I was giddy during dinner, anxious to spring the news of a surprise anniversary getaway. I was
just about to tell Bill when he waved the waiter off, moved a spoon closer to his dinner plate, and
paused.
“Honey, we can’t go to Nova Scotia.”
“What?” I gasped and leaned forward across the table.”How do you know about Nova
Scotia”
“That’s not important.”
My voice raised a notch.”Not important? Really? Well, it’s important to me. I’ve been plotting and planning that trip for weeks.”
He chuckled softly, glanced nervously at the couple sitting next to us, and rubbed the
back of my hand.”You know you can’t keep a secret from a naval officer.”
“That’s not funny.”I withdrew my hand. “You’ve been working at the Pentagon night and
day since our move from Hawaii. The kids and I have hardly seen you. We need this trip.”
“I know. But we can’t go to Nova Scotia.”
“Why not? Why can’t we go?”
“Because we’re going to Paris.”
He nodded with a smile that said he wasn’t kidding.
I could hardly take it in. I was planning a holiday weekend in Nova Scotia, and Bill was
planning a romantic trip to Europe. Really? “I bit my lip to keep from crying. “How long can we stay?”
“About two years.”
I blinked with disbelief as he finished, saying, ” I’ve been given a special assignment with
the undersecretary of the navy.”
“And we’re moving to Paris. When?”
“In three weeks.”
“Three weeks!”
The couple next to us asked the waiter to bring us a bottle of wine . . .
It’s been said the only people that really like change are babies in diapers. And I know
how excruciatingly hard it can be to break the news of any unwanted change to people you
love—especially when it’s about an impending move.
Did you know 80% of all United States moves occur between April and September?
Why? It’s the end of the school year. With peak moving season now upon us, I want to share
some practical, specific tactics to consider that have helped me through twenty-nine.
- First, check the calendar for a day when everyone’s available for a sit-down
dinner and prepare your family’s most comforting meal. - Enlist help in setting the table to build a sense of family.
- As everyone finishes eating, begin with, “I’ve got something to say.” Those fourwords are always attention-getters; you can go from there.
- Ask and answer questions.
- End by reminding everyone that God is for us, not against us, and we can trust
Him with our future. Our faith in Him and our love for each other will see us
through and provide us with the strength and resilience needed for the challenges
ahead.
“So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)
The meal I prepare for our family is spaghetti. Why spaghetti? Because no matter where
we’re living, I can always find the necessary ingredients, and because;
“No matter where we are, Mama’s spaghetti is one thing that stays the same.”
The Kids
