TODAY'S WORD: avoir la niaque (also: avoir la gnaque)
French: Être très motivé, être capable de soulever des montagnes. (Wikipedia)
English : To be very motivated, to be capable of moving mountains
ECOUTEZ – Listen to Jean-Marc pronounce today's French word:
Avoir la niaque. Aujourd'hui, je n'ai pas la niaque pour continuer ce projet de vignoble au Mas des Brun.
To be motivated. Today, I am no longer motivated to continue this vineyard project as Mas des Brun.
JEAN-MARC'S OPEN LETTER
Kristi's last post about our interrogations on our future have generated a lot of comments and we would like to thank you for the kindness and thoughtfulness of all of them. Even if some of you have supported us in our thoughts, true is that some of you did not understand the reasons of a potential move to the US which can actually be questioned and debated for many reasons.
But first things first : Why do I feel the high need to discontinue this wonderful venture with Mas des Brun ? Well, to summarize it, this is the story of somebody who somehow thought that most difficult part of the job had been done when we moved here (after a lot of searching, we had finally found the right place) and who has been totally blinded by the enormous amount of work needed to create this winery. I have so wanted to root down in this area that once we found this "promise land" and had the chance to create a vineyard, I did not see the immensity of the work needed. Because I was in a sort of "euphoria" phase, I kept telling myself that one way or another, I would find the solutions, all the while discovering the immensity of the tasks. After 4 years of working hard, most of the time taking bad decisions on problems to solve, I have the feeling that I totally burned my wings, especially when, since last year, we are having to face a very difficult and potentially very big problem with administration after the decision I took to clear a parcel (removing many trees) in order to plant vineyards so as to move on with this difficult project to build a vineyard. This case has also corresponded to when I broke my elbow and when the first signs of depression hit me as I started to realize that I was meeting more and more problematic issues on my project.
After almost a year of thinking black and even some very low moments, I now realize that I am 50 years old, that I don't have the financial means to make this project happen (at least to reach its initial goal which is to plant 10 acres of vines), I would need to hire somebody to help me which I can't (I am not paying myself already) and that it will take me another 10 years to eventually put this vineyard to orbit. By then, I will probably have totally broken my back, worried most of the time, praying for sun when rain comes in the Spring, for rain while the summer drought hits the vines… And then, I tell myself : I hopefully have 25 years to enjoy life on this beautiful planet… Of course France, and especially where we live, is gorgeous but there are so much more places that I would like to discover. Since I certainly don't want to continue being depressed and anxious ("je n'ai ni la niaque, ni les moyens), I now feel the need to turn the page, while staying positive, which explains our decision to sell. After all, the sweat, the broken back, the worries might be compensated by a little profit since we did pick our first grapes this year, built a small winemaking facility and made our first official wine to now have on the ground 10 000 vines when there was nothing growing 4 years ago.
Now, why the US ? Well, because this is also our family's culture. Even if we have always lived in France, we feel the US is home too. Kristi's family live there and we have not seen them often. We want to be able to enjoy them more often. We also have very good friends and it is indeed a country where I could express my wine knowledge. I only had great times while visiting with our family or touring the different States with Domaine Rouge-Bleu.
I know well that social security is not the same but we have the chance to still benefit of the French social security in case of serious emergency. Some people tell us that USA is not secure. Well, I am not sure, which is safer: Europe (situated at the door of a potential third world war that can happen in Syria, Israel, Turkey…) or the US. I am not mentioning here the potential issues with war migrants and terrorism which I think is much more worrisome in France than in the US.
Some readers are concerned about our kids : Our plan to is to bring Jackie with us and find her an Art School to develop her fashion skills. Max is currently in a Business school with one year to spend overseas and he is almost 22… About my own family and my Mom, my sister now lives 30 mns away and my brother 1 hour away. I have taken care of my Mom since I was 20 and I don't feel bad if I have leave her, coming to visit her probably once or two times a year.
Colorado ? OK, no more sea urchins but Nature is just splendid there and I love the mountains as much as I love the sea. Also, global warming will certainly make the winters smoother. Heidi and her kids live there and it is very central to go visit family in other States with even a direct flight to Puerto Vallarta where Jules lives. But if it was my call, I would choose Portland, OR which is my preferred city in the US. The only restriction for not moving to the US would be a total unexpected and very worrisome election result on November 8th….
