Saturday, November 10, 2012

David

I have had such a difficult week. Last Monday 07/11 was the day that David, our son of 22 years, went to his new Home. Having become an adult he had to leave his School in Carcassonne to enter into a new structure in his life. That meant, no bus that would pick him up and bring him home every day. That meant that I would be bound to the house even more and even have to take him to work with me. The fact that he is severely handicapped in that he is deaf and mute as well as having Down Syndrome and autistic behavior patterns, made my task even heavier. Our lives revolved around David, he was my first thought in the morning and my last at night. If we wanted to do something or go somewhere our first thought had to be... and David?? When we really needed a break our sons would step in and look after him, but they had to look after a grown man who couldn't even go to the toilet on his own, someone had to be there to help him.

 David, with his dad in the mornings.. sometimes he had tears in his eyes but we never knew why...

He was admitted into a beautiful new Center for handicapped people, having his own room with en suite bathroom and lovely ladies who look after him day and night. Of course he will have to adapt, just like us, and it made me feel guilty, but I had the conviction deep down inside from God that it was the right step to take. I have looked after him for 22 years! A big empty space came to the surface in his absence, and he had only been gone for four days... I will have to deal with it slowly and surely, asking the Lord to fill in that space. The blessing in all of this is that he is not too far away - yesterday I picked him up for the weekend, and he will return again on Monday morning. We hope to have him with us in the weekends just seeing how it goes. He was looking good and had a smile on his face! I think he can handle more than I think he can! He is the second son to leave the nest and we feel like we are in a transition period - a twilight zone. Having left the old state of things we are waiting for what the future will bring, the Plans the Lord may have for us.



Our prayer is still every day for him:  
The Lord bless you and keep you;
25 the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you;
26 the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. (Numbers 6:24-26)
The memories I will treasure of him


Life is not always how we want it, but it is very important to stay thankful to God and to see the blessings amidst the sorrows. He has promised that ALL THINGS WILL WORK TOGETHER FOR GOOD FOR THOSE WHO LOVE HIM AND ARE CALLED ACCORDING TO HIS PURPOSES! Rom.8:28
There are many people who are suffering in the world at the moment and I am thinking of those who lost their homes in Sandy - then I feel that my suffering is so small compared to what other people have to go through in life. I want to remain a thankful woman and count my blessings daily, giving thanks to God who is a Helper in times of need!


 I am going to share a card for the blog challenge on the blog I just recently discovered (thanks Ross!) and the topic this week was being thankful!! Here is the link.
Thanks for listening!
God bless,
Jacqueline


40 comments:


  1. You do a wonderful job 22 years and still do. I have so much respect for you! Bless you and your family.

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  2. Alles Gute und Gottes Segen für deine ganze Familie, liebe Jacqueline

    Ganz liebe Grüße

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  3. Loslaten is best moeilijk. Fijn dat je zo lang zelf voor je mooie zoon hebt kunnen zorgen. Je hebt er ook mooi over geschreven, dank je daarvoor. En je kaart met de toepasselijke kaart is prachtig.Fijn weekend samen. X

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  4. Jacqueline, cannot imagine how much has gone into your daily life in the last 22 years...and what you will continue to experience as this new season in your life begins. But am so glad that the Lord Jesus has always been in the center of it. May he continue to bless you all.

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  5. This is definitely a new chapter in your life, Jacqueline, as well as David's. It is wonderful that he is now living close to you and that you can still visit him and have him come home with you at times. The Lord blesses us in many different ways each day and I am sure He will give you peace in this difficult decision.

    Love the beautiful card you shared -such soft and pretty colors.

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  6. Dear Jacqueline, thank you for sharing your life with us.
    You're a loving and caring mother.

    Love the elegance of your card! Gorgeous!

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  7. Jacqueline,
    I myself resist change because somehow the void always affects me more than I wish to feel.
    THE BLESSING that you pray for David daily will helpd the transition for everyone.
    Your card has a quiet serenity in the beauty you have put onto paper. The pearl is like the dotting of an I.
    Thank you for sharing your story and your card with us.
    Psalm 103 Blessings,
    Carole B
    Word Art Wednesday

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  8. Jacqueline thinking of you and your family. God is with you and your family and it will be good. Sending prayers and hugs.

