Have you ever coped with a major change in your life? How do you get through it?

It’s a really scary time for me right now, because I cannot see much of a future. And the time for letting go of the past is drawing near.

My parents are getting old—they’re still getting by, with my help. And I am daunted with the task of clearing out the garage, throwing out items from half-finished or never-started projects from twenty or more years ago that I started, with my dad, when I came home 20 years ago. Soon, I will go through the attic which is even more daunting, as I throw out all the momentos, all the saved objects from childhood, high school, and times gone by. I will be throwing out or leaving behind many cherished objects that still even have monetary value.

I am blessed to still have both of my parents alive but can see the times ahead when I no longer have them. Other people who were the adults in my life when I was much younger, are fading fast. Doctors and counselors and others are retiring for good.

Because of circumstances in my life, I may have to pick whatever valuables I can salvage and leave it all behind and follow whatever calling or vocation I end my working days with. It is hard for me to think about moving from place to place, like so many people do, leaving loved ones and beloved times and places behind.

I guess I’ve been afraid of life’s changes all of my adult life, and have avoided them or gotten around them. Yes, I’ve lived in other places, but I could always come home. Now, I know I won’t always have that option.

Some of you, like others I’ve known, have moved from home early in life and taken life by the horns—moving on, perhaps with the military, building assets and moving voluntarily, resettling in places they like better than where they are from. But I’ll admit, I am terrified of change when there is no certain future and no turning back.