But we are still here, thinking about options in our lives and so far nobody has made an offer to buy our place. You, Dear readers with your kind comments are helping us make the eventual decision. Nothing will happen if we don't sell this place and we might not sell it if we don't get the price we want. We also might ending up 2 miles away if we sell (see this update written 10 months later…) and we also might live here forever. Only God knows, let Him guide us.
In a field of ancient olive trees, Jean-Marc waters his baby vines during the drought
RELATED POSTS: Click on the titles, below, to read the blog entries
If We Left France, Where We Could Move
To Come to a Decision: On Turning the Page of Our Vineyard Dream
Accidental Cassoulet : An update on Depression
Photo of me and our daughter, Jackie, taken behind our home.
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Thank you Jean-Marc for sharing the many events & difficulties and your thought process as you have come to your decisions. We all make decisions that seem perfect, the culmination of a lifelong dream only to discover the problems overwhelm the dream. As much as I love the south of France, I am currently considering other options as well. One option might be to join Jules and relocate to Mexico, although a different part of the country. Good luck in selling the vineyard and all the very best to each of you as you turn the next page in your book of life!
Dear Jean-Marc, your words have touched me deeply. I was forced to reinvent my life at age 51. You can do it. You have the love of your family and your health. Your knowledge of wines and viniculture will be an asset and well received in the US.
I am sending you all good wishes for the future. And God bless.
Anne Umphrey
thank you so much Jean -Mark for your sharing ….you speak for “many ” …I love hearing other people’s stories as it helps me too…
we were in France some years ago…and close to you , in Lourmarin ….did not know about “you” then…would have been wonderful to see you …all the best to you all…Zanna
Such a heartfelt story. I’m also evaluating my own options, so I empathize wholly with you. Blessings.
Expressive and heartfelt.
So much in life depends on timing … and a bit of happenstance😉
What a lovely letter Jean-Marc. I read through many of the comments following Kristn’s post about moving. Most were very supportive but there were a few which I thought were not helpful! There are many of Kristin’s readers who have great life experience ….. And it is always helpful to listen to different views, although we have to follow our own hearts in the end.
Jean Marc, you has clearly followed his dream …. But things change and adjustments are necessary. I know I have followed a dream several times in my life but later realised it wasnt the best thing for me and changed tack, sometimes fairly quickly. No experience in life is ever wasted, we benefit from every experience. In fact I have learned more from my mistakes than I have from my successes.
Nothing is forever. So whatever decisions one makes in life, if they don’t work out as you want them, you can make a change. My mother used to say, ‘The only difference between a rut and the grave is the depth!’
A new chapter means growth and exciting changes ….. Go for it! You have clearly thought it all through. As you say you could have a chapter in the US and then return to France at a later date …..
I think Jean Marc, you will have to become the writer and start a new blog called, ‘ A Frenchman abroad!’
Its a great idea to make the move. But if the vineyard doesn’t sell … You can think again …. Whatever happens things will work out.
One of my favourite sayings is, ‘ if life hands you a lemon …… You can always make lemonade’.
Best wishes to you and your family.
Dear Jean-Marc
. I am viscerally moved by your story. I too am facing similar decisions, and at a much advanced age. I feel in my heart you will come to have peace with whatever decision you make. You have the love and support of your fine family and that is the bedrock to a life of contentment.
Good luck to you and Kristi. Empathetically yours, Ronni
Dearest Kristi & Jean-Marc
I tried to write a response to Kristi’s last post and found myself unable to do it…my words sounded too “preachy” as if I somehow knew what YOU should do! Behind all comments there is one true message: we hold you all in our hearts and wish the very best for you wherever that may be. Having followed your life in France for so many years, we francophiles feel a deep connection with you and your beautiful country. Best to you, toujours, and cheers to you, Chief Grape, for sharing your thoughts!
Toujours dans nos coeurs…is there a French expression for saying that?! Love from a chilly, sunny Fall day in Roanoke, Va. xxx
Jean-Marc, you certainly don’t owe us any explanations for the important decisions facing you and your family, but it is good to hear from you and know that you are keeping well. This is obviously a stressful time for you, with so many factors to consider for the road ahead of you. I know that you and Kristi will make wise choices, and I am absolutely sure that the next chapter of your life together will be interesting, frustrating, challenging, funny, and ultimately happy–because you’ll be writing that chapter together. Lots of people out here cheering you on!
