Paradise

Retire in Paradise Yesterday I saw an advertisement about real estate for sale in Belize. It sounded wonderful! I imagined my wife and I tanning on a beach, enjoying the beautiful blue skies and puffy white clouds. This is surely the “happily ever after� everyone has dreamed about. Life in a tropical resort, not a care in the world. It only took a few minutes for reality to smack me upside the head. Oh yeah,... we have six children and 13 grandchildren. Life would not be complete, and probably not even enjoyable, without them being included in the exotic paradise. Being an eternal optimist I thought, well, they could also move to Belize and we would all live happily ever after. Reality again came knocking, this means that they would need to have homes, jobs, and some type of income to sustain themselves in paradise.

Besides Belize may not be their dream. If my wife and I were actually able to buy a spot in Belize we would more than likely be there without family.

Is This What Happily Ever After Looks Like?

About 25 years ago my wife and I decided to move to St George Utah, still within driving distance to our extended family in Northern Utah. Our children were all young enough we had hoped they would all grow up and raise their families in Southern Utah. We were both raised in the Salt Lake area, and decided we didn't want snow, cold, and inversion and part of our lives. The strategy seemed sound, after all, they were all under the age of 12. Again the reality of life over took my fantasy world, and contrary to my best laid plans. Three of our children currently do not live in Southern Utah. It turns out that each of them have dreams and plans of their own.

Selling The Dream I currently have the opportunity to assist people as they search for their piece of paradise. Having had the experiences I previously explained, I understand what Seniors are looking for. Most people that come to St George are looking for a place that is family friendly. Most of us that are over 55 want a nice home, but not a real large home. The most important events take place in the kitchen and family areas of the home. This means that our ideal home needs an area large enough to accommodate all of our kids and grankids. Huge master bedrooms are not as critical as the family gathering areas. A kitchen that can facilitate several cooks is also important. One advantage that we enjoy here in St George are the mild Winters. Some years we have been able to enjoy our Thanksgiving meals out doors.

In a nut shell, paradise is where we decide to make it. Whether it is in Belize, or in St George Utah. For me, paradise would not be paradise, without my family there to enjoy it with me. I have learned to enjoy the times when family are together, no matter where that happens.