Here’s my theory: moving is like throwing a stone over the lake of your life — eventually, the ripples reach to every part of the water.

I arrived at this idea as I talked with my mom this week. In the course of conversation, she said, “Your brother keeps forgetting to say “Alabama” instead of, “Washington, DC” when he prays.”

Every night at supper, Willie prays: “Thank you God for heaven and for prayers, and for food, and for my sister Caroline and Jonathan in Washington, DC … ”

Remembering this, I felt a sinking sense of guilt; not only had I left dear friends in Washington, but I’d effected a significant revision in my brother’s prayer as well. I’d moved 750+ additional miles from him, and I’d disrupted his daily routine in the process. My mind kicked into self-blame mode; Great job, sis! I thought.

“That makes sense,” I replied, feeling downcast. “After all, he’s been praying for me in Washington, DC for 5 years now, and for Jonathan and me for 3 years. That’s a long time.”

But just as I was worrying about possible disruptive effects on Willie’s psyche (not to mention our relationship), my mom said, “He thinks it’s hilarious whenever he starts to say the wrong place.

“He does?” I said, incredulous. Here I thought of this as potentially devastating, and he thinks it’s funny?

“Oh, yes. Every time he says, ‘Washing… oh no, I mean, Alabama!’, he just cracks himself up.”

Of course, I thought. Willie’s favorite kind of humor involves purposeful mistakes; that’s how he coined the phrase, ‘A Wish Come Clear’. And he’s learning the wisdom of the oops when it comes to giving himself grace.

***

Leave it to Willie to sweep self-blame away with laughter. And his unexpected reaction reminded me of saying farewell to the folks at L’Arche DC (a faith-based non-profit where people with and without intellectual disabilities share life together in community). I’d been a part of the L’Arche DC community for 5 years, and the thought of saying goodbye was painful.

And yet the goodbyes themselves were … shockingly casual. Even as a part of me thought, You’re leaving after 5 years, for heaven’s sake! Shouldn’t this be more dramatic?, a wiser part knew that drama was the last thing that was needed. The core members (adults with intellectual disabilities) at L’Arche have said myriad farewells over the years; goodbyes are practically woven into the fabric of their lives.

When I hugged Miguel* for the last time, he was tired, and more interested in going to bed than saying goodbye. When I said adios to Pedro, he gave me a wave and kept doing his artwork. And even as I posed for a final photo with Leo, an assistant was standing by to help him finish his evening routine. In other words, life was going on, all the time.

As I walked away from the house, I let myself grieve. Yet even so, I felt a surge of gratitude for those I have been blessed to call friends. And if what I fear most comes to pass — that is, even if those simple goodbyes mark the last time I’ll see certain faces in this life — it will be all right, because I believe that we will meet again.**

***

With all of these things in my heart, there was just one thing that I could think to say to my mom.

“May I say hi to Willie now?” I said.

“To your favorite brother? Of course,” she said, and put down the phone to call him over.

I felt as though I was exactly where I was meant to be:

standing at a new shore, watching ripples of change flow

out to the edges of my life  …

Yet still listening for the sound of a beloved voice. 

***

What has helped you to let go of false guilt & self-blame in a time of change?

Join the conversation in the comments section below!

***

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***

*Names have been changed.

**”I believe that this life is not all; neither the beginning nor the end. I believe while I tremble; I trust while I weep.”  – Charlotte Bronte, Villette

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  1. Greg Lease July 2, 2012 at 9:46 PM - Reply

    Caroline,

    I never fail to be touched by your poignant telling of simple life events as you’ve experienced them. Your willingness to be transparent is a continual blessing to me, and I’m sure to many others as well. I hope that you are settling into your new home in Alabama; what a culture shock that must be in going from Washington D.C. to rural southern life! I’m sure that there are a whole new set of experiences there from which you will continue to bless us with your gift of storytelling. God bless you, dear sister.

    Greg

    • Caroline McGraw July 2, 2012 at 10:49 PM - Reply

      What wonderful words – thank you, Greg! Sharings like yours are what keep me inspired to keep telling stories.

  2. Donna July 3, 2012 at 12:37 AM - Reply

    Thank you for such insight…we allow ourselves to be responsible for things way out of our control! And then feel guilty! We are crazy humans…I do believe looking at ourselves with a readiness to laugh is good medicine!

  3. Mary Shapiro July 4, 2012 at 9:57 PM - Reply

    Moving is hard…as is saying good-bye…wondering if anyone will remember you, let alone keep in touch. It’s been a great learning for me over the years, and is again now as I’ve moved from DC 50 miles out towards Marshall, VA (from city to country). Yes I love my new home! And I still commute in once a week for work, so I get BOTH. Wondering if it may be better to cut ties totally …how?…when? Learning too that sometimes people surprise me as far as who will keep in touch. I met Annalisa one day (literally!) at a YMCA Camp. She was camping out about to start (or was it end?) a cross country bike journey. With that one day, we’ve been friends! For 23 years?!? And although we really only are in touch when I’m going through MN, the Friendship is deep beyond space and time. I wish you these kinds of hello’s and good–truly GOOD-byes!

    • Caroline McGraw July 4, 2012 at 11:22 PM - Reply

      Yes! Thank you, Mary — I’ve found your words to be true, and your friendship as well. 🙂

  4. Metod July 5, 2012 at 1:10 AM - Reply

    Caroline, I know what you mean…for me the guilt was perhaps even bigger as I moved far across the ocean in finding my new home. I felt guilty abandoning my family and friends not fully knowing if they’ll understand my need for a change.
    Looking back now, what helped me to overcome this melancholy was that I started a family right away and was thrown into this whirlpool of life, not having practically time for much else. That’s not to suggest that you start your family…just yet 🙂 I can imagine that you guys will be very busy for a while.

    Moving on its own is never easy…not mentioning the good-byes. I hope that you are slowly settling in your new home, refining your new, beautiful space and getting know the neighbours.
    As I recall, once we knew the neighbours, all kind of fell in its place.

    Wishing all the best in these days Caroline and looking forward to your posts.
    Metod

    • Caroline McGraw July 5, 2012 at 3:07 PM - Reply

      “This whirlpool of life” – love it. Thank you for sharing, Metod! And thanks to your encouragement, I’ll plan on reaching out to our new neighbors as well.

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