Teary Treasure Hunt
A smooth flight that ended in a very very bumpy descent and what sounded like a mini explosion just before landing was a little unnerving.
The son picked us up, and once on the roads there was no mistaking that were in the economic hub of SA.
Power outages however met us everywhere during peak traffic, but I have to admit, Joburg drivers are the best, no glitches despite dead traffic lights!
As there was a 4 hour power outage, we drove to a lovely tranquil venue and had a delicious meal. I'll share more of that with you once my meeting with boxes are over!
Our son and his gal sold most of their belongings as they're starting from scratch in the Netherlands; only three more sleeps left in SA!
Bittersweet indeed for all of us!
Mom and Dad were going to drive up to take stuff we could use, down to Durban. But then Dad fractured a rib so a long road trip was out of the question, and all our plans changed!
Boxes will now be brought down by our younger son who regularly travels down for work. These will definitely be whittled down as they ran out of time, so in the end were tossing the last stuff in.
Whatever we can't use or pass on, will go to charity. Much of their belongings that were not sold has already gone to the local SPCA.
Their pantry was always packed to the brim so Mom will have a field day in the kitchen and at teatime, likely shed a tear or two in between! The contents speaks volumes about their healthy lifestyle.
The days have been like this: unpacking boxes, sorting, repacking boxes, wiping away tears in between, meals together, reminiscing, hours at the bank; all a mishmash of stuff and feelings, a little like the contents of this box.
Our son's girlfriend worked really hard setting up a successful online gifting store, and sold most of her stock, with a potential buyer for her domain. She left a number of lovely goodies for Mama B, as she calls me, so it's been more tears each time I see how much love she put into that job. She's a super creative young lady!
I still have more boxes to sort, but will have one and a half days to do that, say our last farewells and then it's back home.
At least we have the consolation that our son will still be working for the same company who really look after their staff, and that they will be away from a country that sadly is falling apart at a rapid and frightening rate!
And...we'll see them in May when the Tulips bloom, if all goes to plan!
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Stay safe and be strong!
Sending prayers @lizelle
Thank you so very much for that @ninahaskin, will need it in the days to come🙏
And thank you for the tipu🤗
You're welcome! ✝️🕊
Oh Lizzy I'm so sorry this is heartbreaking but as you say, they are leaving a country that is holding on by the fingernails and I can't blame anyone who decides to leave for a more stable life in a country that has a growing economy. My SA friend has told me about the power outages and it is dreadful. I can't understand how people do it and the knock on effect to industry must be appalling.
Please take heart in the fact that you will see him soon, it's just around the corner and with the technology we have today you can have video calls whenever you want without having to pay an arm and leg to stay in touch!
Sending you a hug.
PS those boxes of your daughter in law's look lovely and I can see how much care she put into that business. I'm sure she will be able to start it up again on the other side and do really well there.
Thank you so very much for the thoughtful & kind words @emma-h!
Knowing they're going to a stable country where they will have a better quality of life and not have to live behind bars because of rampant crime is a big comfort to us.
As for our power utility, it's gross mismanagement and lack of maintenance as well as no foreward planning that we're in the pickle that we are. They simply don't have the capacity to keep the power grid going.
And...
Like you say, with today's technology we'll still be able to stay in touch.
Our son's girlfriend is already making plans for the same business over there, says it will be easier as she had problems with some suppliers here and she's been through the mill, so she knows the pitfalls!
We can't wait for May!
Have a great week🤗
A sad situation for any parent. With all of the problems that seem to surround those that choose to stay put, it must be a big relief knowing that your son and his girlfriend, who sounds like a sweetheart, will be relocating to a place where they will be able to live in peace.
I wish them all the best and in the near future I hope those tears change to tears of joy from knowing they are better off living in the Netherlands.
Take care of yourself my friend!
You've hit the nail on the head my friend!
We all know that the grass is not always greener on the other side, but the rapid pace that services are failing in our country, and the increase in crime, is chasing many skilled young people away.
I'm confident that they've made the right decision and will thrive in the Netherlands. It's also comforting knowing that he has someone like Andi at his side.
Thank you for the good wishes @thebigsweed, I will pass it on to them! Dean introduced me to the old Steemit back in 2017, and I'll always be thankful for that. He was never really active, more into gaming, but knew Mom enjoyed writing.
Have a great week and love and strength to Robin as well 🙏💕
You are the kind of mother that I wish Marc would have. You are so loving. Although you feel the natural heartache that accompanies the departing of your loved ones, you are supportive and wish them well, in hopes that they'll have a good life. You don't pull a selfish guilt trip on them. I love the loving bond you have created with your family.
