July 7, 2024 · Leave a Comment
Leaving a Place We Loved
Sicily, an island of extraordinary beauty and rich history, enchanted us from the moment we arrived. Nestled in the heart of the Tyrrhenian Sea, it offers a mix of stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and deep historical significance.
From the ancient ruins of Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples to the peak of Mount Etna, Sicily blends the past with the present in a way that’s hard to find elsewhere.
For us, Sicily was more than just a destination; it was a sanctuary to slow down, embrace the culture, and savor life’s simple pleasures.
The island’s charm captured our hearts and gave us a sense of peace we had longed for. But as with all chapters, our time in Sicily came to a natural close.
In this blog, we’ll share the real reasons behind our decision to leave and what’s next for us.
Our Move to Sicily: Seeking a Peaceful and Vibrant Lifestyle
In 2022, we made a life-changing decision. In our 60s, with three adult children, we chose to move to Sicily, Croce’s birthplace. We had a good life in Texas surrounded by family, but the pull of Sicily was strong.
We wanted a slower, richer pace of life, and Sicily offered that. The lifestyle there was peaceful, but never boring, and gave us the right mix for retirement.
During our time there, we visited ancient ruins, explored small villages, and soaked up the beauty of the island. We embraced the culture, the food, and the rhythms of daily life.
It was everything we had hoped for and more, and gave us a new way of seeing the world.
Family Ties: The Heartfelt Reason for Our Return
As wonderful as Sicily was, life pulled us in another direction. Our family ties, especially to our grandchildren, began to weigh more heavily in our decision-making.
One touching moment sealed it. We received a necklace with birthstones for our two granddaughters and a tiny charm for a third grandchild on the way. That little heart reminded us just how far away we were from the people who mattered most.
After more than a year of living in Sicily, the pull of family was too strong to ignore. It became clear that our next chapter belonged in Texas, close to our growing family.
A Pause, Not a Farewell
Though we’ve left Sicily for now, it’s not goodbye forever. Our hearts are still rooted there, and we already have plans to return.
Sicily taught us to appreciate the little moments, to slow down, and to live with intention. Those lessons stay with us wherever we go.
We’ve booked one-way tickets back, lined up a car, and found a new place to live. While we had to let go of the villa, we’re excited to share details soon about our new rental and what it’s really costing us.
From rent and groceries to utilities, we’ll be covering it all. You can read our deep dive on that soon in this post about everyday expenses.
Lessons from Our Time in Sicily
Living in Sicily changed us. We connected with Croce’s roots, explored a new way of life, and learned to find beauty in simplicity.
But we also learned that priorities shift. Sometimes, what matters most is right where you started, close to the people you love.
We’re taking the lessons from Sicily with us, not just in memory, but in how we live day to day.
What’s Next on Our Journey
We’ll keep you posted as we prepare for the return to Sicily. From our new home setup to travel updates and cost breakdowns, there’s more to share soon.
Thanks for following along with us. Whether in Texas or in Sicily, we’re grateful to have you here.
Sicily left a mark on our hearts, and while we’re home for now, the journey isn’t over. We’ll be back, and we’ll bring you along for every step.
