I’m sorry for the long gap between my last posting and this one. The truth is, however, that Peggy and I are in the process of moving. We’ve sold our house here in Berea. It’s been our home for the last 25 years, after moving from Buffalo Holler out in nearby Rockcastle County where we lived for about 20 years.
Our destination is Westport Connecticut just down the street from our four grandchildren [Ineva (9 years old), Oscar (7), Orlando (5) and Markandeya (3)], our daughter, Maggie, and our son-in-law, Kerry. We want to be part of our grandchildren’s lives.
So, following graduation ceremonies in a couple of weeks, Peggy will be leaving her post as director of Berea’s Women and Gender Studies Program. She’s made such a wonderful contribution to college life, especially through her very popular “Peanut Butter & Gender” speakers’ program. For years under that rubric, she’s hosted stars like bell hooks, Gloria Steinem, Ana Thomas, Matthew Fox, Winona La Duke, Rosemary Reuther, and Vandana Shiva. The list is long and glorious.
Our new home is one Peggy and I have been lusting after for the 10 years that Maggie and Kerry have been living in Westport. As you can see from the picture above, it’s very pretty with lots of windows and even has a picket fence around it.
Here in Berea, we’ve signed a contract with the buyers and we’ll close a month from tomorrow. That’s the day we must vacate the premises. So, as everyone can imagine, we’re gradually packing our belongings as well as making many trips to Goodwill with clothes and things, and to the library with books we regretfully realize we’ll never open again.
So, I guess what I’m announcing here is a little hiatus from regular blog postings. I just have to devote this next month to full-time packing, and to saying goodbye to the friends we’ve made over our 46 years in this lovely college town, where my office was a 12-minute walk from my front door.
I’m sure everyone will understand. I might be able to write sporadically in the meantime. So please feel free to check in now and then. I’ll write more often once we get settled for the summer at our lake house in Michigan. We plan to move into our new home in Westport in September. Once we’re installed there, I’ll resume my regular writing schedule – probably at the beginning of October.
Wish us luck.
About Things That Matter 
Ohhhh… reality sets in. Your priorities are on spot, but ohhhh how you will be missed in Berea. The gift of your writing continues.
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Teri, you are so kind. We will so miss you and Kelly. You’ve been such good friends.
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Mike… you will be missed. I know that you havent taught in a bit at Berea. There are many times that I think about the classes I had with you at Berea (Stories, Western Trad 1 & 2, and one other). It was in these courses where i learned to critically think and apply myself. Best of luck to you and Peggy and the many years you will spend with your grandchildren.
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I can’t tell you how much it means to me that you remember and take the time to read my blog. I remember you as such a committed and serious student with a wonderful inquiring mind. Thanks again.
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Dear Mike (and Peggy),
Berea will miss you both, but I am thrilled for you to be able to share life with your children and grandchildren! I know it has been a wonderful experience for me. Best of luck with your move and new home.
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Thanks for the encouragement, Janet.
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I LIKE it Mike!
And pray all continues well for the family.
Jim
class of ’62
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Jim, I so value your comments and am very grateful for your reading the blog. At the end of the summer I’m looking forward to seeing many of our seminary colleagues at the 100th anniversary celebration of the Columbans’ founding. Wish you could be there as well.
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Yes, Mike. Wish you and Peggy lots and lots of luck and to the lucky grandchildren too! Brian
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Thanks, Brian. We have mixed feelings about the move after all these years. But on the whole, we’re looking forward to this new phase in our life.
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Haha great…funny you should use those words because I, at this late stage, am also looking for a new phase to my life…IF I have the courage to go after it. Thanks for all you do.
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Michael & Peggy, I am so happy for you! Blessings on the journey! You are gift wherever you call home. How lovely you will be with family (they grow up so fast & you don’t want to miss precious life together. And, the “house gods” are on your side. It is time!😘
Sent from my iPhone
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Thanks for you note, Ann Marie. I trust all is going well for you in your new apostolate.
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I certainly wish you luck and a smooth and minimum-effort relocation. How wonderful that you will be near the grandchildren. Vaya con Dios, Goodspeed and God Bless.
Jewell Gregory
Glenview, IL 60026
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Thanks, Jewell. You’re right the grandchildren are the magnet.
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Best wishes to you and your extended family, Mike. My grandmother lived next door to us in Tennessee until I was five years old (when she passed on…) The days of a preschooler are long and vivid, and I treasured every minute I spent with Grandmommy (a former Latin and Spanish teacher who lavished her time and attention on us and on her garden…still remember her green sunshade she wore while working outdoors, and her wonderful potato soup!) May the next phase of your lives be a blessing for all of you, in every exquisite detail including picket fence.
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You’re so good, Mary. Thanks for the good wishes. Peggy and hope we can influence our grandchildren the way you were influenced by your Grandmommy.
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Good luck with your move, Mike. We are so lucky here because we’re near 3 of our 4 grandchildren (the 4th is in Columbus, 3 hours away). Gee, folks are going to miss you and Peggy!
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I just came back from a surprise going-away party for Peggy. We’re going to miss Berea. You’re blessed being so close to your grandchildren. We want to get in on that act too.
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Mike and Peggy,
You both have so enriched Berea—it will be the poorer for your leaving. Enjoy the new opportunities—especially those that come with family. All my best wishes and with many thanks.
T
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T, you’re great. I’m still quoting you about science and facts. Wasn’t R&HP a blast? I learned so much. You were a big part of that. And “I&V” too!
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You two will be greatly missed in the Berea community! I love your new house, it looks absolutely delightful! Hope our paths will cross again.
All best to you and Peggy as you set forth on your new adventures.
Peggy ke
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So good to hear from you, Peggy. I’ve just this minute returned from a surprise going-away party for my Peggy. It was great. Did you know that our son, Brendan, has been posted to Paris for the next three years? We have big plans. We’re all brushing up on our French. It would be great to see you there.
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Good luck on your new venture Mike. We will remain in touch through your blog. Your teaching is very necessary and valuable for our troubled world, and I know you will be committed to continuing it.
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