In my upcoming, as-yet-untitled memoir of our journey west, I share many stories of people who helped us along the way. Rick and I have been blessed to know some friends who fully believed in us, who backed us up, and who wanted to have a part in our success. Many people we knew scratched their heads when they heard of our planned move to Texas, but this other group of people were truly in our corner and were even willing to personally sacrifice in order to give us a solid send-off. Without the positive ripples put into motion by these cheerleaders, our journey would've been virtually impossible. In this post, I'll be introducing you to Jane and Steve.
Jane was a student in Rick's Kinesiology class. As quite often happens when Rick gets Kines students in front of him, a whole new thought-process was born in Jane. She wanted to learn more, to know more. When Jane had graduated from massage school, she and Rick began to meet for coffee and discuss massage, kinesiology and personal training. When Rick taught weekend workshops, Jane attended as many as she could, eventually becoming Rick's assistant. Their mutual respect and friendship grew.
Jane's husband Steve is a bright even-tempered man. Peaceful and somewhat reserved, he would quietly listen to a conversation and then drop a brilliant bombshell observation into it. He was enjoying his retirement; exploring the internet, new music and brewing homemade beer. The kind of guy you just want to hug.
Not many people knew of our plans to move to Texas, but Jane was one of them. She had made it clear on many occasions that we would be welcome to stay with her and Steve during our transition process. We had 2 long house/dog-sitting gigs booked, but would need small stretches of hospitality during those few months. Jane and Steve were one of those hospitable couples.
When the time came for us to move in at their house, we were welcomed with open arms. I'd spoken with Jane briefly on several occasions, but had only met Steve once. They immediately made Rick and me feel right at home. They showed us to the guest room where we unloaded all our stuff. Jane had even cleared fridge and cabinet space for our food. It was like a big kid sleep over! What a warm and cozy place to have landed. We were very comfortable and grateful. As it turns out, Jane and Steve would come to be grateful to us as well.
The four of us settled into a routine...deciding who would provide/prepare dinner, sharing household chores, giving each other massage, and enjoying each other's company. The transition period Rick and I were in was emotional for sure, but as we shared each development with Jane and Steve, their excitement grew along with ours. They began to share with us their dreams for the future as well. Steve was positive that he wanted to spend his retirement in Arizona. I guess we weren't the only ones with Western visions.
Jane and Steve hosted us through 2 stays at their home. But as things were coming down to the wire with us, there were some changes in store for them as well. Their grown daughter was in a bad marriage. She and her twin sons would be moving in with Jane and Steve. Their very safety was at stake. For two people in or around their 60's, this was tough, but they'd of course have it no other way. As we headed off to our future in Texas, Jane and Steve's future plans suddenly looked much different.
Stay Tuned for An Adventure of Their Own, Part II, coming soon!
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