What a beautiful message, Jean Marc. Whatever decision your family makes, it will be a good one because YOU are making the decision and not waiting until circumstances make it for you. The best part is that you are still young enough to enjoy many years living this new life you choose, whether here in the U.S. or in your home country. Not many people have the opportunity or courage to follow multiple dreams in their lives. You and Kristi have lived more than most. Bon chance whichever way you turn.
First of all, despite the recent nuttiness the US is a good place to live. One of the beauties of this blog is that both of you have always so openly shared your life with people who do you are strangers but at the same time intimate friends. Thank you for laying out your experience. It will help so many people who read it say yes I can admit this was harder than I thought and there are always next steps in life. And it takes meditation and being gentle with yourself to determine what the next step is. My husband started a brand-new business at the age of 53 it has brought him joy and a totally different perspective on life for the last 25 years. I started an unexpected career in my early 40s and again it changed my life. Good luck Bonne chance et bon courage
Hi Jean Marc and Kristi,
We are all thinking about you and wishing the best for you all! I remember meeting you Jean Marc in Charlottesville when you brought your lovely wines from Domaine Rouge Bleu. We still have some Lunatique! 🙂
God will guide your decision and everything will work out how it is supposed to. 🙂
It takes a lot of courage to admit things are not working and a big change is needed. I am sure your wine experience, couples with the french accent, would make you a very valuable asset to many wineries here in the US. And we have wineries everywhere! I live in the mid-Atlantic region and can tell you the wineries in Maryland and Virginia are thriving. Colorado is gorgeous and Portland is also. No matter where you choose to live,I wish you success ad happiness.
Beautifully written, Jean-Marc! It all makes sense. You and Kristi have good judgement. Arianna Huffington who founded The Huffington Post says it this way: “Don’t just climb the ladder of success – a ladder that leads, after all, to higher and higher levels of stress and burnout – but chart a new path to success, remaking it in a way that includes not just the conventional metrics of money and power, but a third metric that includes well-being, wisdom, wonder, and giving, so that the goal is not just to succeed but to thrive.” – Arianna Huffington
What is more moving than sheer humble honesty? Your forthright letter was powerful. You and your family are in my prayers. As a previous comment said ….you have the most powerful weapon ….a good family that loves you.
Peace
Mary Liz
Dear Jean Marc,
You’re very brave: for taking on this challenge in the first place…for giving it your all especially in the face of physical and then emotional pain…and for sharing your story with all with us here. Wherever your lives take you, I wish you and your family nothing but happiness!
Julie
Cher Jean-Marc,
I cannot add much to all the heartfelt and wise wishes of your and Kristi’s many readers except to say bon courage, and patience, I’m certain your hard work will pay off, and that your next adventure will be as wonderful as the last ones. Every day counts, and dreams do come true, even if for just a few years. as proven with your latest accomplishment, much admired by so many!
We look forward to what comes next, you are both a real inspiration for a life well lived.
Bien amicalement, Suzanne
Great letter, Jean Marc.
Courage for The Journey.
Dearest Kristi And Jean-Marc, I must say that I had a chuckle when I read the first thing> Is Jean-Marc single? OK, on with the rest of the story. This Jean-Marc is a Very difficult decision that ‘you’ must make at this(or Any time)in your life/marriage. I only know that what ever you decide must/should be made along with your wife and prayers for Our Lord to help guide you along the way. You will NEVER please 100% of the people, just remember Only you know (and God) what you are truly going through, don’t let pride/guilt seep in and take over and have a hand at your decision making. Kristi also, should be aware of your thoughts, feelings, fears>you are both one and MUST Help, Hold be Patient and Love each other at All times(Which is not always easy). Life is NOT easy(as you both have found out). Be there for each other(and be the role models for your lovely children)no matter what happens and lift each one up. Hold each other in your arms, a simply touch, kiss helps to remind us that we are here for the other. I have said the rose has thorns and we still seem to look for and enjoy her. Life is a bumpy ride, so hold on. Pray, pray, pray with each other-no matter where or how silly it may seem. Our Lord loves us to ask for help and Not necessarily in a church/chapel-remember the earth is His and we can stop and pray/talk to Him from ANY place. Even from the USA, as a mother and grandmother>Yes, I would love to see my children ALL the time but I would gladly give that up in order for them to live happily elsewhere. I hope this helps a wee bit. Take care, God Bless> Love, prayers to ya’ll. Mollie
Jean-Marc,
Your letter made me remember two inspirational notes attached to my bathroom mirror that I would like to share with you and Kristi.
