The House Around the Corner

#4 Back to our homestate; closer to our parents

That’s what we told ourselves…but in truth Jim was always ready for change, the next big challenge. Our families had grown through marriages and babies, and we drove back to see them each year. It was spring break 1986, while staying with his sister that the words “what if” came out as we drove around the corner to the main street; off to see his folks.

He inquired about job prospects for months while we finished the basement back in Massachusetts. He mulled the possibility of not newspapering, trying something different. The most important consideration were the schools. Our son would be a high school junior, our daughter in seventh grade. My sister-in-law suggested the nearby parochial schools where her two attended. That narrowed down house hunting.

A late summer visit had us going around that same corner to get anywhere…shops, seeing old friends, jump in the lake. The day a sale sign went up for the house on that corner, we knew.

It had a pool, living quarters downstairs, four bedrooms upstairs and a little room off the side they called the library with built-in shelves and fireplace.

We’d pretty much decided to move; our parents were counting on it! We called the number, made an offer, secured a loan and waited. Neither of us had job prospects, but we were moving back on a whim, a way…whim away! We’d lived on a lake in the outskirts before, where going into town was a treat. There were possibilities, but ‘whiming’ it in this town wasn’t easy.

Finally, an offer for PR work. I could see the twinkle in his eyes, hear the excitement in his voice as he pondered pros and cons. I loved seeing him like this, so I said, “go soon, before school starts, not mess up another school year for our kids!” They were not happy about leaving their life in Ipswich. Me neither…I was looking forward to a new class, the potential to become principal full-time. But we all jumped in with both feet and got to it. Dad and son drove a U-Haul with enough for the two of them to be comfortable; two beds, couple chairs, our kitchen table and all their clothes. They arrived in time for the first day of school, staying at his sister’s house till the closing date and the house keys were handed over.

I had just enough time to get our current house listed ”as is,” as the fine print said. Missy and I were on our own now. We’d kept the television and our mama cat and kittens. The older cat had gone in the truck, road tripping once again. We wrote letters back and forth, made to-do lists and got both homes in shape…one to settle in, one to sell. I turned in my resignation for the last week in October.

My colleagues surprised me with a going-away party a few days before my last. Even the superintendent and board members attended. These were the people who taught my kids, who asked for me as a sub, welcomed me as staff and cheered me on as I got my masters. Like I said…our growing up years. Growing up and moving on…ready for another new life.

This girl was my rock. We held down the fort, oversaw another moving van, slept in the big bed together on stormy nights and kept each other laughing through funny and frustrating times. The little house on far left…that’s the one we moved from!

She started school mid-semester but made enough friends in one week to invite for a Halloween party! Jumping into new life was her superpower…she was four the first move, didn’t know any other way. Black and orange decorations hung from the ceiling in the basement…. our primary space for a while as we bought new furnishings, painted and decorated the rest of the rooms.

I subbed a few months while waiting for administrative positions, but my better half…being the take-charge editor, decided he could do public relations on his own too. Eye roll here…can you see what’s coming? I didn’t. I was jumping through hoops for a principal job a few towns away, answering to the public at a school board meeting.

The school policies dictated I live in the city, and that my children attend their schools. Was I willing to do this? Hell no. I replied we’d just moved cross-country to be near our folks. They seemed to consider this with nods and smiles…'“such a thoughtful young lady” one said. My kids were in Catholic schools because that is our faith, so no, they weren’t changing schools. This too seemed accepted, unsure how to argue it. The last concern was being female. “Always had men be in charge, are you sure you can handle a school, budget, discipline” and on and on and on. I’d never been on display before, but I sure knew to stand my ground. Turned out they had no other applicants and offered me an 18-month-contract. It would be renewed if I changed my mind about moving. This was 1987…those questions could not be asked today!!

Our son’s graduation included a pool party. Not much of a yard but walking out the sliding door to this was such joy. Having kids capable of cleaning it was a bonus!

The best reason for moving back…our families together! This time my Aussie brother was visiting, so we gathered for Father’s Day, my parent’s Anniversary and my younger brother’s Birthday. Hot dogs, hamburgers, baked beans and Jello…and a huge sheet cake for all three celebrations. “This is what I like about photographs. They’re proof that once, just for a heartbeat, everything was perfect.” Jodi Picoult

Starting his own business was a success for a time, but he neglected any capital. We ended up struggling to pay bills, using college savings and borrowing from his mom and dad. This story does not end happily…it all came tumbling down into bankruptcy. Same time as I was let go from the school I adored. We were shocked and shamed after living so well for so long. The house was sold, we found an apartment willing to rent, but absolutely kept paying the tuition for our daughter’s school and son’s college. I subbed and Jim found odd jobs, but within ten months…we both had jobs in Palm Springs, California! (not really, because God and the universe had other plans…next chapter)

Can’t believe I’m sharing all this but these moves, these houses have become my life story so all truths matter. I’ve no regrets nor do the kids…every change enriched our lives, made us who we are today. More to come…stay tuned!

Be well, be happy, be kind!

Joan 😊

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