I am finally finding an hour to sit down and reflect on the events of the past few days. Several friends recently asked me how I am feeling. Frankly I am not sure – probably the result of many conflicting feelings. There definitely is some numbness. This is such a major undertaking, physically, logistically, emotionally, financially, that I can’t quite deal with it. At this point, now that the move is done and that I am finally having some time to enjoy my friends and relax a bit, the overarching feeling is relief – the worst is behind me. There’s also an immense sense of gratitude for the friends who have offered help and delivered in a big way. Velma, Jon, Larry, Ron and Rick have been very generous with their time and have taken on the most unpleasant jobs. I am forever indebted to Larry for cleaning my oven. Then there are the friends who have nourished both body and soul over the last few weeks: Catherine who cooked for me the night of moving day, my desert friends, the
yogini, the pool ladies, Bill and Jody, Joe, Hannah, Velma, Ernst, Larry. Finally, there are the people who have generously offered space in their houses to keep some of my belongings: Martin and Laurie, Merrie and Jon,
Rosine, Linda, Ernst, Marianne, Velma. And last but not least, Marianne who has so graciously let me invade her house after I surrendered mine. I truly feel blessed for having so many great friends, and I am leaving feeling full of the love and support of all. I must also mention those who have been there for me from afar, namely my sisters who have encouraged me to live the old dream of moving to
Zuoz and my children, Claire and Eric who have been cheerleaders for my project since its inception. One feeling I am not experiencing is sadness. If I were moving for good it would be unbearable and I would have fallen apart a long time ago. This is just a long trip. One year goes by
quickly and I’ll see all of you again. No need for tears.
Recap of the last few days: moving day was Friday, January 22. I thought I had well planned and organized. It turned out to be the day from hell, and I am still applying myself to forgetting and letting go. Everything that could go wrong did. I have never had to deal with so many incompetent and/or dishonest folks in a day. But we did get it done, despite the too small truck, the overweight, out-of-shape and burping hired help, the non-stop rain. Fortunately one of the two hired men made up for the bad one, and on Saturday Ron agreed to move and store the garden furniture that
wouldn’t fit into the storage unit. Said unit is the size of a one car garage – the contents of my house are piled up to the ceiling, including my mother’s dishes shipped from Switzerland last year and never unpacked. I need to let it go, I need to forget, even the cream-colored leather sofa dropped and dragged on the concrete…
The work is all done now, and I am enjoying 4 relaxing days before the dreadful trip. I am so grateful that Eric is traveling with me. He will help carry my 4 suitcases/bags onto the 4 different trains. Once we get to
Zuoz (ETA is Thursday in the early afternoon if all goes well) one of us will get the sled from the house and we will pull the suitcases one by one from the station to the house:
Zuoz is too small for cabs and the wheels on the baggage don’t track in the snow. I just checked the weather forecast. The high will be in the low 20s, the low in the teens. I just heard the first robin sing – and I am trying to get mentally ready for 2 more months of deep winter. Of course it also will be so much more fun to have Eric’s company on the plane and to share the first few days of my new life with him. He will also help me set up an
internet connection – which means that your messages will be welcome and much appreciated. I am anticipating having much time to respond!
Thank you all, and be well. I’ll be back.