“There are no wrong turns, only unexpected paths.” (Mark Nepo)
“Where there’s life, there’s hope.” (Terrence, comic dramatist)
Whether or not you move to the US, you might enjoy visiting the Finger Lakes Region of New York. It’s a spectacularly beautiful area with charming towns, waterfalls, gorges, hiking trails, and many wineries. In fact, Domaine Leseurre, on Keuka Lake is owned by a French couple.
I’m looking forward to spending a month in Aix next spring with Smithsonian Journeys “Living in France” program. It’s a dream come true. I wish you the best of luck wherever your paths lead.
I applaud you both! Change is not easy! As we age our needs and perspectives change! It is a time for us to evaluate our situation and determine what is important for us and our families…as we get older, many of us realize that we will be better “travellers” if we lighten our load! By lightening our load, our arms and hands are open and free to give and accept love and assistance! When our earthly journey comes to an end, we will be able to carry our love with us for our next journey! Alas, the avocados, gardens, and houses must remain for others to enjoy!
I highly recommend these two books by Margaret Silf:
The Other Side of Chaos: breaking through when life is breaking down
Wayfaring
May I just say you are truly a remarkable man? You have communicated your feelings more eloquently than any man I have ever known. Expressing your deepest fears and hopes is hard, but harder to pen them to people you have never known, but whom you know really care for and support you. Decisions are choices made between or among many options. It is obvious you have not only given your best to Mas de Brun but also to the decision on your future. You and Kristi are a wonderful team. Your extended family wants what’s best for your continued health and happiness. And we, your extended-extended family (!) want the same for all of you. Bon courage!
Bonne Courage, Jean-Marc! You should not have to explain, but what you’ve written is very thoughtful. I wish you and your family much happiness with whatever path you take.
Life is one continuous change full of ups and downs. You and your children are healthy and together. Family is support. Embrace your new adventure and best of luck.
What a beautiful letter; I feel very privileged being able to read it. Thank you Jean-Marc
You are such beautiful people, inside and out……so reflective and sane!!
I hope you find your way and that we can keep up with your doings.
Many blessings and love, Maureen
Doing my bit for Gippsland tourism 🙂 http://www.visitphillipisland.com/listing/southern-gippsland-wine-trail/ though I know you’d probably never consider such ends of the earth! I love it here where I live on Phillip Island ; Purple Hen makes good wine! 🙂 G
Thank you, Jean-Marc, for your looking forward and your looking up, and your real view of your life.! Thank you, Kristi for your flexibility, your fortitude and your support of Jean-Marc. It takes great courage to pull up roots and move to another country, even if you already have family here. Now that you might be a bit closer-come consider visiting us in Maine-you have a place to stay here!
You are the age at which some very realistic decisions should be made. Your acquired wisdom plus a mature awareness of the present should guide you to answer, “What is my best prediction of the next ten or twenty years and where do I want to be in that scenario?” The question is inappropriate before age 50.
Oh my God..do what is good for you..I wonder why people question your thoughts about leaving..you have worked so hard..I don’t comment often..but I have read..you have a beautiful family..
life can change in one instant..so do what will make you and yours happy..life is too short to spend it troubled about things.
When I was in my fories..and we moved to this home..once or twice I thought should we buy a home with way more land?
I am 62 now..still active but so glad we don’t have more than our half acre lot and it’s perennial gardens and 100 year old trees to look after..and these 16 years have flown by.
Things change with age..things you do not even expect..I never thought I would say that..but it is true..not everyone ages in perfect health and stamina.
So well written.
Bonne chance ..vous deux..c’est tellement beau de vous voir ensemble.Votre amour vous suivra partout.
Being a very private person, I am however grateful that you both have opened up your lives, your highs and lows to the rest of us who have vicariously had our “French adventure” through you. You have shared the good, the bad and the ugly while other bloggers make us think they live in a paradise without day to day worries.
My parents took up farming one hundred acres when they were in their mid-50s. I thought they were crazy. Forty years later, the farm is one of our favorite places to visit. That being said, my parents managed to farm for 10 years but then it too became to much so they rented out the land. Have you thought of that option?
Also, you spoke of migrants. I’m sure there are many among them who would be willing to work hard for a roof over their heads and 3 meals a day. Is that a possibility?
Also, have you thought of a “staycation” where people actually pay you for the opportunity to work on the vinyard? It’s a crazy world out there between the haves and the have nots.
In any event, all the best to you and your family. Let’s raise a glass to all of us making the right decisions as we move forward.
