The changes in my life did not give me a
choice to change it slowly, cold turkey style or incrementally (must look that
word up - found it: gradually?). Anyhow my changes are my own fault, the writer
takes responsibility for all calamaties that may have occurred on the way.
It all starts when you begin to think for
yourself, instead of asking for advice.
"Hey look a job in the newspaper for
Switzerland. That's it."
So mum got a few more grey hairs, dad just
kept quiet about it and I applied. Cut a long complicated story short, a few
months after this maternal shock, I was in Switzerland. What happened in the
meanwhile is history. Visiting the Swiss Embassy, getting my papers in order,
delivery of a work permit and one day I boarded a train at Victoria Station in
London on my way. In those days flying was too expensive. You took boat across
the english channel, arrived at Calais where the train was waiting. Travelled
through the night in a so-called sleeping compartment and arrived some time in
the early hours of the morning in Basel, border station to Switzerland.
This was 46 years ago - so the first
big change. Planned, but not exactly. I had to wait for documents, get my
passport in order and when I arrived register at the British Embassy in Zürich
(safety precautions, you never know. If Switzerland and England start a war,
then you have to be evacuated).
So next change was when I decided
Switzerland had other towns and I moved to Solothurn from Zürich. This was more a careful
change. First of all secure a job, which I did. Then organise somewhere to live.
My first place was sort of living in with a landlady. I soon realised this was
not my thing, and moved on to my own furnished flat. The job was going well,
started to get used to things, but believe me it is lonely at first. You know
no-one in a new town and Solothurn was a small market town.
So next move: I met Mr. Swiss. That was a
quick change. We met in April, got married the following year in February
(today is my wedding anniversary) and was mother of three children by the end
of the year. Now that was a big big change. No. 3 was my first son and the
other two were brought into the partnership by my husband. So at the age of 23
I had a step son 7 years old, a step daughter 6 years old and a baby.
Slowly the photo above is representing my
life: a big building site, but in the middle some lovely flowers.
I think my life eventually did get a bit
calmer. We moved often. . At first we lived in a small flat in town,
then moved down a floor to a bigger appartment to accomodate the kids. A few
years later my second son arrived, so we moved again in the same town. Another
bedroom had to be organised. By the time we moved to the next place, we had
quite a routine, although by each move we threw something more away. How can
you collect so much ballast in life?
Now the years have passed on, the kids are
no longer kids and live their own lives. Just my oldest son is still at home,
but he is autistic, although quite independent. We bought our own place and now
live as if we would move once a week. I know that sounds strange, but it is the
best method. No more ballast, if you cannot use it, then throw it.
My changes in life are through, I hope -
but you never know.
Most of the major changes in my life have usually been done fairly quickly, in one go, rather than a bit at a time.
ReplyDeleteI had to smile at the thought of England and Switzerland being at war. Probably one of the most unlikely ones you could think of :-))
At last I have got this comment thing properly set up. Anyhow about Switzerland and UK having a war - probably only over the escaped money from England in the Swiss banks.
DeleteThat reply made me giggle. *smile*
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteWonderful changes in a life so lived, dear Pat. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI of course can identify with the huge move of countries and cultures.
I have always been impulsive, including when I shift. Now of course it has to be a different story.
ReplyDeleteI like your photo and when I saw it I thought the flowers had a meaning to being there. A great read too Pat.