Three generations of owners: Mike Manteufel, Jerry Long, Jean Long Manteufel, Gladie Long           (circa 2014).

Change is hard.  This month, I get to experience that first hand.

After 64 years in business, we are closing A-1 Moving & Storage. I have been running the company for 30 years. I am ready to dedicate more time to my passion: helping seniors as they transition from their big family home.

My mom and dad, Jerry and Gladie Long, started A-1 in 1960. My brother Gary and I bought the company in 1999. Eventually, Gary moved on to other adventures. My son, Mike Manteufel, started working here 24 years ago and has been partnering with me for the past ten years. He has been a treasure.

Each of our generations really enjoyed working together.

I will be continuing with Long’s Senior Transitions. Mike is ready to move on to other opportunities.

While I have been making this transition and sharing the news with others, it has been an opportunity to reflect on “change”, in general. As I said before, change is hard.

Along with the word “change”, it is good to include the word “choice”. It is so much nicer to go through change when it is something that you have considered, done some homework on the options ahead of you, weighed the pros and cons, and then chosen to move forward. That is what Mike and I did. We are happy with our decision.

The same holds true when you are considering a move from the big family home into more manageable quarters, perhaps at a senior community or somewhere with assisted living, maybe you are even considering a move to the city your children live in. Big changes.

You can make a transition in one of two ways. It can be a sudden change to a new home; usually, that means something urgent happens like failing health. That allows for very little choice. Better yet, you can take time and consider options at your own pace. Look ahead. When the time arises to make a change, you already know what you want to do. You have put a plan in place.

What has surprised me the most has been the reactions of others as I have shared this news, both positive and negative. My takeaway is that you get to choose the messages that support you and ignore the folks that have opinions without insight.

As you consider a move to new digs, absorb the positive energy from those who encourage and cheer on your decision. Move forward knowing you considered your options and that this is right for you at this point in your life.

As for me, I’ll still be around. Look for me at Long’s Senior Transitions and writing my monthly column for the Post Crescent. You might also find me at local events. I am always eager to give presentations on how to make a transition easier.

They say, “Without change, there’d be no butterflies.” I am looking forward to discovering what this change will bring.