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  9. Dear Jacqueline, just sending along hugs and thinking of both you and David. Change is hard for all of us, but you have surrounded David in love for his entire life, and it's time for him to learn something new, and you also! You've given him some wings and you know that God will be watching over him; praying that He will also give you peace about it.

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  10. Yes, you are an amazing woman and have been and will always be David's 'real' home in his heart! He is truly blessed to have a loving family and most of all, the best mother!!!! xxxoooo

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  11. Oh, Jacqueline, change can be so difficult, especially when it involves our children. For 22 years you gave David so much love and care. I think you're right when you say he can handle more than you think he can. Your love for him will always be in his heart, no matter where he goes. I'm sending lots of hugs to you and praying that the heartache you feel now will ease with time. XOXO!

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  12. I got all teary just reading about this post, Jacqueline! I know it must be difficult to have David living in another home other than his real home...you and your family sure have taken great care of David all these years. What a great mom you are! Your spirit and thankful attitude will encourage those who are in distressed and in need! Thank you! I wish all the best with this new transition! May the Lord bless you and family! xo

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  13. Hi Jacqueline,look up as God is watching over you and your family....
    He will give you all the strength you need ! Your creation is beautiful !!
    God bless,
    Chris richards
    xxxxxxxxxx

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  14. Hi Jacqueline: Thanks for sharing this - I was in tears as I read it. The first thing that came to my mind when you said "many mornings with tears in his eyes and you didn't know why", but that "now he has a smile on his face".....I believe that David knows in his heart when there is stress on others, and I am certain that this new-found independence has given him much to smile about. Don't feel guilty for one second, Jacqueline. David is obviously a much-loved young man, and has the blessing in his life of parents who pray for him. Not all children can say that (sadly, far too many). You are doing what God wants, and that's to trust Him and pray for the rest. Your card is beautiful, and really shows your heart. Thanks for sharing with us at Word Art Wednesday, and please know that I (and I know others at WAW) will be praying for David and for your family. We're SO blessed to have you play along with us, and look forward to seeing more of your beautiful art in weeks to come.
    God is good - ALL the time!
    Karen L
    Word Art Wednesday

    www.karen-mycuprunnethover.blogspot.com

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  15. Oh Jacqueline, your beautiful card with those colours really does express your thankfulness! You are a wonderful mother and a fantastic role model! I wish David all the very best in his new home! Sending you lots of hugs my friend! xxx

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  16. I am in tears reading your post Jacqueline, you and your family have been so amazing in taking care of David, by him going to his new home already shows the inspiring mum you have been that he is capable of being on his own. Thanks for sharing, my prayers are with you and David. May the Good Lord bless you and your family. Lots of love ....Hugs Kailash

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  17. Ik dacht even dat hij gestorven was.. naar Huis met een hoofdletter.. maar dat is gelukkig niet zo. Je liefde voor hem zal ook nu nog blijken.. dus geen schuldgevoel. Het is toch heel gewoon dat kinderen het huis verlaten, en dan misschien vooral kinderen die extra aandacht nodig hebben. Sterkte van Boven gewenst!

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  18. What a heartfelt post my friend. Just seeing your grateful heart is a reminder of how we should live our lives...

    My prayers go out to you and your family...

    Hugs~

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  19. Thank you for sharing this heart felt post. Your verse for David that you shared is one we sing to our children. God does bring Peace to those who seek HIM.
    Praying for you and David during this time of change.

    Thanks for posting the link to WORD art Wednesday..It is new to me too:)

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  20. What a great post Jacqueline. You have done a brave thing, but good for both you and David. I'll keep your family in my prayers. Your card is beautiful.

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  21. Lieve Jacqueline,
    jouw woorden hebben diep geraakt en ontroerd.Je bent een zo sterke vrouw.Ik ben zeker jy en je man zyn fantastische ouders en al dat waardevolle brengt David verder in zyn groei en op deze nieuwe weg.
    ik voel met je mee en kan de leegte begrypen die in het huis overblyft.maar vindt het fyn dat jullie mekaar vaak kunnen zien!wy hebben ook een nicht met handicap in de familie.en ik weet dat dat veel energie vraagt.
    ik denk je mag nu eens tot rust komen en ontspannen.
    ik denk aan jou!
    by my ook een moeilyke periode.ik wordt gepest door de buren omdt ik af en toe zing.bovendien heb ik last van goederentreinen die snachts dicht aan myn huis voorbyryden.ik heb hoofdpyn en verspanningen in nek en rug.b
    het zal misschien een nieuw verhuis met zich brengen wat nieuw leuk is.
    ik vertrouw in alles op Hem!
    heel veel liefs,Franziska

