This tough. And, not a little, self indulgent.
All my protestation has come to nowt. The love of a good woman has forced some difficult decisions.
After many conversations, some seriously stoney silences, much beating of breasts, and many tearful drunken sessions, an ultimate solution to what we will do once we retire has been found.
We are returning to Straya !
This has caused me many sleepless nights and (not a little) stress, as it’s not something that I was considering. Recent events politically, both here and there, have made the choice both complicated and easier.
Family (for N) is the big pull. My family here are getting on and, with the exception of a Welsh cousin who is getting married in August, are older that I am by some margin. So, less so. Narelle’s B-i-L is very ill. His life is short and N’s sister is bereft. N’s family (apart from lovely cousins in Exeter) are all in Oz.
Friends (properly good friends) here are thin on the ground.
The kicker came a couple of months back when N’s sister talked about moving back to Adelaide to be near her husbands family (for the inevitable), and to be closer to HER friends. While we know some wonderful people here, many whom we can go to for support and comfort, Adelaide has both family and friends who we have known and loved since school.
My deep convictions and principles have made this a difficult pill to swallow.
Having said that, I am fully prepared to support the woman who has put up with my choices, behaviour, and demands over the last 40 years. It can’t have been easy for her.
Long story short, we have about 2 years here before we return to a place that I have found difficult to understand and, much less defend.
It has been fully (as much as we can) costed. Financially we will be OK.
There is much we will miss. Access to the World is one. English country life is another. Our life will become more urban. Potentially either apartment or inner-city cottage living.
However, we also have unfinished travel plans in Straya to finally complete.
As you may sense, I am struggling with this plan. However, it WILL go ahead. I will get on with it.
I may, from time to time, require a sounding post.
Watch this space.
