Thoughts from a momma's heart

I am bouncing between excitement and sadness today as I think about the changes to come in our family in the next week or two. You see, Andrea our middle daughter is moving out. While that is a normal thing for many parents right now with college age children, it is not so normal for us. You see Andrea is a 26 year old special needs adult. Sending her out into the world is a bit scarier than most "normal" situations. 

Let me just share with you how we arrived at this new change to come. 

I have always thought "She would always live with us, we would never be empty nesters, after all, she is our responsibility and we should take care of her" and while that is all well and seems like the right and noble thing to do, It isn't right for Andrea. The Tv is her best friend and a walk to the "coffee " store almost daily have become her "life" The friends she grew up with have all grown up and moved away and she is left behind so to speak. We live in a small community that does not offer very many if any resources for higher functioning special needs adults. We have worked with many agencies to find employment and more social things for her, and other than a few Volunteer jobs there is just not much available.  It became clear to us after much prayer and consideration, that a bigger city (one in which her 3 sisters all live in) may offer much more for her. Last year we started researching Group home possibilities and as is often the way the Lord works we were led to a wonderful home by a good friend. We have been on a waiting list all this year for that wonderful Godly home for her. Through a series of events the owner of this home recommended us to another Adult Family Home that seems an even better fit for Andrea. We met them last week and we loved them instantly and knew that God had led us to this home and this family for our Andrea. Andrea hit it off quickly with one of the other residents and it did my heart good to hear them laughing and talking together. They will work with us to get her plugged into some Job and recreational activities and make Andrea feel at home. Her sisters are very excited to have her nearby and are already planning outings and visits with her. While I am excited, there is a great deal of sadness in my heart at this change. I know in my heart that this is totally a God thing and a blessing for Andrea, but this momma is having a hard time letting go. I would so appreciate your prayers as we make this transition and especially on moving day Sept 29th

Our family. Andrea is in the Black and white dress

Andrea is second from the left. Enjoying her sister weekend