When we first moved from Baton Rouge to Dallas 6 years ago, Morgan and I had no idea what awaited us. We packed into a small 1-bedroom apartment as Morgan started chiropractic school and I was doing freelance work as a writer. We slowly started to build our furry family and welcomed Melodi, our cat, and Ghost, our dog, into our space.
We met new friends, found our favorite taquerias, and absolutely fell in love with the city. After three years of late-night study sessions and a newfound massage therapy career, we found ourselves in a predicament. Management changed, and we were forced to make a choice: leave our first apartment or get rid of our new puppy due to new breed restrictions.
On a dime, we scoured the market and found an old house with a blue door nestled in Oak Cliff that became our new abode. Its old bones and charming character welcomed us and helped us create new memories, find new friends, and meet the best neighbors a young couple could ask for.
Three years later, we find ourselves at the doorstep of a new adventure, a sudden opportunity to move across the country. I recently graduated with my master's in social work from The University of Texas at Arlington, and after countless applications, I was offered a position at a non-profit called ALS Northwest that serves people with ALS and their care partners. My role will be to guide people and families through the challenges and grief that accompany this progressive disease and connect them with the resources they need at no cost to them.
After two rounds of interviews, they extended a job offer and gave me eight weeks to move my entire life from the South to the Pacific Northwest. Awaiting us is a robust community of friends, both old and new, who are ready to welcome us with open arms and share enough warmth to shield us from the Oregon winters and rainy days.
One thing we have learned throughout our six wonderful years in Texas is that we are nothing without our community. And considering all that comes with a massive move such as this, we are leaning on that community to help us make this transition and start our new life in Portland!
We thank you in advance for any amount you can contribute, and thank you for how you have shown up in our lives, both as individuals and as a unit. We love you!!
