Goodbye USA
SO LONG, AND THANKS FOR ALL THE FISH
A New Horizon
Thirty-two years for me, thirty-five for Julia. For over three
decades, we have called the United States of America our home. It has been a
significant and formative chapter in our lives, a place where an Aussie and a
Brit built a life together, found community, and truly experienced the vastness
of this country.
We leave with hearts full of gratitude. We’ve been incredibly
fortunate to explore the magnificent wild spaces of the USA. One of our most
cherished memories will always be the three months we spent circumnavigating
the contiguous states in our small plane. From the air, we saw the country in a
way few ever do—the patchwork of vast farmlands, the majesty of its mountains,
the sun-bleached shores of its beaches, and the vibrant lights of its cities.
We have stood in awe in its national parks and felt the unique spirit of so
many different states.
But more than the places, it’s the people. We have made friends here
who have become part of us, sharing laughter, milestones, and celebrations. We
have also grieved together, mourning loved ones who are forever a part of our
American story. After living here so long, this country and its people are
woven into the very fabric of who we are.
So why leave?
The reasons are complex, as they often are when a decision weighs so
heavily on the heart. Over time, we’ve felt a growing disconnect with certain
aspects of American culture. A relentless focus on self-interest and profit has
become more prominent over our three decades here, creating a climate that can
feel increasingly antisocial. Ultimately, those values don't resonate with the
community spirit we are seeking for the next chapter of our lives.
As we look ahead, the thought of growing older in a country like
Australia, with its public healthcare system based on evidence and care for
all, offers a profound sense of peace. That feeling stands in stark contrast to
the profit-driven and often fiction-based system we'd be leaving behind. This
sense of security, combined with the magnetic pull of family, has made our path
clear.
To our dear friends in America: Thank you. Thank you for your
kindness, your hospitality, and your unwavering friendship. You have been—our
home. This isn’t a final goodbye, but a ‘see you later’ across the ocean. We
will carry you with us in our memories and hearts always.
And to our family and friends in Australia: We are coming home! Get
ready for us! We can’t wait to be with you, to share stories, and to begin our
next great adventure with you in Melbourne and the vast country of Australia.
This decision is a paradox, wrapped in both sorrow and joy. It is a
sad goodbye and a happy hello.
"SO LONG, AND THANKS FOR ALL THE FISH."
From Douglas Adams's book The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. It's a message left by the dolphins to humans before they leave Earth, which is about to be demolished to make way for a hyperspace bypass.