OVER 50's+ MOVING BACK TO THE UK - Part II
Jun 19th 2011, 8:34 pm
#7516
Finally Home!
Joined: Mar 2010
Location: Used to be New York, now North Yorkshire
Posts: 3,610
Re: OVER 50's+ MOVING BACK TO THE UK - Part II
Yay! Good for you! We just booked a week's trip in Sept. for $770 each from JFK, which is really good because a few weeks ago, prices were $1,200 each.
Jun 19th 2011, 9:28 pm
#7517
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Posts: 1,139
Re: OVER 50's+ MOVING BACK TO THE UK - Part II
Nice pics Barb. Thanks for sharing.
Jun 19th 2011, 9:58 pm
#7518
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Re: OVER 50's+ MOVING BACK TO THE UK - Part II
Jun 19th 2011, 10:04 pm
#7519
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Joined: Aug 2009
Location: Back home now in my home town in England U.K. after 36 years in U.S. now retired and loving it,
Posts: 3,208
Re: OVER 50's+ MOVING BACK TO THE UK - Part II
A wise person I once knew said "when making a big life decision, always make sure you're running towards something, not running away from something."
I think that applies here. Rodney was running towards healthcare and towards his family. Those reasons are enough to sustain him through periods of missing the US.
But if you don't have anything to run to in the UK except a vague sense that it's 'home,' then there's nothing there for you when you get back.
If I try to think about what I'll miss in the USA, it's not much and it's all material stuff. When I think about what I'm heading back to, it's all the stuff that matters - our oldest friends, our siblings, and our now aging parents. Whatever else I am in the UK, I won't be lonely the way I have been here. So while I have doubts, I know that I am definitely running towards and not running away.
I hope each person making such a huge move goes through this thought process and asks themselves what they're running towards before making the move.
I think that applies here. Rodney was running towards healthcare and towards his family. Those reasons are enough to sustain him through periods of missing the US.
But if you don't have anything to run to in the UK except a vague sense that it's 'home,' then there's nothing there for you when you get back.
If I try to think about what I'll miss in the USA, it's not much and it's all material stuff. When I think about what I'm heading back to, it's all the stuff that matters - our oldest friends, our siblings, and our now aging parents. Whatever else I am in the UK, I won't be lonely the way I have been here. So while I have doubts, I know that I am definitely running towards and not running away.
I hope each person making such a huge move goes through this thought process and asks themselves what they're running towards before making the move.
And at least I know that I will not be lonely ever again
Sally my Daughter called me up to day and said what are you doing for lunch? I said nothing, she said meet her downtown at a certain place Im takeing you to lunch, Ill meet you at 1pm, so we met and we had a lovely lunch and a great talk, she handed me this big carrier bag, it wAS SO COLORFUL AND IN BIG WORDS IT SAID (DADS BAG) on the front and back, INside was a whole bunch of gifts and cards, including a box of cadburys chocs, and a nice big bottle of brandy from her and my grandkids ----- you know I have always known that my Daughter loved me even though I have been away for most of her life, but today guess what ---- nothing to do with the presents or lunch, as she has always every year sent me a Fathers day card, ---- and presents when she could afford them, every year I was away in USA she never missed a year with a birthday or Fathers day card,
But today was different, it was real special, probably cause its the first time we have spent Fathers day or part of it together,
It was special like when my Son took me out for lunch on my Birthday a couple of weeks ago, hey this is great --- Im getting to know my kids and they are getting to know me, we are starting to get close bit by bit,
So you can see why I put FAMILY at the very top of my list, I can see now how important they are to me, ---- I can see it now very clearly, now I know what I have missed all these years, but also I feel so guilty leaving them when I did, but as my Daughter said to me when she picked me up at heathrow last December 1st 2010 ---- she put her arms around me and gave me this terrific bear hug and kissed me gently on the cheek and whispered in my ear ---- dont worry about a thing Dad ---- YOUR HOME NOW
Jun 19th 2011, 10:09 pm
#7520
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Location: US
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Re: OVER 50's+ MOVING BACK TO THE UK - Part II
Ha Ha Sally and Pauline, they were all so similar like clones LOL!! 
Well there was a bit of a stuff up by the person who arranges the tickets........soooo we flew from Manchester to Amsterdam on KLM got a train to Antwerp and then a taxi to the hotel, talk about Planes, Trains and Automobiles!!
Altogether took 6 hours plus. 
Then we found out our return train ticket was wrong, so our European Sales Manager (he is based in our office) was there so he sorted it out for us and changed our ticketing as he was flying to Manchester himself, so we got a taxi with him from Antwerp to Brussels, then a plane directly into Manchester, left the hotel at 0745 got into Manchester at 1105!!
The flight itself on Brussels Airlines was less than an hour and a half.
So at 11.30 (local time 10.30) I was home in my own kitchen putting the kettle on for a nice English cuppa.
Well there was a bit of a stuff up by the person who arranges the tickets........soooo we flew from Manchester to Amsterdam on KLM got a train to Antwerp and then a taxi to the hotel, talk about Planes, Trains and Automobiles!!
