Last month, Robin and I decided the time had finally come for us to move from our “paradise home” here in Hot Springs Village, Arkansas, to a new home in Franklin, Tennessee. We’ve been here 14 years, and they have been great retirement years, full of fun and service activities with many friends who have settled here from all over the country. But now we need to begin a new chapter in our lives.
Robin’s heart issues are resolved now—he’s no longer having the spasms with fluttery stomach sensations and light-headedness. His recent stents and pace maker, along with a daily medication, seem to have alleviated those problems.
However, he continues to experience memory loss. So far, it’s mostly vacations and activities from the past that he cannot remember. He still functions fairly well in his daily tasks, so while we are both healthy and able to make decisions and work together, we have embarked on the monumental tasks of sorting through, cleaning out, donating, and selling items we don’t need to take with us to our new place.
At the end of August, we made a commitment to rent a “villa” (townhome) on a transitional senior living campus called The Fountains of Franklin. We plan to live independently in our villa for a number of years, but we’ll have access to assisted living and memory care when we need it. Here is a photo of our new home at 347 Celebration Circle, Franklin, TN 37067
Two of our children, Steve and Sharon, live in Franklin, and our other son, Marty, lives only about three hours away in Maryville, TN, just south of Knoxville. It’ll be great to be closer to all of them and their families.
Moving is always traumatic, and the future is always uncertain. However, we have already sold our home here in the Village, and if all goes well, we’ll be closing on the sale and moving on October 20. That’s exciting!
Stay tuned, my dear readers. This “Southern Story Lady” will soon be sending you her tales from the great state of Tennessee! Much love to all of you!
Just who can I pick on now! Sorry that you are leaving but know that it is a right and good decision for the both of you. Fond memories will remain.. Harry & Ellen
Hi, Harry,
You can still pick on us! We’ll love hearing from you and Ellen.
Love you,
Maddie
I’m sure the two of you will be welcome there and missed here. It’s been several good years for us knowing y’all. Good luck – our love goes with you.
Norm and Char
Thanks, Norm and Char,
The Fountains of Franklin is similar to Mt. Carmel here. Our villa has a large open living and dining area, a nice kitchen, two large bedrooms and two full baths, both handicapped accessible, a laundry room, double garage, and a screen porch on the back. We think we will be very comfortable there. : )
Much love to the two of you,
Maddie
I didn’t finish message. We are thankful to know you. We’ll pray for Robin and you as well.😄😩
Sent from my iPhone
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Hi, Bob and Barbara,
Thank you for your prayers. : ) Best wishes to you, too, in the years ahead.
Love you,
Maddie
Dearest Maddie, you will be sorely missed here in Paradise, but you will always be a part of our Kirk family and will hold a place in our hearts. You are right that moving is always traumatic, but making the decision is often the worst part of all and I’m glad you have that behind you. Your town home looks very nice, and it is such a comfort to know you will have options about living arrangements after you get there. Congratulations, too, on selling your house quickly once you made the decision to move. God surely must be at work in all of this.
Thanks, Martha,
You are such a dear friend! Yes, I believe God’s Spirit has been at work. : )
Much love,
Maddie
You know we (Janine and I) will miss you, and so will the Village Writers’ Club. And I’m sure all your other friends will miss you, as well. I look forward to reading your posts from Tennessee and to learning of your new experiences in your new home. I am confident you’ll bring the same sparkle and enthusiasm to Franklin as you have to Hot Springs Village!
Thanks, John. You and Janine are a special couple, and your friendship as a fellow writer has been a blessing to me. I’m sure our friendship will continue, whether I am here or there. : )
Love you,
Maddie
We will miss you so, Maddie! We have enjoyed working with you on the Communication Committee these past years and singing in the choir too. You have such a beautiful smile and heart and will fit in well in your new home. Please take care of yourself and Robin and know how much your Kirk family misses you. I will continue following your blog. God speed!
Jamie and Rick
Dear Jamie,
You and Rick are a delight! Thank you for your steadfast support for all my writing endeavors. : ) I will miss both of you!
Love you,
Maddie
Wonderful news that you were able to sell your house so timely. You will be missed at the Kirk. Looking forward to your blogs and wishing good health to both of you.
JoAnne Rich
Thanks, JoAnne. I will miss you, but I’ll keep in touch.
Love you,
Maddie
As usual, you demonstrate the smart thing to do. Making a move while still “able” is so wise. I’m happy you chose to sell in the “up” market…good going!
Needless to say I will miss you both very dearly. Thank goodness for email.
Love you both,
Barb Robbins
Hi, Barb,
Yes, thank goodness for email! I hope we can get our computer set up quickly over there. You have been such a dear friend. We will miss you dearly too!
Love you,
Maddie
What a lovely home to move to! That in itself will make it better, and the fact that you’re doing it while both of you are together and enjoying life to the fullest is another winning factor! I don’t even want to think about the hole that will be left at the Kirk, and I know your friends in your other areas of interest will be at a loss without you as well. We have enjoyed our many years of sharing birthdays, anniversaries, etc., and I wish you and Robin a new world of happiness in Franklin, Tennessee. Don’t be surprised if you have Villagers call you for a visit. It’s not that far, and that is beautiful country there!
Love you,
Yvonne and Wendell
Yvonne, you and Wendell are very special friends. We love you!
Maddie
Maddie, Blessings to you both as you enter this new season of life. Look forward to reading your blog posts from Tennessee. Blessings, Karen
Thank you, Karen. It’s a big adjustment, but we’re both still able to be independent, so that’s a blessing. I’ll look forward to hearing from you.
Love you,
Maddie