ABSTRACT

Turning daydreams into reality resulted in my relocation from Cambridge, Massachusetts, to the South when I retired. In deciding where I would go, I followed the usual process, reviewing travel opportunities, housing options, and the climate, demography, and community trends of various places. Mother enjoyed sharing this process, and I was convinced that she would make the move with me. However, as I narrowed my choices to a particular area, she became less and less interested. Finally she informed me that at age 91, she was not about to make any move and would much prefer that we exchange frequent visits. I selected a small city in South Carolina. Mother and my sister, the oldest of three girls, helped me prepare for my move. Finally, the last week, when all was packed, Mother said that she would take the trip with me, as I should not drive that distance alone. We could also stop over in Pennsylvania with my other sister, the youngest. I was so happy, and I just knew that she would love South Carolina, once she was there, and want to stay.