ME to MA

I wrote this in April sometime:

Ad, last night I was helping you get your pj’s on and I noticed how big you have gotten. I said to you, “Boy, your legs are pretty big, Ad.” You replied, “That’s cuz I’m growing up, Dad.” Thanks for brief moment of realization, I needed it. You’re right, you are growing up. Only four years old, but you’re getting bigger and more independent every day.

We have moved from Maine back to Millis, MA. The same town that I grew up in. I never thought I would live in Millis again but here we are. The decision was so hard for Mom and me. I’m not really even sure what to say about it yet, we’ve only been back for two weeks. We’re still trying to sell the house in Maine and we’ve moved to smaller house on Village St.

One of the few things I really strive for in life is to disrupt you guys as little as possible. I know that kids, like adults, need consistency and routine in order to feel safe and comfortable. I’m sorry to you guys that I had to disrupt your life like it’s never been disrupted before.

You both loved Maine. We had a nice big yard and we were close to the beach. Adam, you had Marin as your best friend and JD was friends with Evan. I really didn’t like taking you away from these two people, not to mention Mom from her routine. We didn’t have family support in Maine. Grandie and PopPop were over an hour away and everyone else was two hours away down here in Massachusetts. I have always known in my heart that I function best with my family close by, but I thought Maine would be different.

Mom and I had always dreamed of living in Maine close to the mountains, lakes, and beaches. We thought it would be great to raise you guys up there and show you a simpler way of life. The truth is, life up there IS simpler. It’s slower paced with less people, and frankly, it is more pleasing to the eye. Massachusetts is home though, at least for me. I remember a few years ago (maybe 8 or 9) one of moms friends moved back to MA from ME and she was telling us how much she enjoyed living in Bangor. She went on and on about how happy she was but then at the end of her conversation, she said, “But Maine isn’t home. Home is here in Mass.” That’s how I felt recently. Home is where my family and friends are. My inner circle of friends are my family and my family I mostly consider my friends. It is very important to me that I do my best to give you guys the best life possible before all three of you, “Grow Up.” We’ve seen more friends in the last two weeks living in Massachusetts than we’ve seen in months up in Maine.

Remarkably, JD and Adam have adjusted well thus far. Again, it’s only been a few weeks, but you have friends, you’re playing sports and you are both in school. Mom and I have never received so many compliments on you guys. JD, you have been playing with Bryan, Jake and John the most. Adam, you’ve been playing with Drew; you go to school with him AND he’s on your soccer team!

JD, you always seem to adjust to new situations well. Ad, I’m still keeping a close eye on you. I don’t even want anything to damage you’re sweet fragile sole. You felt safe in that big yellow house and in your fish/chameleon draped room. I promise that I’ll do everything I can to make you feel safe here too. You have enjoyed playing with all of the kids and seeing Nana and Grampie more. You seem to be okay with the move and to have adjusted well, but I’m not totally convinced. You have asked for Marin a number of times and you’re moving at a busier pace than you were in Maine.

Mom and I joke that the three of you that has had the toughest time adjusting is Linc. Linc, you’ve been one fussy baby since we’ve moved. You won’t be put down, won’t nap like before, and you were up twice last night.

So anyway, we’re here now. I feel confident that this will be a good move over time and that all three of you will enjoy life in our little town.