A few days ago I learned that my family and I would be moving to Atlanta, Georgia. While I'm sure this will be an opportunity to meet new people and have new experiences, it is still sad. I will have to leave family and friends. And one of the hardest things for me to do is leave my students. I've told quite a few of them already. The news has not been taken well. After they've picked their jaws up off the floor, almost all of them start crying. Which makes me cry. Ugh.
Needless to say, my smile seems to have skipped town and taken a vacation. My family is trying to bring it back . They've devised the "Make Mama Smile" game. Here's how it works: Each member of my family takes turns doing something ridiculous in an attempt to make me smile. The first person to make me smile, is the winner.
My husband was up first. I can't even remember what he did or said, but it didn't make me smile.
Then my daughter was up. She did a goofy dance and made some faces. That didn't make me smile.
Last but not least, was Bubba. He came up to me and started tickling me. The tickle didn't get me - it was his infectious laugh. I cracked a smile.
"I win!" he shouted. "Bubba magic!"
Yep. Bubba magic.
I hope you'll like it in Atlanta Georgia, and that you'll keep smiling...May Bubba magic last forever!
ReplyDeleteI've heard good things about Atlanta. And yes, I hope the Bubba magic lasts a long time. I'm going to need it!
DeleteI wish you all the and luck in Atlanta and hope the family will soon settle.
ReplyDeleteYvonne.
Thanks, Yvonne!
DeleteAtlanta's not that bad, my sister lives there in one of the northeast suburbs. It's big city traffic, but Atlanta has a lot to offer.
ReplyDeleteA big change for you, but you'll have another group of students soon. With your family and their efforts, you'll find that smile again (once all the moving stuff is taken care of. . .) Good luck with your new adventure to the deep south.
Thanks! I think we'll be settling in northeast Atlanta, too. And I certainly hope to build up my studio quickly!
DeleteAhh- so sorry about the move. I do hope you will find all the good of Atlanta and her people when you get there. And good for Bubba~
ReplyDeleteI'm sure I'll meet a lot of great people. It's just going to take a little time.
DeleteA friend from high school lives in Atlanta, and Coffey lives nearby. I keep threatening to visit Atlanta. Maybe I'll show up at your door with Elvis Aaron Schulz.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
Cool! Bring the boys. Schultz wants to meet them.
DeleteI am not driving to Atlanta in my little car with three huge dogs. Schultz will have to settle for meeting me!
DeleteIt must be your husband's "fault" that your moving. You blocked him out. :) My parents lived there. There were lots of northerners.
ReplyDeleteThere will be awesome gardens!
Ha. Yeah, I guess I am blocking him out, because it's all his fault. :) I've heard lots of people from New York and other northern states live there.
DeleteYay for the gardens - new places to explore!
I know it must be hard for you and your wonderful, gifted, students. But you'd be surprised how many of them will keep in touch. That will help some. I hope the adjustment is easier than you expect. Honestly, I think moving is such a trauma but it's a necessary one and it always happens for a reason.
ReplyDeleteWishing you the best always
I hope they do keep in touch. Just the other day a former student from Cleveland found me on Facebook. Technology sure makes it easier to stay in touch!
DeleteI think change (moving, especially) can be SO exciting! What a great adventure for your family!
ReplyDeleteThat it will be.
Delete"Bubba magic!" — I love that.
ReplyDeleteBest of luck with your move. As Judy said, it will be an adventure!
Yep. Bubba has his own special magic.
DeleteAwwwww... Bubba magic. I love it. :)
ReplyDeleteAnd HARD. This does seem like such a hard challenge. But you are amazing, Sherry!
Thanks, Morgan. I really appreciate that. It's hard to say goodbye, but I just have to keep telling myself that there will be new people to meet and more friends to make.
DeleteBubba magic. That's really sweet! Where are you living now? I'm in GA too, but like five hours down from Atlanta. I wish we actually lived closer, I'd like living by the big city. Good luck with the move!!
ReplyDeleteI live in Loveland, Ohio, just outside of Cincinnati. It's about an eleven hour car ride to Atlanta (which will be a ton of fun with all of the pets we have to move!).
DeleteMoving is a pain in the rump, Bubba has the touch.
ReplyDeleteThis is move number 10 for me. Moving is never fun, but it's a great way to purge unnecessary items. Like too many toys!
DeleteIt can be hard starting something new, but just think of it as many new doors opening up (-:
ReplyDeleteThat's the way I'm trying to see it.
DeleteYour family sound fantastic!
ReplyDeleteI remember when I had to say goodbye to my kids, I don't know who cried more, me or them. But I do remember leaving work and sobbing all the way home, so I understand your heartache.
Wishing you all the best on your move to Atlanta. :)
Thanks, Lily!
DeleteWishing you well for your move. It can be a stressful time but hope it brings you lots of new happy adventures.
ReplyDeleteThanks. I'm sure it will.
DeleteWithout reading the post, I guessed that Bubba would win. Hands down.That child has a special charm.
ReplyDeleteEverything of the best with the move Sherry!
Writer In Transit
Bubba can make anybody smile! Thanks for the well-wishes.
DeleteMoving can be tough, but if you go with the right attitude it can be wonderful. I never thought I'd come to call the desert home, but I don't ever want to move again. Glad Bubba made you smile.
ReplyDeleteMy husband used to live out west. He said it was an adjustment, but he ended up loving it.
DeleteI knew Bubba would win...he sounds like a gentle soul who loves his mama :)
ReplyDeleteBest of luck in the move....it does suck, I know.
Bubba always wins. ;) Moving is tough, but once we get settled, I'm sure everything will be just fine.
DeleteOh, wow, what a huge move! As difficult as it'll be to adapt, I hope you end up liking it there in the long run! Not surprised at all that Bubba was the one to finally make you smile. :)
ReplyDeleteI've heard there's a lot to do in Atlanta, so it'll be fun exploring the city.
DeleteI suspect you'll always have Bubba Magic to fell back on. As far as Atlanta, look on the bright side.
ReplyDeleteGeneral Sherman has been gone for well over a hundred years.
Ha! Thanks, Al. I feel so much better now!
DeleteIt is always hard to move. Glad you will have Bubba Magic with you. ;)
ReplyDeleteHe's a good little guy to have around!
DeleteAwww.. they're all so sweet for trying to make you smile. :) The idea of leaving family and friends behind is hard to imagine. Moving can also be tough, acclimatizing in a new environment sounds like a great new adventure for you and your family. Wishing you all the best in this new phase.
ReplyDeleteBubba Magic. Now there's a good blog post title.
ReplyDelete