NC is Great, But So Was MN and OK

I've been on the road again. I went from my son's house in Chaska, MN to my dautghter's house in OKC. I flew down to Ft. Worth, TX for my Mom's birthday party, then on to my other son's house in Huntersville, NC.

I lived in North Carolina for five years when my kids were young and I loved it there. It wasn't that I was born in Cherry Point and felt some affinity to the state, or that I graduated from college with a bachelor's degree from North Carolina Wesleyan College. It's more like North Carolina has all the things I like about the South.

It's warm and humid. I said it before and I'll say it again, I like the humidity. It makes everything green and lush. The people are open and friendly. Some of the best friends I've made in my life I made in that five year stretch in NC. So, my memories of living there are colored by that experience.

I expected to like my son's new home. I'd seen the pictures and it looked great online. What I didn't expect was to really like the community. As I drive around, I enjoy the countryside and even the screwy way the streets are laid out.

I've been to my grandkid's school and to their doctor's office. Both were really nice and full of helpful people. All in all, a very positive experience.

It's nice when your kids land in areas that you love. In MN, my son and his wife have come to love the family oriented community where they make their home. They've run into 'like minded' couples and are making friends and developing relationships. In OK, my daughter is part of an extended family that is tied to the community in all ways political and generational. She and her husband search out new restaurants and bars, and try to support all the local businesses. Here in NC, my son and his wife are settling into new jobs and getting a feel for their new surroundings.

I feel very thankful that my kids are all happy with their lots in life. I'm blessed that I don't have to fret or worry about their futures. They've all made great decisions and I'm very proud of them. Getting to hang out with them has been fun!

--Sandee Wagner