Altogether took 6 hours plus. Then we found out our return train ticket was wrong, so our European Sales Manager (he is based in our office) was there so he sorted it out for us and changed our ticketing as he was flying to Manchester himself, so we got a taxi with him from Antwerp to Brussels, then a plane directly into Manchester, left the hotel at 0745 got into Manchester at 1105!!
The flight itself on Brussels Airlines was less than an hour and a half.
So at 11.30 (local time 10.30) I was home in my own kitchen putting the kettle on for a nice English cuppa.
I saw all the pictures and there didn't seem to be many people around?
At first I thought it maybe because it was the Sabbath but the photo date on some of them was Friday. Maybe the workers flee the city in the evening when you took them?
Jun 19th 2011, 10:10 pm
#7521
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Re: OVER 50's+ MOVING BACK TO THE UK - Part II
Rodney has a lot of stock in the Klennex Corporation
Jun 19th 2011, 10:17 pm
#7522
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Joined: Aug 2009
Location: Back home now in my home town in England U.K. after 36 years in U.S. now retired and loving it,
Posts: 3,208
Re: OVER 50's+ MOVING BACK TO THE UK - Part II
Im so happy for you that your Job is going great for you, and international travel too Huh, I must take the ferry over there maybe to Brussels one day soon, do you think my Mum will come with me?
Jun 19th 2011, 10:20 pm
#7523
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Posts: 3,208
Jun 19th 2011, 10:24 pm
#7524
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Jun 19th 2011, 10:34 pm
#7525
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Re: OVER 50's+ MOVING BACK TO THE UK - Part II
=cheers;9443109]Rodney has a lot of stock in the Klennex Corporation[/QUOTE] 
[/QUOTE]
Jun 19th 2011, 10:57 pm
#7526
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Joined: Dec 2009
Location: Leicester UK
Posts: 793
Re: OVER 50's+ MOVING BACK TO THE UK - Part II
Sally, brilliant post thank you.
Rodney you made me cry ....AGAIN.......
Fulwood have a great trip, Aries, aw I feel your pain and uncertainty, just keep your eye on the price and read Sallys words. So very true.
Today I went to a party on my street and for the first time told our neighbours I am leaving in 10 weeks, there was lots of shock and horror, been here in the neighbourhood for 10 and half years, we were the second family to move into this neighbourhood, and there is only about 25 homes, we know everyone. It was very hard to tell them I am getting divorced, and leaving, I have watched all the children on this street grow up, mine are the oldest all the others are 12 and under.
I felt sad and got some hugs goodbye from members of the family whose party it was, see they kind of adopted us as we have no family here and we were always invited to all their family do's. It was tough and reality set in for me.
Although I have been very unhappy for a very long time, it will be hard. I am leaving my children behind and many friends, my divorce will be final at the end of July.
I have no idea how I will fair but I have to do this for me. I am 60 later this year, if I dont I feel it will be too late. my mum is 88 not in good health and I want to be with her.
time will tell if I can settle over there without my children, and for those who do not know me so well, I have twin girls almost 19 and a son 20 and a half who do not want to move back to the UK, we have been here 14 years next month.
My one way ticket to home is August 27th.
Rodney you made me cry ....AGAIN.......
Fulwood have a great trip, Aries, aw I feel your pain and uncertainty, just keep your eye on the price and read Sallys words. So very true.
Today I went to a party on my street and for the first time told our neighbours I am leaving in 10 weeks, there was lots of shock and horror, been here in the neighbourhood for 10 and half years, we were the second family to move into this neighbourhood, and there is only about 25 homes, we know everyone. It was very hard to tell them I am getting divorced, and leaving, I have watched all the children on this street grow up, mine are the oldest all the others are 12 and under.
I felt sad and got some hugs goodbye from members of the family whose party it was, see they kind of adopted us as we have no family here and we were always invited to all their family do's. It was tough and reality set in for me.
Although I have been very unhappy for a very long time, it will be hard. I am leaving my children behind and many friends, my divorce will be final at the end of July.
I have no idea how I will fair but I have to do this for me. I am 60 later this year, if I dont I feel it will be too late. my mum is 88 not in good health and I want to be with her.
time will tell if I can settle over there without my children, and for those who do not know me so well, I have twin girls almost 19 and a son 20 and a half who do not want to move back to the UK, we have been here 14 years next month.
My one way ticket to home is August 27th.
Jun 19th 2011, 11:20 pm
#7527
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,477
Re: OVER 50's+ MOVING BACK TO THE UK - Part II
Yes I was suprised by how cheap fare was as well. It was only a brief window as well like between Sept 9-Sept 12 departure. Yep not been to UK in the Fall so it will be nice..
Jun 19th 2011, 11:52 pm
#7528
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Location: US
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Re: OVER 50's+ MOVING BACK TO THE UK - Part II
I also understand that airline tickets are much cheaper from the UK side.
Jun 19th 2011, 11:53 pm
#7529
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Location: North East Ohio, USA
Posts: 1,933
Re: OVER 50's+ MOVING BACK TO THE UK - Part II
Sally, brilliant post thank you.
Rodney you made me cry ....AGAIN.......
