Stipulations

There were a few stipulations, though, to Lois and Bill’s agreement about moving to Alaska. He had to get a job and find them a place to live. Neither of which had to be permanent, but they had to be able to pay their bills, and feed and clothe the family. He agreed.

She had one more stipulation, and this one was a doozy. He had to agree that she would give living in Alaska one year and if she couldn’t stand it for any reason, they would go back to Michigan.

He made a solemn vow to her that they would do just that if she didn’t like it there. But he knew she would. He was positive.  

Although he was over the moon at the prospect of realizing his dream, he couldn’t help but be worried about leaving her alone to take care of everything. Herding two kids, a dog and getting ready to move, lock stock, and barrel, once he found a job and a place to live would not be easy.

He did his best to hide it, but he wondered if she was strong enough to get through what he honestly thought would be a few weeks all alone, with all the added stress of moving. He worried because several months after I was born, my mom had what her doctor called a nervous breakdown.