Oh gosh folks, a big thanks for all the kind words. I didn't start this topic looking for praise, but wanted to share the joy of celebrating our 'immigrants' story. We truly believe that we've gained far more from this wonderful experience than we're going to be able to give back.
It wasn't all smooth sailing. One company we worked for went into Chapter 11, leaving all the employees who'd purchased stocks and stashed them away for retirement with sawdust instead. For me, that was 20 years that went 'poof', and years later I understood how unsuspecting Enron employees must have felt. But we were young enough to start over and, like someone once said to me, "everything happens for a reason and everything works out for the best".
The rest of the journey had its ups and downs, but again everything happened for a reason. Work wise, there were many long hours and long commutes, and often weeks away from home. Extended family members who enjoyed complimentary air travel had no idea how many hours I sat in planes, traveling the world, to get those air miles" ;D
Our friends stuck with us all the way through the good times and not so good times. When we retired early, we were at last able to make extended trips by RV, and visited many RV Forum members &/or met them at rallies.
One regret is that we didn't serve in the US armed forces, and I'm reminded of this every time I read or listen to a veteran's story, or watch footage of the many young men and women currently serving to protect the free world.