Moving makes my muscles ache. If you were one of the passers by on East Howard Street in Colfax last weekend, you probably saw me — I was the guy with distressed hair, struggling to carry a solid oak entertainment center out of a U-Haul truck and up a flight of stairs not quite akin to climbing Everest. I’ll admit, it wasn’t that bad, but I now know I need to renew my YMCA membership.
Moving resets my psyche. A change of venue can be good for the soul. Moving to a new apartment, a new town and a new stage can renew creativity and reveal important relationships which enrich life. Last weekend was a marathon of moving for me, and it would not have gone as smoothly without my friends and family. As we took boxes from the U-Haul, my aunts, uncles, brothers and girlfriend formed an assembly line —avoiding dozens of sweaty treks up stairs. At my Des Monies apartment, my brothers helped move boxes upon furniture upon appliances equipped with the keen knowledge that I couldn’t even repay them with a beer and pizza. They jumped in because they are my brothers.
I’ll be an official Colfax resident Oct. 1, but this weekend we moved my mother. As many single parents, my mother devoted her life to her children. Lifting a few heavy couches and some purple Rubbermaid totes is the least I can do to let her know my brothers and I are humbled by her dedication.
Moving gives me a base of operations for my future. Soon, I will be a Jasper County resident once again. I will lose my daily eastward commute from Des Moines for the betterment of breaking news. Residing in the communities I cover will allow me a personal connection to the stories I report. I will have a short walk to the office every morning. I’ll drink my morning cup of coffee in town and gain perspective more naturally through the local relationships I cultivate.
Moving will allow me to be a better community editor.