THE SEARCH - THE MOVE

I moved into a seniors retirement center last year. I should have started writing then, but like I always told my kids. It's never too late. I will back up to the beginning, but catch up quickly. So lets just start.

I was managing apartments in Oregon but having more and more difficulty keeping up physically. After discussing the problem with my daughter and knowing sooner or later that I should (no would have) to move somewhere it seemed only reasonable to be near her and especially the grand kids. I wanted to be part of their lives before they were too old to care about seeing me. (Teenagers you know).

I went on line to find my options for the west Puget Sound area of the state. I wanted to be close to family. I found about four that interested me and decided I would check it out on an August trip to see the family.

My daughter had partially checked the options out before my arrival. She drove by them. She decided on the basis of appearance. I liked that. She had her favorite. We went to check that one out first.

It was beautiful. The 12 year old building was designed to look somewhat victorian modern. Large partially fake wrap around porch. Several interesting roof angles, nicely landscaped, sitting at the end of a long finger inlet of the sound. The old town area, where it is situated, was flat and perfect for walking with a limp (I do).

Lets check it out. Rita, the manager, buzzed us in and gave us the lowdown on everything then took us on the grand tour. There were two buildings. The larger one held the office, a large living room with a grand piano, a smaller library a games room with pool table and a puzzle table for everyone (I like puzzles), and a large dining room called the commons. They do not serve meals but use the area for events, special occasions, coffee breaks and house meetings. It was all very attractively appointed. Yeah!

Having been a student of architecture and design, looks were helpful. Not the end all, but not a put off either.

We were taken to the first floor end of the hall on the left in the second building of the apartment tour. We were introduced to Delores, the outgoing tenant currently packing, the tour took two minutes tops. It was smaller than expected, but workable. Living/dining room, tiny kitchen, large bathroom and bedroom. (Why was the bathroom so large?)

After returning to the office, Rita wanted to get some basic information. By the time we got to the eighth page I figured out she was filling out my application (Slow, I know). I had read there was a 6-12 month wait and I was planning for retirement the following year.

After a review of my finances and a clear understanding that Sunset Manor was an income subsidized facility and that I could manage on my limited income, I decided to retirement here. After all was signed, she told me I could move in November 1. WHAT! I thought there was a one year wait. Yes, but…

We have to talk about this! My girl and I went to a wonderful neighborhood Bistro for lunch and ultimately decided I would move my retirement up a year. WOW! I was moving in two months. Much to do.

The place was perfect for me. I was excited. I was nervous. Quit my job, pack my junk, and panic. It would be fun. Yuck!

October 30th my son-in-law had arrived to help me load and drive the U-Hall back. I got a call from Rita. Where are you? Pardon, I said. Our office closes in an hour and I want to get you checked in before the weekend. We are off work on Saturday. (Thanks for telling me.) I can't get there. We are still packing and cannot get up there until tomorrow. TOMORROW! I can't check you in tomorrow! Well I can't be there today and Tomorrow is Nov. 1. I wasn't told of the change in arrival. Oh, I told you alright. We never work on the weekends. (Just shut up Clyde, an argument here will not help.) I will call my daughter to come get the keys and we can settle it up on Monday. And that we did.

The trip went well. There was a light rain most of the way. We arrived at my daughters just over the hill from the home and I stayed for the night. Saturday we moved in. I was a little surprised they did not recruit a few men to help me move in. I knew I would be of little help. But there was my daughter, her husband, my 11 year old granddaughter, the 8 year old granddaughter and my seven year old grandson. We'll will never make it. But we did. I was shocked at how hard the grand kids worked, how much they could carry and the creativity they all had in moving things around. When the truck was nearly empty we found water in the granny attic over the cap. Several boxes were wet. And what did we put up there. Books, papers, art supplies. Yes there were wet.

It was time to rest,but the truck needed to be returned. My daughter and the kids set up the bed, unpacked some boxes and arranged a few things while Chris, Morgan and I returned the truck. We filed a claim and completed the paper work. I would wait to see what would happen next. I returned to my new home and fell on the bed telling the family to turn the light out as they left.