We've reached a decision. David is exclusively applying for jobs in Tucson, AZ. It's a decision that we feel good about, and we are so excited to move forward; but it's also a heart breaking decision.
Michigan has been good to us- and we have been loved- and we have loved- and that love will change with miles- as love does.
I went running through the city tonight- to the river walk- straight up through downtown- passed Comerica Park- and back down to the start of Gratiot- taking that up to Eastern Market to meet David and the kids at our favorite pizza restaurant- Supinos. Detroit is alive- there are people sitting at restaurants, bars, corners- crowds were pouring in for the Tiger's game- couples dressed in heels and ties strolled in for an opera event. The city has drastically changed over the last couple years- and the changes are only the beginning of what's coming. The changes are good and the changes are bad. Some come in and start something new- working with the history of the city- working with the locals- a collaboration of people who want change that keeps the deep roots of the giant Oaks. Others come in and wish to wipe away what is- promising to bring bigger and better. This kind of change is painful to watch. I often think about our experience here. David and I never moved to Detroit to help the city- we didn't move here to make it better- we didn't move here to be part of economic change. We came for medical school. After a little over a year in Ann Arbor we knew he couldn't do the commute anymore- and we knew that Detroit wasn't so bad... so we moved in. Detroit has this interesting new aura of people who are proud to be here- starting biking programs, runners filling up the side walks, bars and restaurants opening every weekend, and all the things that people like in big cities. There is still a lot of racial tension in this city. My experience most of the time is only good. People are kind to my children- opening doors for us, engaging in conversation, and enjoying all that is three crazy little people. Sometimes, however, I feel the tension. I want Detroiters to know I am not here to change the city- I am not here to change this place. There's a tension growing among those who have spent decades here and those who have come in- bought up the cheap properties and are making lots of changes. This tension is difficult for me- I am not a Detroiter, but I also did not arrive in the last 2 years. I came unwillingly. I wanted nothing to do with this cold, lonely place. But this cold- lonely place- took me in- and it has loved me well. When Bentley was a chunky baby- our neighbors loved his jaws- "Look at them jaws!" Which of course meant that they loved his big fat cheeks. Then when he got glasses the men at the bus stop would say, "He look like Bill Gates!" Earlier this summer Bentley ran away at the fountain downtown and a woman from my building found him and convinced him to come back towards the fountain--- "I know who you are- you live in my building with the 3 kids. He alright. I told him to go back to you." How many times has a stranger brought my son back!?! Yes, we have been loved. It's an odd thing to leave this place for me- I don't think I have ever lived in one place for 8 years. So while I am far from being a Detroiter- it's my home.
We are down to our last 10 months here, which means every month will be the last. This is the last August I'll spend here. My hope is to fully embrace and enjoy each month here until it's time to go back to Arizona. But fully embracing means fully feeling the loss that will be.
Over the years my dad has repeatedly reminded me that God is everywhere. And there were a few years when I wondered if God would only meet me in Detroit- making Detroit more than a physical home, but a spiritual home as well- which made it impossible to leave. Well, it's time to begin transitioning out- and I am so thankful that God. is. everywhere. because I'm sure gonna need Him in Arizona when I'm missing all that is Detroit.
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