New Move

It's quiet.

Too quiet.

Something is missing.

The apartment feels emptier.

Today is a major day in my family (oh, and I was baptised 14 years ago today, but that has nothing to do with what I want to say). Julia has begun to go under the care of Dove Pointe (an organization in Salisbury, MD; dedicated to provide quality services to citizens with disabilities in the area).

I took her to her 1st (official) day in their Vocational Day services. She never liked going there, but after a while, she was ok. She had already spent some time there before.

As she was there, two men from Dove Pointe's maintenance group came by to help move Julia's furniture to her new home. I also bought some stuff that Julia would need for her "new place." We set the furniture up in her room and everything was put in its place. Now, may the time of adjustment begin. . .

Wow.

That is all I can say.

After 4 months of caring for Julia (basically on my own), it's over.

The room Julia and I shared now has only 1 bed and what feels like a ton of space. My clothes are all that's in our closet. Instead of her random vocal sounds and her occasional slaps, silence has taken control.

I'm not listening to see what Julia is doing. I'm not going to listen to any more claps (signal that Julia is done using the toilet and needs to be wiped). Julia is not going to come up to me anymore, "asking" me to give her a bowl of Fruit Loops (her favorite cereal). I'm not going to bathe her tonight; not for a long time, if ever again.

The feeling is surreal.

Yes, I have been away from my family many times; but my family has never been separated: at least not like this. I was in college, dad was on the road, and mom and Julia were at home. Now, mom is dead, dad is still on the road, I'm in our rented shelter (it ceased to be Home a long time ago), and Julia is in her new home. . . sheesh. I never minded being away from home, but that's because I had a home to return to. All I have now are family members scattered to the four winds. Wow, what a situation.

But you know what? God is still very good--at least we're all still alive. As long as there is life, there is hope.