What a privilege to have so many hands helping us with our move. Some were close friends and some just willing volunteers, who heard we needed a hand. It was remarkable: I counted at least 18 people that showed up between the two houses. We only moved two blocks away, but still, there was quite a lot to be done. We began at nine, and everything was moved over by noon. Some stayed behind to help deep clean, while others unpacked boxes and found places to put things away in the new house. It was like an Amish barn-raising: many hands make short work. I just love how this community takes care of us. It truly feels like we are carried over potentially-stressful times by hands of love. The house was set up with what we need to live with by evening…including the kitchen and the kid’s rooms. I’ll slowly get to the other boxes over the coming weeks….we are set for now.
We love our new home, but being here now is slightly bittersweet. It has hit me several times that it does feel strange to not have Vernon moving in with us. When I individually asked Maki and Justine for their thoughts on this, they agreed: “It feels like Daddy doesn’t live with us anymore.” I know what they mean, though I wouldn’t say it so plainly. His marks were still all over the old house, his stuff everywhere—in drawers, on counters, in corners, all over the garage. Now that things have been packed in boxes, his things aren’t the first taken out. They will be, in time, but it really feels like JUST three of us live here. Though we have been living as three for months, it felt like Vernon was just on a trip or something…it still felt like he lived with us.
Anyway, he is coming back eventually. And he can leave a new mark on the house then.
It was such a busy day and the mover’s energy was so quick, I never even reached for my camera. Somebody did though (you know who you are) so I found a few random pictures of the morning hidden on my photo disk when I looked at it tonight. Here they are…
That was a fun surprise!
Here are a couple that I took of the craigslist chairs my mom recovered as my Christmas present. She brought them over tonight. Isn’t she brilliant?
Thank you mom…and thank you EVERYONE who helped us yesterday and through the week. We couldn’t have done this alone.
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And flowers !! How lovely. Just what we’d prayed for- a smooth transition!
Thank God for so many strong hands and hearts- you’re angels. God bless you
Hi Melissa. Yes, aren’t they pretty…Pattie brought them from her garden along with a basket full of goodies…and then homemade soup tonight! I am so glad that Ryder is feeling better…I got your message late in the day. You were on my mind a lot Fri and Sat. Im turning in now…pretty tired, but its back to school tomorrow. Love you, friend.
just amazing Allison ..angels walk with you.. you have the most wonderful friends , community..such love !!
Bittersweet i know , but when Vern is ready to come home …you will have everything straight, warm and homely. Your mum has done the most beautiful “job” on your chair cushions, love the bright colours and pattern..good inspiration for your home design??
..and the flowers , what a heart warming touch.
love to you, and hope you settle in very soon xx
I am so happy that went well and that so many People came to help. Thank you to everyone from me too! I have felt such a need to help With the move as a part of it is Makis stuff, and I know how much it always ends up being when you move. But now I dont feel bad. The New house looks good. I love the chairs! Big hug.
Allison, So glad that you had “angels” helping you move. That makes it so much easier on you, Justine, and Maki. Just rest in the hollow of God’s hand and He will be with Vernon and you as you move and proceed down the road to be happy with all that goes on.
Still praying for you.
Becky
How beautiful. It is in times like this that one feels the Good Lord’s Loving Embrace in the arms of those around us.
I think Tom and I had one of the best jobs of all…caring for Justine. Tom made her pancakes, she goggled those things down. She made bracelets with beads, played with my ‘famous’ toy basket, and had deep meaningful conversations with her playmate Eligh. When we were in the car driving, Tom and I got to hear a little bit of heaven: Justine: “I want you to be my best friend. My best friend forever and ever. Ya, Eligh, you are my BFF.”
Eligh: “Yes, I want to be your best friend forever. I am your EFF.”
The two of them holding hands in their car seats behind us….Um. Priceless.
BFFs? How sweet! Thank you for sharing…and for taking care of her!
Yes, Allison!
And, how funny that Eligh referred to himself as her “E…(as in Eligh) FF (friend forever). Not B…(as in best) FF (friend forever)! Tom and I just looked at each other in amazement. The two of them are so interesting to listen to.