Sometime things don’t go as planned.

For example, I had planned and started work on a post giving my opinion on the beaches we visited this summer. That hasn’t happened because sometimes great plans are interrupted by life events.

Early this summer we moved a family member in to live with us. Anytime the family dynamic changes, there is an adjustment period. We went thru it when we brought our babies home. We went thru it every time we added a new foster child into our lives. We went thru it every time a foster child left.

But adding another adult to the household is certainly different from adding a child. While both bring their life experiences with them, an adult has experienced more life. An adult has established their routines and lifestyle. When the adult has been living by themselves, there is the adjustment of now living in a family unit. When the adult has not lived in a large family unit for decades, it’s even more of an adjustment. Add to that an adult who has left behind a child, a pet and the life they’ve been living for many years. It’s a lot! In some ways it is very similar to bringing home our girls. They had to adjust to leaving their lives behind. They left behind their caregivers, their caregivers’ families, other children, the familiar sounds, smells and tastes. There is grieving the previous life while trying to adapt to the life that is unfamiliar. There can be a lot of excitement in those changes, but also a lot of trepidation.

There have been and will continue to be challenges along the way as we all try to figure out our new normal. It’s expected. It doesn’t mean it’s always easy, but it’s part of the journey and the journey is always worth taking. It’s how we determine what works and doesn’t work. It how we learn and grow.

We also had great plans for cruising before the end of the year. However, with the Delta variant holding on and wreaking havoc, we decided it was best to postpone our travel plans for this year. It’s just not worth the risk to us, especially with one who is unable to be vaccinated at this time and other with some health concerns.

Instead, we’ll stay home and enjoy the holidays here. Since we moved shortly before Christmas last year, it might be nice to stay home and decorate the new house. Who knows, maybe our great plans not working out so well will end up being a really good thing.