A friend of mine is moving out of the USA later this week.

[Grammy23]

36. I vividly remember being in Atlanta with my best friend.

We were about 18 -19 and visiting my older sister and her family. It was 1968. While we were there, we heard about Robert Kennedy being shot and killed. We were sleeping on cots in the living room and through many tears were talking about leaving the US — possibly relocating to Australia. We knew absolutely nothing except we were very unhappy with how things were going in the US. Just two not quite grown teenagers starting to see what our world was becoming. We truly thought moving away was the solution.

Then life happened. She became a nurse and married. I also married and had a son. I taught kindergarten and eventually obtained a BA degree and Master’s in Sociology. Thoughts of moving away returned occasionally, but it was never practical or feasible for one reason or another. I had the urge but not the means to do so.

Now at 73 it all seems very far away. I’ve been to Europe several times and there are places I am quite sure I could live. But now….moving away from family seems too hard. They are not ready to move. So here I am. If we sold everything, cashed in stock and 401 K we could do it but figure we’re too old for a major move. But still…..the thought crosses through this old noggin’ just like it did at 18.