Move in Day

It has been 12 days since I got the devastating news that DDD of Arizona has denied my appeal for Bryson to move into the home we have chosen for him.

That has not stopped us, we are shifting and realigning the plans and directions.

We have had meetings and it has been decided that we will place Bryson in the home we have chosen for him through self-pay while we fight this appeal.

As I was talking to a friend on Monday, how anxious I am now that the time is finally here to transition Bryson.  She said, “just see it like he’s going off to college”.

This week I have been reflecting on that quote and it has given me hope.  I have already moved one child to college, I know how to do this!

So how is this move like college?

1. College cost money unless you’ve got a full ride scholarship, Since Bryson is such a big sports fan let’s use the illustration that he is going to play on the basketball team! Bryson is a walk on right now he’s heading to college going to pay the dues, but waiting till the scholarship comes in.
2. He is leaving home for the first time and moving in with strangers. New roommates that he’s only met several times; with hopes the dynamics of sharing a household will work.
3. He will be attending a day program during the day. It isn’t academic, but it involves schedules, participation, and social engagement.
4. This isn’t permanent.  If it doesn’t work out, we have options and we can make changes. 
5. He is only a phone call away; there are people close by who will step in as “mom” if he needs some extra love and care.
6. As with college kids, they are out of your household but always still in your heart.
7. We aren’t sure if this will end up being a 2-year program, maybe he will get his masters or doctorate. We don’t know the future, but God holds it in His hand.

The family that Bryson is moving in with has two other clients in their home.  The youngest one always says “he is going to college” when he heads off to the program.

Every day has a PURPOSE.

Thursday (TOMORROW) afternoon is MOVE IN DAY!

Today I am packing and checking the list to make sure I have everything together.

Kaden, Tucker, and Jake are back from their National Park adventure and will be my “moving team”.

We’re going to set up his room, as we would a dorm room, add all the personal touches that will make it Bryson!

We will keep praying, God is on the move, and we will wait for the time to come when we will hear that Bryson has got his full ride scholarship!

I hope soon I can introduce you to the amazing family that we have chosen for Bryson.  Each interaction I have had with them brings joy and peace to my heart.

I have contacted a lawyer and will be speaking with her today on the next steps in fighting.

Prayer requests:

1. For clear direction on how to fight
2. Fast resolution of this appeal
3. Bryson as he transitions, I can tell he is nervous and that is normal.
4. For me as I am a mess thinking about letting him go
5. His new family will have changes in welcoming a new member to the family.
6. Peace and strength for Brad, as he is walking this same journey but from afar.  

Thanks again friends, family, and prayer warriors, you each have been vital in this journey!