Moving back in with your parents when you’re my age is rather daunting, but really there is nowhere I’d rather be at the moment. They are my strong support, still after all these years and now I may have the privilege of looking after them in their older years and that is fine with me.
On the Thursday before our Friday move, I met up with friends, girls I’ve connected with in Birmingham and we met at my favorite Italian restaurant, Joe’s in Alabaster. I’ve blogged about it before and it is a wonderful place to enjoy a good meal. These ladies have all been so supportive to me over the past few months and I couldn’t have made it without them.
With a few pictures to seal the memory, we threw in one of melodramatic efforts just for some laughs. 
A couple more joined us for one last pic. My sweet friend, Janice (in the blue top), got a beautiful picture frame and had everyone sign the mat, which will then be framed with the shot above, so I can remember these girls forever. I have made some wonderful friends in Birmingham and will miss them all dearly, but I do hope to get back for a visit again. 
I had the nightly special, a superb chicken and pasta dish. It was magnifico! 
Doesn’t this look yummy too?
And to finish off the meal, I had to get a large slab of Joe’s famous strawberry cake, which is enough for about 4 or 5 people easily. We were stuffed and happy. 
The next day, bright and early, my family showed up ready to help with the move. We had lots of help from church staff, who brought over plenty of guys to help. We could not have done it without them and I’m immensely grateful for all of them who came out. 
They moved everything out of the house and down on the driveway, where my brother-in-law, Bruce, packed the 26′ truck like a jigsaw puzzle. I was very worried that we wouldn’t get it all in that truck. That worry was well founded and after lunch we had to go get another 14′ truck. 🙁
Here’s a tip for you: Don’t ever move! You will realize just how much “stuff” you really have. This was after I had 2 moving sales too! 
My friend from church, Sharon, was so much help. She has back issues so couldn’t move much, but she showed up early to help me get the big truck back to the house and that was a huge help. She later went back with me to get the 2nd truck. Thank goodness we got everything on the 2nd truck, except my house plants and Sharon is taking care of those until I can get back over to Birmingham to get them.
We took a lunch break and then the real work began.
Saying farewell to the empty house. I will miss it, but it is time to move on. No, the rug didn’t stay, it came with me. 
The 2nd truck got packed to the gills and we were finally ready to pull out for Atlanta, late in the afternoon. It was an all-day tiring job. 
My brother-in-law drove one truck and my dad drove the other one. 
And we had 2 cars too. We headed out around 5:00 Central time and made it home after dark. An exhausting day it was, but I’m glad it is finally over. My sweet dad had a metal storage building built in their backyard to hold all my stuff. I can’t say enough about my wonderful parents. It makes me cry to think about them and how good they are to me.
With bittersweet memories, I’ve moved out of the house we have lived in for 5 years and I am back to the room I lived in when I was 16 and my family first moved in this house. It’s not a fancy house at all, nothing like the Birmingham house, but it will be my new home and home is where those that you love are living.
Yes, I will miss the Birmingham house and the joy of making it a home, but when life changes drastically, we must make other arrangements. This is not something that was planned, but sometimes you don’t plan for life, it just happens when you least expect it. I know all of this didn’t take God by surprise, so I’m leaning on that promise and not my own understanding.
I still cannot share all the details, maybe one day I can, but I will say this:
I need to live with my parents because I have been taken advantage of financially, devastated to a large degree by the man I thought I could trust. It’s been a 3 month journey of dealing with where I thought life was going, finding out the truth, and knowing that I will survive this in spite of the pain of the reality that I now must live in.
That is only part of the story, but the rest will have to wait.
It is not the end of the world. I will survive. I will be OK. That I know.
So, I will move forward and I still hope that all of you will go with me on my new journey. Most likely, I will be getting a full time job again. That is nothing new for me. I have worked most of my life and can do it again.
I will confess that the last few months, I’ve felt that blogland has been passing me by. When you’re dealing with real life issues, decorating and projects definitely take a backseat. Nothing else is important but surviving. I won’t be in that pretty house anymore, doing projects and coming up with creative ideas there. I’ve seen all the wonderful creativity out there in the blogosphere and felt a little sad that I am not a part of it right now, but I know that one day I will have a house again.
The bottom line is this: I plan to keep on blogging, yes I do! I can’t imagine not blogging now, it is truly a part of my life that I still enjoy so much. It will just be different than what you’ve seen from me in the last 4 years. I’ll be sharing friend’s projects and hopefully some creativity along the way. And plenty of decorating ideas!