It takes a strong man to reveal the conflicts in his heart. Thank you for your courage to tell us about what lead you and Kristi to this step. I wish you both much happiness wherever the road takes you.
Dear Jean-Marc, Your letter arrived on a day when I too have multiple problems and yet when I read your words – je compatis. How could one not, when you and Kristi are so open and deserving? I will never meet either of you but you have shared with me some wonderful memories of the south of France where I once lived for a year aged 21 (now 77). One night I got almost drunk on the collection of Kristi’s wonderful photos and viewed them til the small hours. Such beauty and so generous to share what is so personal. I am so sorry that things have not turned out well for you. You are right to call a halt. And to be proactive as well as trusting in God. I have family in Oregon and have visited twice. It’s a great place – apart from the rather like Yorkshire weather! I wish you both well from the bottom of my heart. Do not be slow to get some advice and support, even medication (it doesn’t have to be for ever) for the depression. It can hit all of us and sometimes we need a hand to help us. A warm hug from Margaret.
We will follow you where ever you land! And many prayers for the sale of the vineyard property. We are midlife movers too, now in Scotland but will return to the US after a few more years here. As you know, the US is a great place to live, so huge with so much variety of things and people. Blessings on the next few months of transition. Colorado will be amazing.
(We loved our bottle of Domaine Rouge Bleu – we met you in DC a few years ago)
Mary
Jean-Marc and Kristi,
Neither of you owe us an explanation, but we appreciate your sharing, and it also helps those who are experiencing similar situations.
An old saying (Danish? Dutch?) – do what you can, with what you have, where you are. Often hindsight is 20/20, but we can only make our decisions with what we know at the time.
You all have done wonderfully, and now it’s time to change direction. For me, too – and this time at 61! when I’m finally excited again about the adventure, but concerned about being able to rebuild at this age.
But, in life as in sailing, we may need to tack to and fro to get to our destination, not all journeys are straight lines. Most are not.
Bon courage! To you and all of us who are recreating, reinventing, rewriting the next chapter of our lives!
xo
(Oooh, I can’t believe I revealed my number; usually it remains unlisted!)
Good luck to you on your decisions ahead. As a recommendation, Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa (the middle of the USA) has an excellent fashion program.
I really appreciate your letter, Jean-Marc. It is your inner wisdom that tells you when it is time to change paths. Once you are in alignment with it, you may find your depression will lift. I know, as I have been through the same. It also takes courage to step forward in a new direction.
There are some very good schools in NYC – Parson’s School of Design, and the Fashion Institute of Technology (my alma mater). They are, in my opinion, the best of the best, not to mention being situated in the heart of fashion for the US.
If this blog continues, I look forward to your new adventures!
It takes great courage to recognize the need to make a change and even more to carry through with it. Blessings to you all!
What do any of us know, really – except that you will end up doing what is the right thing for you and your family, and it will all work out for the best.
Thank you for sharing with all of us today. I think we needed to hear from you, as you and your family, whom most of us have never met, are important to us and we care about them.
Dear Jean Marc and Kristin,
My heart goes out to you both. Jean-Marc, Kristi, you have honored us by sharing your entwined heart and soul with us all these years. Now it is time we share ours with you. Come. Come to America. We welcome you with open arms.
Love,
Diane
Thank you for your candid letter. You folks have a large following and live a portion of your life on the internet – very public. Colorado is AMAZING! I am sure you all would love it there. Best wishes as you make this next transition.
Jean-Marc, thank you for this sincere letter. I hope that neither you nor Kristi feel that you owe your readers an explanation. I think sometimes loyal readers might feel so invested in your lives, having read this journal for many years, that they start to live vicariously through you. It’s easy to project one’s fears onto someone else whose thoughts and decisions might take an unexpected turn.
I’m in awe of the work and dedication you both have put into Mas des Brun. I remember reading Kristi’s stories about your move. At the time, to me, it felt that you both had to make a few major sacrifices to realize your new dream, and you have continued to work diligently over the years. Dreams evolve and often change entirely. Nothing is static and it sounds like you are most certainly ready to move on. It also feels that this time is right for you to make a change.
I wish you both great success with your journey and I know that you will do well, regardless of where God’s guidance takes you. I wrote this in my previous comment and will say it again: As long as you have each other’s love and support, everything else will fit into place. Bon courage!
