No, I didn't make a mistake. That was the last day I lived in Montana. It was right before the start of my 8th grade year, and we were leaving the state I had grown up in for Arizona. The fires of Yellowstone were burning so bright, we could see the glow to the east as we drove, and the sky was filled with ash. I had cried myself to sleep the night before, listening to "Friends are Friends Forever" by Micheal W. Smith on my boom box. Would actually love to know where those friends are now. Maybe somewhere out there in blog world? Adria? Cris?
20 years, and 3 states later, my perspective on that move has broadened. Thank goodness! My poor parents, I do not envy them that trip with such a moody teen. On the drive, I remember pledging to never move any children of mine (not that I ever really imagined I'd have children, but just in case...) from their friends and ENTIRE LIFE without first making sure they were ok with it! Yet, 8 years ago, my husband and I moved with our then 4th grader from California to the Pacific Northwest. Much to our daughter's dismay. In fact, she is still teased today by those who knew her when we first moved here about how much she mourned the loss of her California life. It was difficult to watch her go through the transition, but, like me, she also now sees the move with a better understanding, and even gratefulness for the change.
A few days after arriving in Arizona, I auditioned for, and landed the leading role in the 
community theater production of Beauty and the Beast. I had had one (very) minor role in a community theater in Montana, but my performances prior to that had been limited to school plays and showcases. So, this was a huge deal to me. That December, I stepped forward in church and commited my life to Christ. After hearing the Word most of my life, it suddenly became real to me, and clear that I needed a Savior. An amazing youth pastor and many incredible adult role models in that church and community, helped encourage me though my high school years and on into college. (a college that I discovered by way of a traveling acting group that performed at our church...an acting group that I became a part of!) And these are just a small sampling of the many positives to come out of that (much dreaded!) move.
community theater production of Beauty and the Beast. I had had one (very) minor role in a community theater in Montana, but my performances prior to that had been limited to school plays and showcases. So, this was a huge deal to me. That December, I stepped forward in church and commited my life to Christ. After hearing the Word most of my life, it suddenly became real to me, and clear that I needed a Savior. An amazing youth pastor and many incredible adult role models in that church and community, helped encourage me though my high school years and on into college. (a college that I discovered by way of a traveling acting group that performed at our church...an acting group that I became a part of!) And these are just a small sampling of the many positives to come out of that (much dreaded!) move. "In his heart, a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps." Proverbs 16:9
11 comments:
you must have been traumatized if you remember the date... okay, admittedly, it was a cool date,8-8-88, but still! I for one am very happy that your parents decided to rip you out of your life and move you to Arizona!
horribly traumatized! actually, it may not have been the exact date of the move--but 8-8-88 occurred very soon afterwards if not on the moving day, because I remember all of the hype surrounding it--much like today's 08-08-08 hype.
of course, another major benefit of the move--YOU!!! my WEF always :)
Oh a good story. And no I don't envy your parents on that drive either!
I never had to move. I know it would have been good for me though. Glad you can see the good that came out of it.
and glad to see you here on my blog, LeeAnn :) may I add you to my blogroll?
I can confirm the date as an eye witness...you are right on! Guess it turned out pretty well for all of us. Love ya, your talkative brother.
well, hello, little bro :) thanks for the corroboration on the date. it is good to hear from you on here! love you!
Well according to the chinese (with 8 being their lucky number--thus why the olympics started at 8:08 on 8-8-08), that would've been the luckiest day of your life and maybe you realize now that it was.
I did not know that about the 8 being 'lucky'. guess i would have to agree with it being a great day in hindsight. so amazing how often that happens :)
...so, here's Dad, late, as usual, catching up on your blogspot. I remember this, as well. You all left me while I stayed behind in MT and helped get Stan Stephens elected governor. I'm sure it didn't help your state of mind when you were welcomed to Arizona with a vehicle break down in Seligman.
Love this post! My parents moved me during 2nd grade and I thought my life was OVER. Can you say "drama queen"?
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