137 Comments
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Joan K's avatar

Well said, Earl, and congratulations on your move. I am fervently hoping for a course correction for America on this treacherous voyage that we are currently on. We must all press on to better times once again.

D. Earl Stephens ✍️'s avatar

Yes. So we will ...

Ann Anderson's avatar

I wish you all the happiness in your new home. Moving is the worst, esp to another state. New driver license, finding a new doctor, all the vendors you need, on and on. But soon you'll be wired in to your new community. Have fun!

D. Earl Stephens ✍️'s avatar

Thanks, Ann.

Wisconsin refused to let us go.

Constance Tavares's avatar

That’s a great hopeful metaphor!

D. Earl Stephens ✍️'s avatar

I'm glad it read that way, Constance.

Laura Reich's avatar

Welcome to NC! We need you to help finally turn this state BLUE!

Dr. Deborah Hall's avatar

bless you

for your wonderful letter to us

we americans shall live

your hopeful metaphor

and prevail as you have

Nancy Bainter's avatar

Best wishes to you all on your journey and successful arrival. My husband and I often drove from CA to his family home in IA with both cats, once in ‘76 in a ‘37 Ford Woody wagon—true fun. Enjoy your latest anchored home. The fight continues with more judges doing their solid work for democracy. There’s a flashback to Kent State that one journey we made that solidified our love for freedom, never to forget, never to change.

Robbie Roberts's avatar

Out on the edge of the Old North State. Enjoy every sunrise and thank you for this building this community

D. Earl Stephens ✍️'s avatar

Well, thank you for being here, Robbie. I appreciate it.

Ronald R Thompson's avatar

Calm?? trump is about a "fart in a hurricane" , thanks to you in your excellent talents, we, all of us, will live and love our US Constitution, and face any storm. Enjoy the Ocean. HONORABLECOMMOMDEFENCE. thanks

Fran B.'s avatar

There's nothing better than listening to the waves rolling to shore.

Congratulations on the success of your move.

Helen Stajninger's avatar

So happy for you Earl. You made me tear up with this post. Because of the awfulness of Trump, we have joined together and formed like-minded communities, even if we may never meet. Thank you! Now enjoy your beautiful new home by the ocean!

D. Earl Stephens ✍️'s avatar

I know who you are, Helen, and am fair better for it.

Sharon Bjork's avatar

I moved 7 times for a job. Then, I found a home and found my people. I kept changing jobs but would not move for a job ever again. I am home.

Now that storm we know is coming...ole Trumpy is about to wish that Stormy Daniels was the only "stormy" he ever had to worry about...

D. Earl Stephens ✍️'s avatar

Work's taken me to some interesting places, Sharon, but now I am taking my work with me.

And, yeah, he's melting right in front of our eyes.

Ann Werner's avatar

I’m still navigating the choppy waters of my move to a closer proximity to the ocean. Not quite as close as the view from your second picture, but close enough for a day trip. So glad you made it through the choppy waters you’ve just been through. And you’re right. What a great metaphor for what we’re going through, but we will prevail. That’s who we are as Americans. Always striving to be better. Sometimes failing, but always pushing forward. It brings to mind the last line of Bob Seger’s song Roll Me Away: This time we’ll get it right!

D. Earl Stephens ✍️'s avatar

Thanks, Ann. Please keep me updated on your move, and know I'm here for you.

Craig Rhodes's avatar

I came to the conclusion long ago that "normal" is a one word oxymoron.

Charles Parker's avatar

The OBX “waves” at you. Welcome.

D. Earl Stephens ✍️'s avatar

Thanks, man. Appreciate it.

Russ's avatar

East coast guy (Richmond, VA) here also married to West coast gal (San Diego, CA). Hows that for difference and we met in Germany.

I find it a bit amusing moving from Red Wisconsin to Red NC. Going from freezing to burning up, with a sprinkle of hurricanes eroding the NC coast line. So hopefully you are safely back. A friend also in NC lives near the coast. He though he was okay as his house is on the high ground only to discover he is stranded when his road floods. Can't have it all, but the BBQ makes up for it.

Always enjoy your comments. You are reading my mind as I see what used to be a "normal" USA descend into chaos. I can understand one crazy guy even being president. We all make mistakes. What I do not understand is that 1/2 USA seems okay with it and dismissing lies. If the prez were Democrat they would be going crazy. I always feared we would fall from within.

D. Earl Stephens ✍️'s avatar

I'm where I'm meant to be, man.

(And I blame the people who support Trump for everything.)

Russ's avatar

If it were not for politics, NC people are as good as they come. Will stop to help. Most of my ancestors buried in the Scotland Neck, Hamilton area

Alice L. Shaw's avatar

You are one terrific journalist and writer! Thank you for keeping us informed and hopeful during these terrible times in our government. Best wishes in your new journey.

D. Earl Stephens ✍️'s avatar

Very kind, Alice.

Thank you.