[dsnrbec]

We are just days away from leaving our hometown to start our new life in The Villages. One minute we are beside ourselves with excitement and anticipation and the next we are despondent about leaving our friends and family (especially the grandkids). What an emotional roller coaster! Does anyone else out there who has gone through this have any advice or words or wisdom? We're torn between longing to be there and dreading to leave!!

[redwitch]

I remember hugging my former neighbor as tears streamed down both of our faces when I left California. I was ready to say forget it -- I'd take my chances and stay. The thought of leaving everything and everyone (but my daughter and her cats) that I loved was unbearable. However, it was a move that needed to be done for several reasons.

As far away as California is, it is still possible to see my friends. I talk to them weekly; we email each other almost daily. They're never far from my heart and will always be a part of me.

Your grandkids will love visiting you here (even teens seem to have a lot of fun here). You may end up seeing more them here than you would up there, especially as they grow older and more independent. Your friends can (and probably will) visit you here. It is not unheard of friends moving here after one couple has shown them the light. You'll also make new friends. Some will even become as close as those friends you are leaving; some will stay more in the category of acquaintances, but you'll still enjoy being with them. Also, you will be so busy moving in and finding "your" activities at first that there won't be time to miss home. And, once you've settled in and found the things you enjoy doing, you'll be busy doing.

And, don't forget, you can always go visit your former home for nice chunks of time (just be sure to not overstay your welcome lol).

[pooh]

I'm sure many have experienced what you're going through. It's especially difficult when you leave family behind.

Take it one hour at a time, just do what needs to be done and don't think too much about it for now. Once you arrive, you'll be so busy, setting up your new home, finding your way around the community, establishing likes and preferences for shops and stores you'll shop in, getting to know your new friends.

Remember, there's always computers for contact....webcams can use Skype or Google for "face to face" contact. Telephone services have unlimited long distance calling and you'll be living only about an hour away from the attractions that Florida offers for families. Grandbabies will fly or drive down to visit. They'll love it here and time spent with them will be even more special.

Welcome Home!

[Vinny]

I have moved 13 times and learned that the US is a small place by plane. I can leave in the morning and be with friends and family in the afternoon if I fly. My friends visit me and like to stay a week or so so we actually spend more time with some of them than we did when we were home.

With our move to Florida we seem to be getting a higher than average number of visitors as they view us as a vacation spot. I have never believed in living my life for others. When you do that you tend not to have much of a life of your own. We have also discovered that you keep in touch with true friends and the friends of convenience tend to disappear real quickly. We still see our true friends and will always be so. We have no children so that is not an issue. Our friends tend to be mobile like we are and there are a few within two hours of here. I have a cousin in TV and another cousin and uncle in Wildwood. Add my wife's sister to the mix with my great twin nieces in Belleview and we feel right at home here. When we left we had neighbors crying; some whom hardly talked to us and none who ever invited us inside of their homes for a social visit. After so many moves we have friends all over the place and it is fun to meet up with them either where I currently live or at their place. So to answer you question, my advice is to leave and don't look back. The grandkids will be a few hours away by plane and you can visit them all you want. The same goes for friends although you will find that some will drop by the wayside over time.

[ssmith]

since we have not moved there yet; but we have moved several times.

What you are going through is important to feel. You must grieve the loss of what was...(oh yes, you can keep up relationships; but it will not be like it was)...as I was saying...you must grieve the loss in order to be open to the new. It would truely be sad to be leaving and not miss anything.

Also remember, it took time to feel that close to people and it will take time to be that close again to new people...so be patient.

I am watching this thread with interest as I am sure many will have good advise for you.

[RichieLion]

Originally Posted by dsnrbec

We are just days away from leaving our hometown to start our new life in The Villages. One minute we are beside ourselves with excitement and anticipation and the next we are despondent about leaving our friends and family (especially the grandkids). What an emotional roller coaster! Does anyone else out there who has gone through this have any advice or words or wisdom? We're torn between longing to be there and dreading to leave!!

I have one word which, although not a perfect solution, will make the transition and your aching heart much more tolerable; and that word is SKYPE!!!

Being able to interact with the children and grandkids on Skype in between visits is a truly wonderful thing.

[Pturner]

What Red said. You'll see.

The people in TV are wonderful. You will fabulous new friends and stay in touch with old ones.

When you get here, I'm confident you'll know why you came.

Sending a virtual hug!

Pturner

[Sherman931]

Well stated, Vinny.

[dsnrbec]

You guys are a great encouragement! I know we'll be fine once we get there, it's the leaving part that stinks!

We'll be closing on the 21st and looking forward to meeting everyone soon.

[getdul981]

[graciegirl]

You will find a lot of caring people here waiting for you.

We truly understand.

I only want people who feel things like you do to be my friends.

Feel this hug.

[alkajaau4]

All of your comments were so good to read. I'm coming down in January for 2 weeks to get more of a feel for TV - I only spent a couple of days there last winter and fell in love with it. I don't know how I am going to tear myself away from my grandchildren but you are right .. Skype works well. One minute I'm sure I'm going to make this move and the next minute I think I must be out of my mind! It is especially fearful as I am a single woman so although I have friends at TV it's not like having someone you love right there with you. I'm hoping the 2 weeks I spend there will convince me there is no other move to make but this one!