A Temporary Home in Virginia

Joe and I are home and trying to settle back into life as we phase into this new chapter in our marriage and the life of our family.  We now have a son living away from home on his own while attending law school.  Now I know that sounds really "good" by the world's standards, yada yada ..... I need to just tell you that it is also really hard.  I have a feeling it's gonna stay really hard for quite a while.  Josiah was and is a vibrant part of our family and our home.  He is our only real "talker" and so the quietness that pervades our home now can seem deafening at times.  I suspect that we will need to have music playing more frequently until this Mama can handle her emotions a bit better and adjust to his absence  :-)

To give you an update (after one entire day on his own!) -- Josiah is doing well.  He is enjoying his orientation week at Liberty Law where he attends classes and various social functions throughout the day.  His home away from home is perfect for him -- complete with older neighbors who will be watching out for him (last night one sweet and thoughtful neighbor even brought him dinner!).  It is a beautiful place, lovely city, and thriving university.  We really couldn't be more pleased ..... EXCEPT if it was perhaps just 5 hours away rather than on the other side of the country!!!!! :-)

As promised, here are pictures of his new home.  It took a few days, several shopping trips, and lots of cleaning to bring all to order, but it does my Mama's heart so good to be leaving him with so much of "home" surrounding him.  I know he feels comfortable there and enjoys the various amenities.  We are very blessed!

Once we realized that we would be taking a moving truck and towing Josiah's car, I kicked into high gear and went through our house pulling furniture that would be a fit for his new home.  He has a cozy living room filled with two of his favorite chairs, a sofa from home and his violin (affectionately named "Edward").  He never has been one to study at a desk so I think this room will get a lot of use and will be his central study location while at home.

We converted what was supposed to be a small dining space into an office for Josiah.  Isaac donated this (unused) desk from his room for Josiah's use during his time here.  The chair came from Josiah's room.  Thanks Isaac!

The kitchen is large and well lit.  Neighbors below tell me that in winter, when the surrounding trees are without their leaves, it is bright enough in here to need sunglasses :-)  There is a closet in the kitchen housing the washer/dryer.  Josiah is now the third generation to use our little round kitchen table.  Well-loved and used, it is perfect for his needs here.  Grandma and Grandpa donated several furniture items as well as dishes, towels, sheets, and many useful kitchen tools!  I was able to stock his pantry and freezer while there and also made some meals to tuck away in his freezer to help him get through these first couple of weeks.

For the first time, Josiah has a large bed AND a full sized closet!! His room opens onto a beautiful deck surrounded by woods (deer are abundant and he's already pulled off one tick!).  The birds sound beautiful when the humidity allows for a little "fresh air".   Nana's quilt hangs as a headboard for his bed and the rug which has been in his room for years came with him.  His favorite books reside on his bookshelf -- they are reminders that someday he'll be able to read something other than law books! :-)

Josiah's new home has a full guest bathroom and bedroom so please come and visit!  There isn't much closet space as all the rubbermaid tubs that we packed with are stacked to the ceiling in there -- but the room itself is comfortable and ready for visitors!  We even have a queen-sized aerobed with bedding (thanks Grandma!) which can be used in the living room if necessary. 

Both the living room and bedroom open onto a deck.  This is a beautiful space for study, reading, and calling Mom :-)

Josiah's neighborhood is very beautiful and lushly landscaped.  There are walking paths which he and I marked out for his use now as a running trail and also for our future use during visits -- our best talks come when we walk together.  Deer, geese, herons, and other wildlife abound.  It is baffling to me that not a single sprinkler is needed to keep this place so green!!

I'll leave you with a picture of Josiah studying.  They start them reading and preparing before they even arrive at Liberty Law.  He will have his work cut out for him and it will be a huge challenge, but we are hopeful that he is up for the challenge and will enjoy his learning as he seeks to accomplish this goal!  Thanks for your continued prayers for him!!