Today was the day. The big move to Peterborough anticipated now for a few weeks. Final outings had been made with family and friends, good-byes made at church and school, and a pleasant warm-weather farewell open house had been enjoyed by all who came, complete with a live photo op for memories.
And then February 13th was upon us.
Packing began on the 12th, and was finalized the morning of the 13th. Two vans were filled. Amazing really. AJ came into our home with 1 suitcase and a few little things 7 years ago, and here he was leaving with a lot of stuff. People certainly have loved on him!
We took to the highway around 9 am. Our conversation was minimal… feelings mixed really… so we listened to a couple of podcasts to help pass the time. Driving was interesting. In Stoney Creek we hit a small snow squall and then we had clear sailing until Hwy 115 heading into Peterborough where we hit near white-out snow squall conditions for about 10-15 mins. It was amazing; I quite like that kind of thing. Joanne was glad I was driving.
We arrived at Stewart Homes in just over 2 hours. We were welcomed with smiles and began unloading all of AJ’s gear. Joanne and AJ’s CAS worker took care of all the intake paperwork and medical files with the home supervisor while AJ and I began setting up his room together. The staff were great in that they unloaded everything, and faster than we could sort things! They are a willing and helpful bunch!
Joanne joined us after the paperwork and medical side of things were handled. She made AJ’s bed just right and got the clothes sorted into his drawers. AJ and I had been doing the more “structural” things like furniture placement, picture hanging, eating snacks, and, most importantly… PS5 setup.
Then came time to give staff an overview of AJ’s bi-PAP and cough assist machines. AJ was quite patient through this process as both machines need demonstrating on him. We got through all that and everybody hung around a bit more just chatting. But I could see AJ had had enough and Joanne and I were thinking it was time to get going being 3:30 pm. I interrupted the chatter and politely asked for a few minutes alone to say good-bye.
And there we were. Just the 3 of us. Having to say good-bye for real this time. Like that’s it. This is AJ’s home now. Joanne teared up, I was pushing them back, and AJ, tucked comfortably in his bed, wanted to stay strong for his Mom (and a little bit wanted to get on with his PS5 game). I lifted his arm to get around Joanne and they embraced for a few minutes. “See you soon big guy.” I said when they were done. That’s what I often called him. “Love ya tons.” And so we left. One more look, and a picture. He looked content.
It was a strange feeling getting into the van. Last time when we just visited Stewart Homes, AJ came back with us. We could talk about our day and go home like always. This time we had to leave him behind. As we drove off, I turned my head around just once to check the back of the van where he and his wheelchair were usually strapped in. He wasn’t there. It’s like I needed to be sure I wasn’t dreaming. I said to Joanne, “It seems so surreal. To leave him behind.” She nodded and was still weeping.
Our drive home was quiet. I listened to a more serious lengthy podcast to keep me occupied and keep my eyes tear free so I could see. We grabbed some take-out dinner when nearing home and then when we pulled into our driveway on came the song, The Blessing. We just sat and cried a bit more as these words were sung….
The Lord bless you
And keep you
Make His face shine upon you
And be gracious to you
The Lord turn His
Face toward you
And give you peace
Amen, amen, amen (we sing, we sing)
Amen, amen, amen
May His favor be upon you
And a thousand generations
And your family and your children
And their children, and their children
May His favor be upon you
And a thousand generations
And your family and your children
And their children, and their children
It’s like we were receiving “the Blessing” and “the Amen” at this time of closing a big chapter in our lives. So many questions abound as to what’s next, but for now, we have to trust God that His favour is indeed upon us and our children…… and their children, and so on.
And so God, help us to trust You into this next chapter of our lives.
Peterborough…. AJ has arrived. You will never be the same.
The Artisan Post 