I might even talk my mom into letting me do some updates in their 1973 house. It’s time! Time to get rid of some mauve carpet in the bathroom I’ll be using AND strip off some dated wallpaper.
So, you might get to see a few projects outta me after all. And I’ll be looking for lots of other decor stuff to highlight for you too.
Thank you ALL so much for your prayers and support these last 3 months. It has truly wrapped me up in love like a warm coat and I so much appreciate you all.
It will be a new journey and where it leads, I have no idea. Finding a new normal will be at the forefront. I know it will be sweet. Very sweet. God sometimes allows trials and pain in our lives to draw us closer to Him.
Thanks again to all of you for your very sweet support behind the scenes of my life. It has meant the world to me.
I would very much love to meet up with many of you bloggers/readers in the Atlanta area for a lunch date sometime soon, so keep that in mind. Le Madeleine is one of my favorite spots, so that just might be a good place to meet. Hopefully, one Saturday coming up will work, so I will set a date and let you all know.
I have followed your blog for a few years. I have had you on my mind daily for the past few months. I just want to say how sorry I am that you are going through such a painful time in your life. You are showing such strength and courage not to mention practicality as you start this new chapter. I am sure things are only going to get better from here. Hang in there!
Dearest Rhoda, You have certainly had some challenges lately and I pray for God’s arms to wrap around you and lead you to a good, solid and peaceful place. I, too, have been blessed by wonderful parents who have helped me through a divorce and a difficult break up. I feel like you and I are so fortunate in that way. Know I will be praying for you and if you get to Memphis, Nashville or Jackson TN, I would love to meet you and enjoy lunch.(I’m in west TN) Take good care of yourself and trust in the Lord.
I’ve been following for just a couple of months, so don’t know all that is going on, but I’m so sorry to hear of your heartache. Your faith, though, is a great testimony. Like you said, God wasn’t surprised by any of this, and He will move you in wonderful new directions. My sister is currently going through some of what you briefly mentioned and it hurts to watch. I live in Acworth, so hope I will get to meet you some day. Hang in there, all we’re asked to do is finish the race, not come in first!
I have also been following your blog for a few months – we don’t need to know what’s going on with you, just glad that you are moving in the right direction. No better place to be than home with your parents. Good luck on your move. Will say a little prayer for you and will continue to follow. Be blessed 🙂
Rhoda, nothing is worse in this life than betrayal from the ones we love. I’ve never experienced exactly what you’re going through, but I understand some…About 10 years ago I moved out of gorgeous brand new house that we had built 3 years prior. I loved my boys out of that house and into a 2 bedroom mobile home. I know that most people would have been devastated, but that house was a lie. That life was a lie. I was more REAL with my boys in that little trailer, and we were as happy as we could be.
4 years ago my health spiralled downward, and I had to unexpectedly retire from teaching. I went from making $54,000 a year to bringing home a small disability insurance check. Have I mentioned that we were in the middle of Anne Pearce’s adoption from Guatemala? Over the next 2 years we adopted both our girls in the middle of this financial ruin. It was the most stressful time in my life, but I wouldn’t change it for anything. It was during that time that I really learned to be dependent on God. He NEVER let us go without anything we needed, and I learned that they only important things are the people who I love. 4 years later we are still recovering financially. I finally got approved for my social security last spring, and we’re in a better place. It’s been a long journey, but I’m more myself than I’ve ever been. It sounds like you’re on your path with the Lord, and He will bring you through. You sound like you’re doing amazingly well, and I know that the Rhoda who emerges will be even stronger than before.
I know what you mean about bloggers disappearing. Whenever I try to REALLY blog and share some of myself people disappear. I guess it’s not as interesting as refinishing a chair. 🙂 I think the world of you and will continue to follow along on your new journey. I’m going to pray that your transition goes smoothly and peacefully. I know that God is going to pour His blessings upon YOU.
Much love to you Rhoda,
Lou
Loulou – so true, many people are only around for the good times. I’ve noticed it with comments, the minute somebody respectfully disagrees, the screeching hoards descend. What is it about having a contrary opinion that makes people so upset? If it isn’t all sugar and spice and toeing the party line people think you should keep your mouth shut. I always thought bloggers blogged because they wanted to be heard and to hear others thoughts, I guess that just isn’t the case.
You are such a strong woman! I know this must be a hard new chapter in your life. I love reading your blog and will continute to check in during the week. Best of luck to you and you are in my prayers!
I am so sorry you have to move out of your lovely home, but it sounds like you are making the most of your difficult situation. You are so strong and positive; an inspiration to us all. I hope this new chapter in your life is the start of something wonderful!
