I’m prompted to tell my story because of the July 13 article [“Going North”] written and reported by Suzanne Wilson. The article portrays the journey of John and Mary Warren who relocated to Northampton from Florida. I learned that 38% of retirees move sometime during their retirement. I moved twice. I lived in Little River, California; my house faced the Pacific Ocean and my friends shared my progressive views. Yet I was isolated from my family and the county healthcare system left much to be desired even though my health was good.
I rented my home and moved first to Edina, Minnesota where my son David lives with his daughter. The very cold winters were difficult for me. My daughter Rosannah, who lives in Easthampton, suggested that I move nearer to her and her husband. I decided to make the second move. I rented an apartment in a repurposed school building not far from where she lived.
Easthampton is an unusually good fit for me. I am now 93 years old and can walk with my daughter and son-in-law and their dogs along the bike path. We also pick up garbage on our own as well as with a couple of local groups.
I, like the Warrens, found that the Unitarian Universalists congregation is a good fit for my values and ideals. I Zoom with them most Sundays. I am a retired research psychologist and joined the writing group at the UU where I met like-minded folk. Because I love art I was delighted when I found the figure drawing group in Northampton and I attend most Wednesdays. It is fun.
In my litany of favorite things, I won’t omit the library in Easthampton that I joined when I moved here. It is free and it is an amazing source of readily available literature. The Emily Williston Memorial Library is a gift.
I’ve settled in. I am most fortunate. And I know it.
Lillian Cartwright
Easthampton