Transplants

Not to worry, not talking medical, so breathe easy. 
My husband and I.  We are transplants.  Ya know, the ones who live in a place where they weren't born or didn't grow up.  Throughout our 12 years...(yes, next week marks 12 years of being together!)...we have always been movers.  We love to explore new cities, meet new people, and simply see what else is out 'there'.  Example A:  We were 24, had just graduated from college, had no jobs, $1,000 between the two of us, and we picked up and drove 3,000 miles because we thought Phoenix sounded like a fun place to live.  It was the best thing we've ever done. 

When you're a transplant, there are some qualities I've learned that you must posses.  You need to have a pretty hard shell.  You can't be shy.  You need to be prepared for the best, worst, and not-so-pretty situations.  You can't be much of a planner, but you need to be organized.  Being independent is a must.  And friendly...a definite. 

A lot of transplants leave behind family.  This has been the biggest hurdle for me.  We have been so blessed to have such a fantastic family on both sides.  I hear horror stories from many friends about parents, in-laws, and so on and I can't even imagine what I would do if I had to deal with that.  I come from a very small family, and being an only child did not leave my parents with much entertainment when I decided I wanted to be this crazy world (okay, US) traveler.  I can speak for both of them when I say they totally didn't see that one coming.  Being in AZ was hard...we didn't see each other very often, therefore when it was time for weddings, babies, etc. I decided it was time to move closer to home.  But after a few years, that need to 'move and shake' kicked in again and off we went. 

Off to a new city, a new adventure, and this time within driving distance to the fam.  All in all, a pretty good situation for everybody.  We knew TWO people in this city when we moved here.  They welcomed us into their home for a few weeks until we found a place to live.  They have babysat too many times to keep track.  We have spent Christmas mornings together.  Our playdates consist of brownies and mimosas.  We've celebrated pregnancies, 1st birthdays, 30th birthdays, promotions, ups & downs, you name it.  They played a big part in why we moved here and soon, we are going to have to say goodbye.  We recently found out they are heading home where one of them was actually born.  They will no longer be 'transplants'. 

As I said, being a transplant, you need to be 'hard-core.'  You have to be able to say hello and goodbye in a flash and try to do it with as little tears as possible.  But considering she and I can't even talk about it in person yet is an indicator that there are going to be a lot more than a few tears.  I've been pretty good in the past, but this one is going to be tough.  Really, really tough.

I love being a transplant.  I wouldn't change a thing. 
Other than having to say goodbye.