Rhoda, you continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. I know He will see you through. “For though the mountains should depart and the hills be shaken or removed, yet My love and kindness shall not depart from you, nor shall My covenant of peace and completeness be removed, says the Lord, who has compassion on you.” ~ Isaiah 54:10
Jane
Rhoda,
You’re always on my prayers.
I’m honestly inspired by your strength and especially your faith.
You’re strong like a rock, my dear. And believe in God’s justice.
Have a Blessed week!
xo
Luciane at HomeBunch.com
Hi Dear Rhoda! You know what I see? I see a very strong Godly women who knows where her strength comes from. I’m so sorry for all you’ve had to go through and we don’t need to know details, we just need to know you’re okay. What a blessing to have such wonderful parents – they love you and you’re still their baby! 🙂 You take care of you and it doesn’t matter what you blog about – we’ll be there. I’m keeping you in my prayers. God has you in His hands and that’s a wonderful place to be.
Sending love and hugs,
Shelia 😉
Glad the move went well. I know we had a ton of rain that weekend! Would love to meet up with everyone, so I will be checking back often for that date!!
and God said to Rhoda long ago, ” dear child of mine, i have plans for you, plans that will prosper you – never harm you- you will see my plans that give HOPE and a FUTURE to you. . and when you call on me , my dear daughter,
when your prayers are lifted, I will LISTEN. Sweet child, I love you, when you SEEK me with ALL of your heart you WILL FIND me!”
. . .Deuteronomy 5:10
p.s. I think HE has a screened in garden room in HIS plans for you! 🙂
Rhoda,
I love your blog and it saddens me to read of what you are and have been going through. Let your parents take care of you during this time. They need to and you need for them to. Cling to Jeremiah 29:11. Prayers will continue for you as you begin a new chapter. No doubts, you will do great!
I am excited for this new step for you. I have great hopes that you’ll end up the other side in a better, happier, even more wonderful place. And you’ll look back and think, oh, THAT house? That was nothing–look what God has done in my life now!
I’m in Atl, too, and I’ll look forward to a bloggy lunch at La Madeline.
Rhoda,
I have faithfully checked in with your blog for a couple of years now. I have drawn so much inspiration from you and your projects. I rarely comment, but I have to let you know that when you first mentioned your difficulty, I immediately began praying diligently on your behalf. I am a Christian and believe so strongly in the power of prayer and that God is in complete control! I know you are going to be just fine especially when you uttered this sentence:
“God sometimes allows trials and pain in our lives to draw us closer to Him.”
Truer words were never spoken. Though we don’t always understand the “WHYS” of life at the time, if we will but trust and lean not onto our own understanding, the reason will become clear in God’s perfect timing and perfect way. There are always hidden blessings in all trials and tribulations of life. Someday, you will say: “Thank you Jesus…..I understand!” I will rejoice with you on that day!
Blessings beautiful lady and may you continue to find direction from the AWESOME GOD we serve! Your strength, courage, and unwavering faith is uplifting to so many of us. I look forward to you continuing to blog about whatever you wish because you are truly a blessing and an inspiration!!
You are inspirational! I have been thinking and praying for you as you navigate this new chapter in your life.
Blessings to you. Your faith and strength are a gentle reminder to all of us of what we are truly capable of if we just believe.
Hugs…
I know you already know this but our Lord always has a plan. We may not always understand or like the changes that come into our lives, but just knowing that He is right beside us through it all makes it bearable. Keeping you in my prayers.
My thoughts and prayers are with you, lovely lady. Wishing you all the best!
Rhoda,
You’ve been on my mind and in my prayers and I wish the best for you. I have a similar story to yours. The husband that I loved and thought was a Godly man turned out to have been deceiving me for years. It’s hard not to feel like I was naive, but I seem to always only see the best in people.
I have been able to move on, and I know you will too. God is good, and he has a plan for you. He has blessed you with loving friends and family.
I am happy to hear that you will continue your blogging. I really enjoy popping in here to see what you’re up to! Thank you for sharing your heart with us.
Whether you are decorating or sharing cooking recipes, stories about your parents or your new job I will always read your blog. Mine has very little decorating. Mostly it’s my online diary … we all need that sometimes.
I am newly married (three years) and I just can not imagine … I am so very sad that such a good person has been betrayed in such a way. I truly hope time heals and I know it will. You’re right – God knew a long time ago and He has prepared a path for you.
Hoping for tons more posts!
Karyn