I was originally going to write a post entitled, "Moving Sucks," because I've just returned from trip dedicated to apartment searching. When my law school semester begins I'll divulge where I'll be studying, but for now let's just say that it involves moving VERY FAR from where I currently live.
I cashed in some frequent flier miles (thanks, United) and went to this City to be Named Later and ran around in ghastly heat to see a zillion apartments listed on Craigslist by people seeking roommates. I nearly melted down, and it wasn't for the weather. It's depressing and stressful and a huge shock to the system to move. I hate moving; I can handle a lot of travelling but I need stability in my home. And as I'm getting older it's getting more and more important to me that my home be Just So, very comfortable and presentable. And Mine. But I'll be a student on loans so sacrifices will need to be made in this quest to Turn Cathy into a Lawyer. I'll need to have roommates, I'll need to sacrifice on amenities, and I'll need to have this all figured out NOW so that I'll have time to get all settled in properly before school starts.
As of a few days ago I still didn't know what I was going to do, how I was going to find a new home and come to terms with not being able to find something quite as perfect as I might have liked. But this is why I titled this post as I did: because separately, and sometimes together, my mom and dad and sister all held my hand, albeit virtually, and helped me work through this and come to a decision. I did in fact make a decision; I will have a new home to move into and I feel pretty good about it. But this post isn't about the move or the apartment, it's about realizing how lucky I am that I have the family that I do, people ready, willing, and ABLE to support me.
<sarcasm mode> Of course, they've RUINED it for me! I'll never be able to complain again without gobs of guilt! </sarcasm mode>
Nah, I'm being silly. I'm sure I'll still have grounds to complain! That's the thing about family: the closeness is what causes the poignancy. The ups and downs wouldn't wound so deeply if they weren't connected to people so deeply connected to me. But in spite of the built-in aggravations that inherently come from having parents and sisters, I am very glad that I have them and especially that I have these particular ones. There's a certain marvellousness in having people close to you who love you absolutely; who know you well enough that you don't have to explain everything about yourself; and who are so generous with their support when it's needed without even having to be asked. Not everyone has that, so I know how lucky I am.
(Also to be thanked in the non-family category: Robin/Robyne for her hospitality in letting me stay in her home with my stress particularly while she was dealing with hers.)