OH MY GOSH! TODAY is the DAY!!!
Roadway movers came bright and early to BOTH Steven’s apartment AND my apartment!
They picked up both our things and loaded the truck that’s headed to Cincinnati, Ohio!!
And let me tell you, they are FAST! And so nice, oh my gosh, so polite and kind. We shared coffee and donuts with them this morning, it was GREAT.
But can you believe it!? Because I certainly can’t! Even looking at both of our empty apartments, it still hasn’t hit me that we are, in fact, MOVING out of New York City. It hasn’t hit me that I will no longer be a “New Yorker.”
It’s funny, when I first moved to New York, like all “incoming newbies,” I was thrilled to be able to call myself a “New Yorker.”
However, I was abruptly informed that one cannot earn that moniker unless you’ve lived in New York City for twelve years. Because…as I was told, most people don’t “last” that long, and only the “real ones” can actually earn that title after surviving Gotham – it’s winters, it’s loneliness, it’s hardness and expenses (in all senses of the word.)
How timely, then, that I am moving out during my 12th year living here. I finally “earned” my New Yorker title, and now that I have, I’m letting it go.
But you know, I don’t think I’ll ever fully “let go” of everything that I gained here.
For as cold, gritty, relentless, dirty and daunting New York is, it was where I rediscovered myself after my battle with anorexia. New York todaughr me to take care of myself; it proved that I do have something to offer; that I’m not what happened to me, but rather – I am who God created me to be. And I am worth a full and beautiful life. And New York certainly gave me the strength and confidence to believe it. And that is something that will never leave me.
Last night, Steven and I went to mass together for the last time as New Yorkers. It was the church I first went to when I moved to New York. I was praying for a husband, a purpose in life, healing in my heart from the deep wound of anorexia, and praying just to become the “girl I used to be.”
And sitting in the pew last night with Steven – the man who is that answer to my prayers, having found a beautiful purpose in this world, strong and secure in who I am as a daughter of God, and confident of His love for me and the value my life has because of Him, it all came full circle.
We are off on the most exciting, beautiful adventure of our lives. I could be scared, nervous – terrified, even. But I’m not. Because if there’s one thing I’ve done since adopting recovery those 13 years ago…it’s living in radical TRUST.
I may not know what tomorrow will hold; I can’t see down the road, or even just around the next bend…but I fully TRUST that God will carry me through no matter what. That’s what He’s done my entire life. My life is living proof.
So that’s all for now. Steven and I are going to go enjoy our last few moments in New York!
If you are moving, or know someone who is…definitely check out Roadway! They’re offering 10% off local moves and 5% off long distance moves! Just use my code, “Caralyncollar10” at checkout!
Until Wednesday…from Ohio!
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I hope that you enjoy life in, well, the city you grew up in.
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How very exciting for you guys! I love your testimony, Caralyn. Now you know how much extra stuff you have accumulated too! Moving house is never fun but this is a brand new era for you two, safe travels! ❤️👍🏻🙏🏻
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Congratulations on beginning a new chapter in your life. May God bless you in everything that lies ahead for you and your soon-to-be husband. I have no doubt that you’ll thrive.
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This is beautiful… I’m excited for you… good luck with all the adjustments and logistics and everything!
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Congratulations on getting moved! Now to the biggest adventure of your life!
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I think you made a great decision. The NY you entered is not the same today and raising a family somewhere else would be my choice. Travel safely and enjoy your new location.
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Congratulations!!! Safe travels!!XO😃❤️
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I am so excited for you. What a bittersweet season, but I love what you said that you’re not worried because you trust. That’s more powerful than you know and much needed… ❤
Thank you for being so vulnerable and sharing your story with all of us. 🙂
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Woohoo, I am so excited for your next phase of your life journey. Y’all are in my daily prayers. Y’all are an awesome and beautiful couple. Hugs and Love 🤗 & ❤️!
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Dear Caralyn
I pray that your move will go smoothly and that you will find a full and happy life in Ohio. Trust God, and listen to what He tells you to do. You are one of His precious daughters, and He loves you.
Love
Penny xx
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Congratulations Carolyn. I am so happy for you. You have many new beginnings and amazing adventures ahead of you. God bless you both!
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Wishing you both every happiness and much success in Ohio
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I’m very excited for you and Steven! A beautiful new life awaits you in Ohio. And did I mention how excited your Mother is about this homecoming?😂
Happy Thanksgiving, Caralyn. We have much to be thankful for this year.
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What a grand adventure awaits you both. Prayers for many blessings being sent for your new life and safe travels.
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I’ll transfer my prayers from NY to Cincinatti now.
In the meantime, enjoy some country assurance. As you say, we don’t know about tomorrow, but we know in Whose hands tomorrow is!
❤️&🙏, c.a.
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Movin’ on……good for you guys! God bless.
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Happy for you ! Wish you all the best and good health !
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Wow! I wish you both the best!!
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Thank you Jo!!! 🙂 we are having so much fun getting settled! Hugs and love xox
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BigSkyBuckeye is in Ohio. Do you follow his blog? Will you be anywhere near him? What a huge change in your lives, Caralyn & Steven!! You are there to celebrate your first Ohio Thanksgiving today. God bless you! May the future hold more blessings than you can ever imagine!!
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Thank you so much!! I don’t follow him, but I’ll have to look him up! Yes! There is so much beauty on the horizon, I am just thanking God every day!!! Hugs and love xox
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Wow😍👌👌
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Thanks! Exciting times! Hugs and love xox
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So you’ve gone from being a Big Apple to a Buckeye! Definitely an upgrade! 🙂 All the best as you unpack and start settling in!
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Yes!! An upgrade for sure! oh my gosh Jeff, we are just loving it here – we went out to dinner with my family several nights this week, and this weekend my entire family is coming in town for a belated thanksgiving so that we can celebrate with STeven 🙂 Hope you are doing well and that you had a marvelous thanksgiving! Hugs and love xox
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Our neighbors invited us over for a potluck Thanksgiving, which was great fun! I’ve been very worried about your safety in NYC for some time now and glad you are out of there. Being back in Cinci is icing on the cake. Julie and Hillary are meeting Olivia in Toledo this weekend to visit her folks and sister.
All the best to you and Steven and your parents!
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By the way, could you text or email me your new address?
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Congratulations 🎉 on your move! Here’s to a great year ahead 2023! 🎉
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