations for the arrival of the movers.
So, that’s what’s going on in our world. We are looking forward to getting settled in Monroe. In the mean time it is great to see our daughter and her family while we’re here.
Thanks for reading,
johndobbs
Looking at that Mississippi tag line kind of makes me miss all over again how close you guys used to be.
I enjoyed the breakfast much. I too appreciate your friendship since the MBC days.
I cannot know what you guys will face as you finally say goodbye to the house JR grew up in- but you have our prayers.
Danny Dodd
3 Oct 08 at 9:58 am
Oh- and mom says hello! :)
Danny Dodd
3 Oct 08 at 9:58 am
Congrats on the sale of your home. I had a salesman offer my a 08 Ford F-150 for $15,000! Having just paid off my Ford Expo, I’m not in the mood for car payments. That is, until I read this post.
cwinwc
3 Oct 08 at 10:01 am
I don’t envy you the move! I hated my move. It was very difficult for me to not have any “special” places here. I don’t have any memories here. I’m making some but I miss driving by the “duck pond” or seeing where my nephew played ball…
Oh well – I’m looking forward to the new memories!
That Girl
3 Oct 08 at 10:05 am
Congratulations on the move, but I wonder if you are more excited about the truck than the new truck.
Memories are good for the soul, but they break the heart. Memories look to the past, but God-filled memories point us to the future in Heaven with those who have gone before. Those with God-filled memories are truly blessed.
We are thinking of you,
THE_Amazing Gallagher
Chris Gallager
3 Oct 08 at 10:09 am
Another reminder that life goes on … never even slows down! Having just moved from a rental house to one we purchased (our first purchase in 25+ years), I don’t envy what you’re going through but it provides an excellent opportunity to get rid of things! We donated so much furniture to a church yard sale, the people running the sale were concerned if we had anything left in our house. But moving from a five bedroom, two story to a three bedroom single story left us with lots of things to donate. Besides, the proceeds from the sale went to missions work.
Greg England
3 Oct 08 at 10:56 am
I am glad the house sold, and I have learned that the place has little to do with the memories. Those like you said you can unpack..anyplace and anytime.
Blessings to you both!
Donna
3 Oct 08 at 11:43 am
One question: Do you like the truck?
Then don’t worry about what everyone else says… and they will say. I have never purchased a vehicle that within 48 hours someone didn’t tell me some horror story about it or how much too much I paid for it.
I am tempted to tell everyone the next time I get a vehicle that I got it for $1. And, I am 99% sure that one of my relatives or brethren will say, “I could have gotten you a better deal.”
:)
Don
3 Oct 08 at 2:07 pm
Don: Me loves the truck!
Thanks for all the great comments!
John Dobbs
3 Oct 08 at 6:17 pm
I am so glad that things are going well for you and Maggie. Having some of the burdens and concerns lifted from you will make life a little easier. Thank you for sharing your journey with us. I know John Robert is so very proud of both of you.
Thinking of you both often,
Diane
Diane
3 Oct 08 at 9:29 pm
I was on the coast Friday for construction inspections. If I’d known (i.e., if I’d check your blog more often), I’d have liked to asked you guys to lunch. Oh well, you sound like you were busy anyway. Enjoy your new truck!
Brad Adcock
6 Oct 08 at 9:16 am