If I remember correctly, I believe my family moved 13 times before I graduated high school. From one city to another, either in-state or out of, we moved a lot. It was due to parental employment, but at the time, I just thought my parents hated me.
We never used movers (at least, I don’t remember using them), so each time we were forced to go through our belongings and pack everything. Do you know how hard it is to pack up all of your clothes and toys, only to have to unpack them and find a new home for everything? It goes from being annoying, to just being downright torture. For some, they enlist the help of cross country movers, the kind that will come into your home and pack FOR you. Now, that’s what I’m talking about… if I didn’t have precious memories that became a sort of tradition to look upon during the packing process.
With many of our moves, I changed schools. With each new school came new friends. With each new friend came shoe boxes of notes, funny cards, and pictures. With each new shoebox came days, weeks, months, even years of memories. Sure, the friendships may have faded over the years, but those notes… well, when you read a random handful you are taken right back to the moments, to the good times with that person.
I have met a LOT of people in my life, and I have met some of my best friends because of moving. Yes, staying in touch with everyone is difficult, but it’s possible. The first best friend I can remember shared my first name (Amanda), and we were inseparable! Had it not been for moving, I wouldn’t have such great memories of her and her mom.
Yes, moving is difficult for both the parents and the children and it often leads to stress and anxiety, but you have to think about the maybes and the possibilities. Each time you move, you travel to a new place with new people and new things to do and see. Each time you move, you open your eyes to what’s around you and you more open to new things. Embrace each move, whether it’s across state or across the country. If you have children, help them stay in touch with their friends! I think this is so important for maintaining friendships long distance. If parents are willing to help, then moving doesn’t have to be so bad!