Just wanted to follow up on my move back.

My oldest GD, who I thought would handle my move to Italy very well.. Her Dad did not tell her who was coming to pick her up for a visit today (she was out of town visiting her father's extended family).

When she saw me, she burst into sobs and hugged me so tight I had to sit down to keep my balance! She wouldnt let go for ten minutes. It was so bittersweet. So glad I made the decision to come home.

Life is back to near-normal. New furniture for 3 rooms, carpets cleaned in all bedrooms and hardwood installed in living/dining areas. It looks great! Still have half a storage unit to empty, but taking time w grandkids first, for the 4th!

Hope you all have a safe one!

Very touching....

I have three kids in the US... No grand kids... Everyone tells us this will be the siren which sings us home.

Life is full of hard decisions... Glad yours turned out well.

Good for you!

I am so happy for you! You made a series of brave decisions, first to follow your dream, then, more importantly to realise dreams aren't everything and to return home, head held high.
Enjoy your new old life, treasure your grandchildren and look forward to another dream, and another trip.
I am glad it has all worked out so well.

And the cats? The feral?
Welcome home.

I am glad to find you have no regrets. I enjoyed your report.

I'm confused. Didn't you just move to Europe or am I thinking of another poster?

@bitter- Yes, it was me. But I realized after a few weeks that my grandkids needed me more than I needed Italy.

Het- Thx much for the kind words.

CentralEu- I realize that those without grandkids might find this crazy. And I'm ok w that.

Goldens- Kitties all back to normal, w the exception of my 3-legged boy. He had a couple of bad experiences and is still very skittish. But he'll get over it. Neighbor continued to feed feral and she was happy to see me, too!

Wow, sarge, what an odyssey! I'm very happy that you are content with your decisions and happy to be back with your grandchildren. You absolutely made the right decision for you...and went through an amazing process to get there and back.

At the same time, this would never be me. I'd be in Italy still, with no regrets.

World's full of different people.

StCirq- well, there were some circumstances beyond my control. I alluded to those in my "coming home" message. Two of my grandchildren had been abandoned by their mother... my daughter. I felt an obligation to be here for them. Otherwise, trust me- I'd still be there.

I know, sarge, and I totally respect that. What it boils down to is I'm more selfish. And for various historical reasons, have less obligatory family ties - in fact, don't honor them much at all, but that's me and my history. I totally respect your decision and hope you can make it work out again in the future. I think you have been very brave from the get-go up until now, and I commend you.

Sarge, you are awesome!

Your children and grandchildren are incredibly fortunate. And your cats, too!

Wishing you all the very best.

Thx kja. And all.

Glad you are settling back in well. I look forward to the future trip report when you introduce your grandkids to Italy!

What a surprise. Thanks for telling us. I am sorry your move to Italy/Italian adventure was cut so short.

Hi sarge,
OK, I didn't read every little bit of the threads you put out there for me and I have no idea how I missed all of them in the first place, but that second thread really explains it all pretty clearly.

You gave it an aces try, found out it was possible, had a great vacation and made your decision to come home. Sounds good to me. The important thing, I think, is that you found out it was possible so that possibility exists any time in the future.

And you're lucky, lucky, lucky to have grandkids! I've always wanted some but when you don't have kids, it's difficult to get grandkids.

Good luck to you!

thanks, GTG. I am keeping my options open... and planning my next trip back to Italy. A long one, I hope.