Hi Jean-Marc
Several years I shared your experience with depression. For quite a period of time, I resisted my doctors advice about taking a drug to combat it. Big mistake! I finally took his advice. He prescribed a very low dose of generic Prozac for three months. After a month I was perfectly fine I told him I was cured and was going to quit taking the drug. He told me that was a lousy idea and to follow his advice. I did and have had no problems since. This occured some years ago when we moved from Paris to Antibes. We’re back in Paris and enjoying life again. By the way, we are ex West Coast people from the U.S. We’ve lived in Portland, (my wife was born there), Bend, Oregon and Seattle. Anywhere in the Northwest will be a good choice. Washington, Oregon and California are all left leaning politically. In other words, mostly sane.
What ever you finally decide to do, my wife and I wish the best for you and yours.
Dear Jean-Marc and Kristi,
First, the questions – Is Jean-Marc single ? and. Is your property for sale ?
Should have been – Is Jean-Marc for sale ? and. Is your property single
( In the sense of – do I have to buy it all or may I buy this part or that one ?
You know I live in Yuma, AZ. You also know the election this year is a horrible comedy that keeps playing over and over but keeps selling
tickets nonetheless.
I like you cannot move unless I sell my house. So now I am moving into a small space on the property leaving behind an empty three bedroom house which would be delighted with your company. Just a thought while you regroup.
Yuma is within hours driving distance to : Mexico ( 7 minutes ), LA, San Diego, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Tucson, San Diego, and maybe 10 hours to Albuquerque and Santa Fe. You may already know this.
In terms of wineries ( so you can stay in touch at least ) is Sam Pillsbury and Victor Alvarez. Sam’s vinyards are in Wilcox, AZ – met him years ago at a tasting in Phoenix. He has several tasting rooms one of which I go to as often as possible in Cottonwood, AZ. He is a delightful transplant from New Zealand. Victor came to Yuma from Columbia in 1974. He is the only physician you don’t get to see until you are dead. He also has a great accent and his winery Miraflores is in Placerville, CA. Several years ago one of his wines received a 92 or so rating in the Wine Spectator. Both of men would be delighted to meet you both.
Also there is a small winery as you drive into Cottonwood called Alcantara owned by Barbara. She comes from a Napa Valley winery family but wanted to start her own. I always stop there on my way to see friends.
As always – Blue Butterflies to you,
Sh’reen Morrison
Jean Marc,
Because I have been reading Kristi’s blog for at least ten years I feel I know your family even though we have never met. For that reason I thank you for your honest message. I wish you and your family the best of luck, whatever you do.
Libbie in North Carolina
P.S. Don’t worry about Donald Trump — he’s NOT going to win this election!
You wrote about him becoming a writer. After reading the letter, I agree. There is more than one writer in the family!
Hello Kristi & Jean-Marc,
Just to say that I wish you every happiness & good health in whatever you do and wherever your futures lie. I hope you will perhaps both continue with the blog as we look forward to hearing of your next adventures and how Jackie & Max are progressing. Take care & much love.
Thank you Jean-Marc for your heartfelt honesty. I just would like to point out that I hope you have more than 25 years left. I am 75 and I hope that I have 20 or 25 good years left. I do live each day fully just to make sure. Good luck wherever you land. The Wine Country in California is quite delicious!!! A 3 hour flight to PV, Mexico, a few hours to Colorado and bathed in beauty every day.
Jean-Marc and Kristi,
It has been ages since I’ve posted a comment. It is not because I’ve lost interest in or stopped reading your posts. It’s only because I’ve gone through a “dark night of the soul” and serious medical problems myself. It was so good to read the message from your heart, Jean-Marc. I’m praying the next step you take in life will be clear to all involved. You have well-said yourself, “Only God knows, let Him guide us.” You can’t go wrong with an attitude and prayer like that. Many blessings, Tom from Detroit
Best wishes for whatever you decide.
“A path is only a path, and there is no affront, to oneself or to others, in dropping it if that is what your heart tells you . . . Look at every path closely and deliberately. Try it as many times as you think necessary. Then ask yourself alone, one question . . . Does this path have a heart? If it does, the path is good; if it doesn’t it is of no use.”
― Carlos Castaneda
Jean-Marc and Kristi,
Lovely words and I know how hard this is for you. My husband and I, too, are having to make a life change soon and it isn’t easy. But, if you don’t try, you will never know. You have wonderful family and you will never lose that. I suffer from depression and while under control, it lurks in the background, making decisions that much more difficult. Nothing you’ve done is a failure but rather an adventure that others may not have had the courage to take. Best of luck wherever you land!