Life can always be an adventure. - TravelPUNK Backpacker College Student Budget Travel Message Boards!

**bluepea** · 05-23-2006, 09:05 AM

My father in law took off to New Orleans this morning. He's going to drive slowly down the Mississippi, stop in Texas to see his son/daughter in law/grandson, and then head east to NOLA to begin his search for a job. Yes, my in laws are packing up and moving south.

They moved to Wisconsin from Chicago 20 years ago, with 3 older kids and a toddler. Mark came up first with only a bike and the promise of a job. The job fell through so he took what he could find and the family was moved away from the impending crime that is always almost guaranteed in poorer parts of big cities.

They discovered NOLA in the 80's, and began visiting there regularly. Then one day got it in their head years ago they'd move there, but they never took that leap. There was always this reason, or that reason. They were this . close to leaving a few years ago when Mark landed a decent job and that led them to procrastinate more and more.

The hurricanes came at the end of August and everyone said "Well, you probably don't want to move down there now," and they scoffed and said they wanted to move even more.

Four days before Christmas, Mark found out his contract would not be renewed. He was going to be jobless. They were crushed. Jake was the first one to see the silver lining. He said "Now you guys can finally go."

They had some financial stuff to take care of so Mark utilized his six months of unemployment as they prepped emotionally. Today was the day he left after years of wanting this and months after Katrina of needing this. He'll live in the car or possibly a shelter as he searches for employment and housing. Then, Jake's mom will follow him down to the city that won their heart years ago.

We'll miss them. It's been a pretty emotional time. But those crazy bastards in their 50's will never stop enjoying the adventure that is life.

**jengt** · 05-23-2006, 09:44 AM

Good for them!!!

Here's hoping that things go well for them in this new chapter of their life.

**SuDz** · 05-23-2006, 10:32 AM

That sounds cool. I wish them well.

SuDZ

**expatben** · 05-24-2006, 04:02 AM

I hope they have a good time. What an inspiration though!

olabueno · 05-24-2006, 07:00 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by jamiepeaski@May 23 2006, 08:05 AM
But those crazy bastards in their 50's will never stop enjoying the adventure that is life.

[snapback]122266[/snapback]

GL to those crazy bastards.

**bluepea** · 05-24-2006, 12:28 PM

Ah yes, I just had to share with my fellow adventure seekers. He made it to Missouri yesterday, even though he was supposed to be taking his time and photographing the Mississippi all the way down. Guess he's pretty nervous and sad right now. I'm sure he's very excited too, but ya know how that goes. Can't wait till he gets an apartment and we have a vaca home in the south!

**my retro career** · 05-24-2006, 12:45 PM

that's a great, great story.

seriously, i admire someone like that....going against the odds and moving to a place where no one basically wants to go, upstream and all (the lay-off) - and he's going there because he held on to his own foundation and belief.....cheers to that !