If Marc's mother were like you, we could leave and do things that we would like to do. We get a guilt trip after 2 weeks of not visiting, accompanied with tears. The visit is one where we don't get to say anything without being cut off.
I really hope you can avoid problems with the power outages. It sounds scary and extremely annoying. Hopefully they will resolve these problems. Take care.❤️
Thank you my friend, we are sad but happy for them. Our power situation is jut getting worse, here in Johannesburg where our sons live they sometimes are without power for 3 periods totalling 10 hours, that's in a 24 hour cycle! Lack of maintenance and antiquated systems as well as gross mismanagement and corruption has made it an impossible task!
You & Marc must not fall for that guilt trip, it's really not on!
I really wish every parent would read what Kahlil Gibran, who wrote The Prophet, said about children.
Have a great week Carolyn❤️
That was amazing and I agree with every word of it. Unfortunately if they read it.... well they wouldn't. Too far gone. I'm glad I saw this though. I don't feel guilty at all. I just can't convince Marc. It will take a miracle.
Thanks so much for that.
I'm sad they will be separated from you, but, happy they can take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to grow in many directions.
I am so proud of you, Lizelle @lizelle Many parents play on the emotions and some kids feel deep guilt or worse, don't go. While I know you will miss him, I always know that he will welcome you with open arms each time you go, making visiting something special to look forward to.
Thoughts and prayers as they begin anew. God bless you too, my friend. ❤️
Thank you so much dear Denise, we had a long conversation this afternoon.
They're settled in their really cute, compact accommodation and will look for a more permanent apartment in 2 months' time. We are spoiled here in SA with space, so it will take some getting used to, but they're super excited about their new adventure, and thankful for his employers who've made the big move so much easier.
I really appreciate your prayers, my friend!
Looks like you're having fun my friend.
Have a safe trip back.
It was more hard work than fun, my friend, we are exhausted! But we did have fun in between :)
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Bittersweet but you must be so proud. And much better opportunity over there. Let's face it now. :/
I wish my gal would go. I told her to (again) this very morning!
Wishing them all the best for their new life!
And with the internet you will never be out of touch with them as well ❤️
You've hit the nail on the head, dear Nicky, bittersweet indeed but we know just how fast the rot is spreading here, and I am very sad to say that; I always had high hopes for SA! Cape Town is about the only place where things still work, but opportunities for the youth are getting scarcer by the day!
So, I am very happy and excited, and proud of him, and we had a long WhatsApp call this afternoon!
They have a really cute, compact, and very cleverly designed apartment making use of every inch of space, more than sufficient for their immediate needs. They will be looking for a slightly larger apartment in 2 months' time.
We hope our younger son also gets an opportunity like this, I totally agree with you encouraging your daughter to go!
So exciting for them!
And you'll get to travel and visit of course!
Yeah - it's sad. So much potential and beauty. The WC.
But the infrastructure, lack of decent government and endless politics. :/
There's a whole world to explore anyway. I'm happy for them! And you 😁
!LUV
Oh! I didn't know the circumstances in that country, I think I'll do some more research to kill my curiosity. I still hope they do well and move forward as a couple.
They sure have had a good example from you.
Keep up the good work, you are almost done!
Hi Carolina, so sorry I'm only responding now but I've had my head in too many boxes :)
Sadly our country is going down the tubes so to speak, power outages especially have a ripple effect as I'm sure you're very well aware of having the same issue in your country.
Those boxes still have to come down to Durban, so that's the next hurdle to cross :)
Thank you for your kind words.
I know how Lizelle feels.
I hope everything continues to flow for the best and you can accomplish the goals you have in mind.
happy afternoon.
Oh, Lizzie, I understand so much. Those moments just before they leave are a cumulus of emotions just waiting to explode. It is so sad that our countries do not offer talented youth a chance to thrive in the country. Let's hope better times will come in the future. A big hug for you. I have you in my thoughts and I hope that trip in May to see tulips will come true. 😘🤗🤗
Thank you Eli, we're both in the same boat not so. It really is terribly sad that our countries respectively are chasing away good talent, young people who could make a difference, but sadly that is how it is!
We had a long conversation this afternoon and they're very impressed already with how everything just works. Here the power outages are at their worst at the moment, and it's having an enormous ripple effect!
Big hugs to you as well dear Eli, I'm sure you must be very proud of your son as well, as I am of mine for being so brave to make this kind of move!
My heart is with you dear Lizzie. Looking forward to "see" you more often again...
BTW, how did i miss five month this year already??? Or are you a time traveler???
This is a 'dummy' ticket, we must give them the dates we can fly as long as we're there on 24 May😉
Uff... now i'm kind of relieved. Already saw myself in a vortex of time. hahahaha