Fulwood have a great trip, Aries, aw I feel your pain and uncertainty, just keep your eye on the price and read Sallys words. So very true.
Today I went to a party on my street and for the first time told our neighbours I am leaving in 10 weeks, there was lots of shock and horror, been here in the neighbourhood for 10 and half years, we were the second family to move into this neighbourhood, and there is only about 25 homes, we know everyone. It was very hard to tell them I am getting divorced, and leaving, I have watched all the children on this street grow up, mine are the oldest all the others are 12 and under.
I felt sad and got some hugs goodbye from members of the family whose party it was, see they kind of adopted us as we have no family here and we were always invited to all their family do's. It was tough and reality set in for me.
Although I have been very unhappy for a very long time, it will be hard. I am leaving my children behind and many friends, my divorce will be final at the end of July.
I have no idea how I will fair but I have to do this for me. I am 60 later this year, if I dont I feel it will be too late. my mum is 88 not in good health and I want to be with her.
time will tell if I can settle over there without my children, and for those who do not know me so well, I have twin girls almost 19 and a son 20 and a half who do not want to move back to the UK, we have been here 14 years next month.
My one way ticket to home is August 27th.
Rodney you made me cry ....AGAIN.......
Fulwood have a great trip, Aries, aw I feel your pain and uncertainty, just keep your eye on the price and read Sallys words. So very true.
Today I went to a party on my street and for the first time told our neighbours I am leaving in 10 weeks, there was lots of shock and horror, been here in the neighbourhood for 10 and half years, we were the second family to move into this neighbourhood, and there is only about 25 homes, we know everyone. It was very hard to tell them I am getting divorced, and leaving, I have watched all the children on this street grow up, mine are the oldest all the others are 12 and under.
I felt sad and got some hugs goodbye from members of the family whose party it was, see they kind of adopted us as we have no family here and we were always invited to all their family do's. It was tough and reality set in for me.
Although I have been very unhappy for a very long time, it will be hard. I am leaving my children behind and many friends, my divorce will be final at the end of July.
I have no idea how I will fair but I have to do this for me. I am 60 later this year, if I dont I feel it will be too late. my mum is 88 not in good health and I want to be with her.
time will tell if I can settle over there without my children, and for those who do not know me so well, I have twin girls almost 19 and a son 20 and a half who do not want to move back to the UK, we have been here 14 years next month.
My one way ticket to home is August 27th.
Jun 20th 2011, 12:00 am
#7530
The Kwisatz Haderach
Joined: Aug 2008
Location: North Wales
Posts: 8,080
Re: OVER 50's+ MOVING BACK TO THE UK - Part II
Sally, brilliant post thank you.
Rodney you made me cry ....AGAIN.......
Fulwood have a great trip, Aries, aw I feel your pain and uncertainty, just keep your eye on the price and read Sallys words. So very true.
Today I went to a party on my street and for the first time told our neighbours I am leaving in 10 weeks, there was lots of shock and horror, been here in the neighbourhood for 10 and half years, we were the second family to move into this neighbourhood, and there is only about 25 homes, we know everyone. It was very hard to tell them I am getting divorced, and leaving, I have watched all the children on this street grow up, mine are the oldest all the others are 12 and under.
I felt sad and got some hugs goodbye from members of the family whose party it was, see they kind of adopted us as we have no family here and we were always invited to all their family do's. It was tough and reality set in for me.
Although I have been very unhappy for a very long time, it will be hard. I am leaving my children behind and many friends, my divorce will be final at the end of July.
I have no idea how I will fair but I have to do this for me. I am 60 later this year, if I dont I feel it will be too late. my mum is 88 not in good health and I want to be with her.
time will tell if I can settle over there without my children, and for those who do not know me so well, I have twin girls almost 19 and a son 20 and a half who do not want to move back to the UK, we have been here 14 years next month.
My one way ticket to home is August 27th.
Rodney you made me cry ....AGAIN.......
Fulwood have a great trip, Aries, aw I feel your pain and uncertainty, just keep your eye on the price and read Sallys words. So very true.
Today I went to a party on my street and for the first time told our neighbours I am leaving in 10 weeks, there was lots of shock and horror, been here in the neighbourhood for 10 and half years, we were the second family to move into this neighbourhood, and there is only about 25 homes, we know everyone. It was very hard to tell them I am getting divorced, and leaving, I have watched all the children on this street grow up, mine are the oldest all the others are 12 and under.
I felt sad and got some hugs goodbye from members of the family whose party it was, see they kind of adopted us as we have no family here and we were always invited to all their family do's. It was tough and reality set in for me.
Although I have been very unhappy for a very long time, it will be hard. I am leaving my children behind and many friends, my divorce will be final at the end of July.
I have no idea how I will fair but I have to do this for me. I am 60 later this year, if I dont I feel it will be too late. my mum is 88 not in good health and I want to be with her.
time will tell if I can settle over there without my children, and for those who do not know me so well, I have twin girls almost 19 and a son 20 and a half who do not want to move back to the UK, we have been here 14 years next month.
My one way ticket to home is August 27th.
Maybe the kids will visit a few times and join you, eventually, you never can tell.