Andrew and I decided in early December that we had officially set our departure date. Now came the difficult task of informing our families and making it real. It has been suggested by some that telling the family isn’t such a big deal, however somehow for me it was.
Nieces & Nephews
I come from what I like to think of as a pretty average family. We have our differences and dysfunctional aspects, and yet still can enjoy spending time with each other. And while we don’t see each other as often as other families might, it is a big realization that once we leave; I won’t see them for a very long time. When I see my family I’m left wishing I saw them more often.
Telling Andrew’s Mom somehow seemed easier for him. His Mom has always been pretty in tune with our travel plans and she is very excited for us. And while it’s not that my family wouldn’t be excited for us, I just think it will be a big change. Usually if the family gets together, it’s Andrew and I that have set it up and encouraged everyone to make time. When we leave I think the fear is that they will see less of each other. And my reality is that I will see less of them.
Andrew’s Grandma and his Mom
Informing my family didn’t go quite as smoothly as I had hoped. Initially I was going to tell everyone at our Christmas dinner at my Mom’s house. The week before the Christmas dinner my sister had her annual Christmas open house. Andrew and I attended and were chatting with friends and extended family about our upcoming adventure. It became inevitable that my sister would find out that night. And then as a bonus my Mom and brother-in-law came to the open house. And they learned about it that night too. My Mom took it really well and I was really happy about that. My sister’s response was a bit emotional and that was hard. The following weekend my other sister learned about it at Christmas dinner and she was overwhelmed too. One of my brothers learned about it that night too. We’re not as close as I’d like us to be, so it wasn’t too emotional. My final communication came to my other brother over the telephone just after Christmas. As with my other brother I’m not as close as I wish, so again that was a bit easier. Perhaps through sharing our journey online with everyone I can build a new kind of relationship with family and friends.
Amanda, Mom (Debbie) and sister Angela
I hope our family will come to realize how important this is for Andrew and I to embark on the next chapter of our lives. We were meant to do this; of that I’m sure.
Andrew describing our plans to one of our Nephews Jacob, a friend and our Niece Stephanie.