Monday, July 6, 2009

And Then we were in Navalmoral

I wrote this from Spain but it never posted. So here it is, a little late......

I admit it may not look like much. It is but a small town in the countryside of Spain. Population 17,500. The town dates wayyyy back, like most towns in Spain probably do. It is an important "way point" for travelers both north and south as well as east west. But for me? Coming into this town? It was so much more.....
As we approached the town, I had very strange feelings. Things looked a little different, but mostly I recognized them. Part of me was the girl who left 12 years ago, the girl who was rejected, unloved, facing divorce with 2 small 4 year old kids and no job or career. The Girl who thought Spain would be a great job opportunity for the Ex and a fun opportunity for the family. It was those things but it was also the end of the Relationship (ok so it took 11 more years to really do the deed, but Spain? Was the End). It was in Spain where he first told me he didn't love me. It was Spain where we sat at the table and divided our stuff. Spain where we fought the most. Spain where I tried to be so many things and failed at all of them.



But this was a new person entering an old town. I am not the Girl who left; I am the Woman who is returning to share an adventure with her teenagers. And as we got closer to our old friends' new house (God Bless GPS) there was nothing but excitement.




OK we are a little older, a little heavier, but the smiles? Just as big. And the laughter? Even grander. It was so exciting to see their new, finished house; the house they dreamed of when we lived in Spain and indeed, the house they started building when we were there. Every knook and cranny was full of beauty and thought. Tinin did most of it himself - three floors of living, the bottom floor a large room for living during the summer when it's 110 degrees (there is no air conditioning in Spain), the middle floor a complete apartment for his parents, the top floor a 4 bedroom apartment for his family. It is truly magnificant.

Mila and I spent an afternoon, just the two of us, enjoying the bottom floor, drinking diet coke and talking about the old times, the times since the old times, the future times. And yes we did this all in Spanish. She is a wonderful teacher and very patient with me. Talking with her helped me to let go of the girl I was 12 years ago. And she shared with me something so direct, so Mila, it let me close the book on the old, bad Spanish memories. We didn't really talk much about Ken and me - she was not the least bit surprised by the divorce and she could sense that I had moved past it. But we were talking about her and Tinin and life in general. And she said this - both in English and Spanish to make sure I "got it." Mila is a very direct person. She holds nothing back. And she is very smart and very opinionated in a way that is endearing because she doesn't belittle your point of view, she just let's you know she has one of her own. She said, "Here's what I think of your relationship with Ken. This is what we all thought: he was the kind of guy who wanted to have a beautiful wife to take out when he went out. And when he got home from work, you are there taking care of the kids and the house and better have dinner on the table. And he doesn't want to hear what you have to say. He doesn't appreciate you. You were a Thing to him. Am I right?" And I said, "Well he wasn't that bad really. He has a lot of good qualities." And she just looked at me like, "Yeah right." And she said, "you know, we never really liked him...."
And isn't that sad? Because he could be a really nice guy. But somehow they saw what I refused to see back then. And so, little by little, I can let things go. And instead enjoy today. This is what today brings:


Here the nearly-grown face of the lovely 4 year old child we left 12 years ago and last saw last summer when she came to the states. She is beautiful, funny, gracious, loving. The kids were so excited to see her again.



And here? The "new" edition to the family - an exceedingly bright, energetic young lady,10 years old. She is a fabulous Spanish teacher and has the natural ability to pronounce English words correctly.



Tomorrow we leave this family and go off on more adventures in Spain. The kids will ultimately return to stay with our friends for a couple more weeks, but I must go home and get back to work. I am truly sad to leave this place. I feel like there's so much more I want to do. It has been amazing to wander the streets and revisit old shops and people I knew so long ago. It has been interesting to show the kids where they went to school and where we lived. They remember almost nothing.



