Move is coming

It's Friday--almost a whole week has passed since I last wrote. Wednesday was our Awana awards night--lots of prep to get ready for it. It was definitely more hectic this year--the ol' brain just doesn't keep up with me--it used to be that my body didn't keep up with me--now it's both--what is the ME they're not keeping up with anyway??? Is it the soul part that recognizes it is separate and distinct from the mind and body? Interesting thought.

Last Saturday we spent the day with Kirstin, Yura, Kylisa and Chris. During our time together Kirstin said that they had talked about it and thought we should move in with them. They can see that we're going to need help in the months to come and wanted us closer. We talked about the pros and cons--Tom would have more activity to be a part of or just watch, we'd be closer to the UW medical center, Kemp is just a few blocks away, Tom could putter in the yard, Hunter and Moose would give their Far lots of love. We've been advised to find living space that is wheelchair accessible. Their house is very open and we can build a ramp to their porch if and when the time comes we need it. Cons would be more people in the house but they have assured us they're okay with that and want us to come. We are also going to have to be very honest and open with each other--not a bad thing to foster. We feel so incredibly blessed to have the children we do. Everyone is focused on doing what is the very best for Tom and this seems to be just that. Tom even said that he would like to get on the bus and go downtown Seattle--easy to do from their house.

A few things need to be finished at their house before we arrive. The kids are planning family work days to get it all done. Once again we will be downsizing--it's getting easier and easier. God has been good to make this such a gradual process for us from house to townhouse to apartment to Kirstin and Yura's house.

I've also talked with my pastor who is very supportive of my first call which is to care for Tom. I am hopeful that I can stay on in Children's Ministry but am holding it with an open hand waiting to see what God has in store. Right now we are gathering a group of people together to spread out responsibilities. I am blown away by the support and love that people are showing--it is very humbling and encouraging. It's very different to be on the receiving end. It's more comfortable to be on the giving side but I am learning to receive--I am very grateful.

The last two nights I have gotten more sleep but Tom is still up several times during the night. Sleep is a challenge. Tom can't take sleeping medication because he has to be alert if he gets up due to the feeing tube. The few nights in the beginning that he took something was like dealing with a drunken sailor--not fun. We both agreed it was better to do without.

It's a beautiful sunny day today. Tom wants to go to Target to look for more jigsaw puzzles. I'm hoping to get out for a long walk.