After moving again in June, I swore it would be years before a moving truck appeared in our driveway, yet that is exactly where a 26-foot Penske stands at this moment. This time, however, the contents belong to my mother, not us.
Mormor is in Huntsville to stay. Seen here with Serina, center, and Sophia.
Mormor, the Norwegian equivalent of Nana, is our girls’ last surviving grandparent. In 1965, my mom, then Sigrun Haaheim, moved from Norway to Minneapolis to marry my late father, Gjert Hovland, the love of her life. Now she has made another significant move, this time to North Alabama, to live with us. But getting her here took some help.
For starters, my husband, David, and his brother, Mike. The pair actually drove the big rig from the Twin Cities to Huntsville. They survived the 1000-mile journey through Wisconsin, Illinois, Kentucky and Tennessee before finally arriving in the Rocket City.
But before their departure, there was help from other family members. David’s other brother, Jim, and my brother, Larry, helped them load the truck, winding down long hallways and navigating narrow stairwells at my mother’s apartment complex. Earlier this summer, my sister, Heidi, who lives in New Jersey, arranged a business trip to Minneapolis. After hectic work days, she headed to Mom’s apartment to pack up China and other fragile items.
My husband, David, left, and his brother, Mike, after hauling Mormor’s belongings 1000 miles, from Minneapolis to Huntsville.
What has amazed me most through this experience is how many times all of the above, along with David’s other siblings and their spouses, helped us in our previous cross-country moves (there were a few!). I would have been so tired of us by now, but they so willingly helped again. Gluttons for punishment? No, just wonderful people.
My mom’s friends helped, too, boxing up her remaining items before she flew down to Huntsville this past Tuesday. I am grateful to all of you!
Mom is 78 years old and suffers from peripheral neuropathy. While her balance is off, her overall health is good and her mind is sharp. It will be wonderful to have her here as part of our family and household. And I confess: It will be very nice to have a back-up should we need someone to watch the girls!
Mormor will be here to watch Serina and Sophia. More importantly, she will be here to love them. Thanks to everyone who helped make that happen.
minndixiemom 
I was just thinking yesterday about how long this journey has been for your family. What a testament to the process of getting where you need to be; and how love will help you along the way. Be over later today to hug on Sigrund, et al.
Thanks, AML! And thanks for being part of the journey!
This is priceless, Karen. Love it. The kids will have this forever. what a legacy!
Thanks, MJ. It is all good!
Loved seeing your mom again yesterday! She looks so happy to be in your home. She told me on your front porch, “This feels right.”.
Ahhhhh. Glad you stopped by too. I will see you soon, Lisa!
Tell your mom,”Hello,” for us K.P.I am so glad she’s home in Huntsville with you, Dave and the girls. We look forward to seeing her..and you guys…at our next get-together on our next trip over.
Thanks, Sheri! Hopefully it will be before Christmas!
Love the picture of Sigrun and the girls! It perfectly reflects the happy famliness (not a word, I know… 🙂 ). I’ll watch the blog for more pics.
Thanks, Terry! And thanks for all you did to help her before she left. You have no idea how much that meant.
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What a blessing for all of you, and what a journey Sigrun has made since she left Norway in 1965. My kids, now 28 and 25, have fond memories of your parents and you from when we lived in The Twins Cities.