It’s Time to Come Home by Mary Smith

About 15 years ago, I was living in Minnesota. I moved here to be close to my daughter and her family. Shortly after my arrival, my elderly father in Myrtle Beach needed some assistance so I moved to sunny South Carolina to help him. Serious medical issues forced him into a nursing home and later he succumbed to Alzheimer’s and was moved to memory care.

At the time, I was 62 and I found a nice place to live in a lovely retirement community with great neighbors and friends. My Dad died 5 years later. By that time, I had fallen in love with South Carolina and my friends eased the pain of losing my father.

Fast forward as the aging process began sneaking up on me; 2 hip replacements, cataract surgery, and arthritis. My daughter told me it was time to come back so she could help me. Oh dear, I’d have to pack up my home, get rid of a lot of stuff, and sell my house! I wasn’t sure I could do it, and truth be told it was exhausting, but I got her done!! I gave myself 3 months to move and I needed every day. I often wished I had started downsizing much sooner!

I made it to Minnesota last November and am so glad the big move is finally over. I am now 78 and very happy to be close to family. I no longer must drive, in fact, I sold my car!! Best day of my life!!  I also get to see my grandson every day.

Thank you, Minnesota and my dear family, for your warm welcome back. Now, I am freezing but the heat is on 75 and I have blankets, lots of them.  I thank God every day for who I am, where I am, and the blessings I receive every day. My motto is “Live well, laugh often, love much.”

God Bless.