I am a Michigan native who made the big move to Texas about five and a half years ago for my job. What started as a career opportunity quickly turned into a love for the Lone Star State. My husband and I have embraced Texas as our home, enjoying its culture, community, and wide-open possibilities. However, this decision hasn’t been without its challenges. Some of our children and grandchildren wish we’d return to Michigan, longing to have Grandma and Grandpa closer to them. While we understand and miss them dearly, Texas has truly captured our hearts, and we feel it’s the right place for this chapter of our lives. A little background about us: my husband and I are self-made individuals who have worked incredibly hard to build the life we have today. Nothing was handed to us; we earned every bit of it through dedication and perseverance. These values of hard work, ethics, and integrity were central to how we raised our children. We instilled in them the importance of effort, responsibility, and perseverance. Today, they’re grown, and for the most part, they are thriving and doing well. We are incredibly proud of the paths they’ve chosen, though our youngest is still finding her way and living with us for now. Life has thrown its share of challenges my way, but I’ve always been someone who bounces back. Losing my job in June after 27 years at the same company was a significant hurdle. It was more than just a job—it was a huge part of my life. But as I’ve done time and time again, I am rising to the occasion. I’m regrouping, reevaluating, and making plans for the future. This isn’t the first time I’ve had to rebuild, and I know it won’t be the last. The important thing is that I’ve always come through stronger and more determined, and this time will be no different. Texas has taught me resilience, grit, and the value of starting fresh while holding on to the strength of my roots. I’m excited to see what’s next, and I’m ready to embrace the opportunities that lie ahead.