This time instead of tears and fears of the future, I take with me good memories, possibilities, futures. Tinin and Mila have an amazing relationship. They have created for themselves a wonderful life in this tiny, somewhat remote Spanish town. They have faced challenges together and overcome them. When he comes home from work, he gives her a real hello kiss. When we are wandering around sightseeing and they have a moment alone, they take the opportunity to embrace and enjoy each other. They tease each other at home and love each other completely. It is something so rare and something I have spent much time contemplating. And it has enlightened me. I now know why I am compelled to move to Florida.



My life in Washington is a machine. I work my butt off when I don't have the kids and tire my brain out when I do have the kids trying to juggle everything. I don't live life so much as I survive life. But life doesn't have to be this way. I am hoping that a life change will allow me to experience life, not just survive it. Oh Florida is not Spain. There won't be guaranteed socialistic employment. There won't be long siestas and 6 hour work days. There won't be sleeping until noon and wandering the streets until after midnight (Ok maybe we can do this sometimes). But perhaps I can find a balance. Perhaps I can find a place where the people are happier, the living is more open, the life a tad slower. Perhaps I can live life and experience every day instead of being glad when the day is over and I can retreat to my bed.



Perhaps.




14 comments:

Busy Bee Suz said...

So glad you had a nice visit and are coming into some 'revelations' of sorts. Don't we all need a few friends like that in life...the plain truth is always best!
You are giving your kids an amazing summer...you are a rock star mom!

Bumpkin on a Swing said...

And now I give to you one of the greatest advertising slogans known to man..................................................JUST DO IT!

Kalynne Pudner said...

Boy, do I feel out of the loop! You're going to Florida? Are you already there?

Spain is one of the four places in the world I want to see before I do (along with Rome, Paris and Ireland). Yeah, yeah...I'm Eurocentric.

Jenn @ Juggling Life said...

Anything that makes us take stock is good for us--it sounds like this was exactly what you needed.

I had a friend whose husband turned out to be a real jerk. When they finally divorced it turned out my husband had known exactly who that man was from the day they met--and he'd really had the rest of us fooled.

DF said...

Nice pictures, better narritave.

Najia said...

I only know Ken from your blog and all I can think of is turd. I'm sorry. I hope that doesn't upset you, because he is the father of your children after all. But, when I read what it is he wanted and how he made you feel, I can't imagine that he didn't always know that at some level in his mind. Why drag you along in his warped fairy tale? It's mind boggling.

I am thrilled that you have moved along and forward so well. It makes me proud to know this as a fellow female. It really does. Keep it up. Your daughter will be the better woman for it having you to look up to.

As for Spain, (((sigh))). My love is Spain. I love that country. Spent my honeymoon there last year. Worked there in 2000. Almost lived there longer, but moved back. I LOVE the fact that your kids get to hang out surrounded by such great country folk. Awesome.

Your last paragraph really speaks to me. Our trial begins in one month and I am slammed. I have been feeling much the same way as you for months now. I'm feeling something a brewing...kind of a like a fork in the road up ahead. I'll be making some changes soon. Wish me luck!

And good luck to you as well! I hope you don't take your blog private, but if you do, I'd understand. I'm thinking turd again.

Hula Girl at Heart said...

I made a big job change five years ago that led to the kind of life you want. I've never regretted it. Reach out, my friend, and find that One Particular Harbor while you're young enough to enjoy it.

stephanie said...

This was so lovely! I'm pleased to hear you had a fine visit, even if it felt a little bittersweet.

I hope the coming changes feel as comforting. be well*

Mrs. G. said...

I wish I had been packed in your suitcase!

Margo said...

this sounds like a wonderful trip and is so well written. Getting out of town, wherever that may be is always good for perspective. Good for you for really considering getting out of a rut by picking up and moving - I've had itchy feet for years. Live large, babe!

shrink on the couch said...

It's wonderful catching up 12 years with dear friends. Hooray for you taking steps to put the past firmly behind you.

Stephanie said...

Perhaps this is my favorite post of all. It sounds like your trip turned into something so much more..Thanks for sharing:)

The Redhead Riter said...

Stopping by to give a little blog ♥

The Redhead Riter said...

for you...

http://theredheadriter.blogspot.com/2009/08/secrets-friends-and-sharing.html