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  22. This is such a beautiful card and a beautiful post ... I do a craft class once a week for Thursday club ... a group of mentally and physically challenge adults ... I know how loving and beautiful they are ... I also know how hard it is to care for them ... Be strong and know that this is the right thing for you both ... you love him ... He knows that ... That's what counts my friend ... take care

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  23. A truly heartfelt post Jacqueline and it must be very difficult to see David enter a new stage in his life... Any woman with children can relate to you, it's not easy to let go... But David will always has your love in his heart and you his...
    Your card is real beautiful, thanks for sharing wonderful thoughts and your lovely creation with us today...
    irascreacorner.blogspot.nl

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  24. Aw, Had a lump in my throat when I read this. Feel it a privilege to have him as my nephew and you as my sister. I wish I could hug you. I know that your strong faith you will come out the other side blessed.

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  25. Jackie,
    Sorry that we don't keep up as well as we should with your family. We are so happy for you all to see that David has adjusted so well to his new environment. You have truly been an amazing mother and caregiver to him all these years. God gave you a special needs child to make you into the special person that you are. We will continue to pray that David adapts to his new home away from home. We love and miss you guys.

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  26. Thinking of you, Jacqueline, as you transition from being a primary caregiver to trusting others to help David. Both of you will find new joys from this change - best to you and your family! Love your card too!!

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  27. As a mum you did and still do a wonderful job; your post was lovely to read and look at. Yes the house will be empty; but your heart will always be filled with love of your children!

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  28. Jacqueline
    Your story and life is an inspiration to me. Your strength is sent from HIM above.
    This verse came to mind when reading your post. Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5
    I believe the Lord has greater things for David right now where he’s at. The Lord will keep him safe and still where he is at, so that you will be able to enjoy every bit of time with him when he or you visit him.
    The name David is so special to me as the Lord took my son home to be with him when he was only 5 days old with S.I.D.S./Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. His name was also David. Yes...Let Us Be Grateful.
    Love and blessings…Leanne

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  29. Jacqueline, when my only child left home, I missed her so much. For many years I kept a bedroom ready for her--even after she married! I know, I know, silly really. Recently, I finally turned her room into "Crafting Central". I like to remember that when one lets loose of someone or something precious, it opens up a space that can be filled. I pray that any emptiness you are feeling will be filled with something even more precious. WRE

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  30. Héél veel sterkte Jacqueline, ook al zien we zelf niet altijd het waarom, God is getrouw! Ik ben al zo dikwijls door je blogs bemoedigd geweest, daarom wil ik je deze keer ook extra bedanken en bidden voor David en je gezin,Ps.134:13

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  31. Lieve Jacqueline,
    Dank je wel voor wat je deelt. Zo openhartig.
    Voor jullie allebei een nieuwe fase in jullie leven. Voor jou een fase van loslaten, voor David een pijnlijk afscheid en het opdoen van allerlei nieuwe indrukken.
    Je hebt het samen gedaan met God. Hij zal jullie beiden overvloedig hierin zegenen.

    liefs
    Angela

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  32. Wishing you strength and peace for your "new" situation in life. Your card is beautiful - as are you.

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  33. For 22 years you loved and cared for this beautiful person and prepared him for this transition. God bless you and your family.

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  34. Wow Jacqueline, I have so much admiration for you! It must have been a really difficult choice but I think that if you feel that you made the right decission, it is the right decission. I wish all of you lots of luck with this new situation in your lives. Hugs, Hanneke

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  35. God bless you and your husband and your beautiful son, Jacqueline!

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  36. Thank you for sharing this incredible part of your life. You and your work are a blessing. I came over from Moxie Fab~congratulations! You are a light in a dark world for sure~blessings~

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  37. What a difficult and courageous thing you have done for your David, Jacqueline. Even in letting step into a new phase of his life you are shoing him your love. The only difference now is that - on weekdays at least - it has to travel a little farther. Rest assured he knows you adore him.

    Peace be in your heart and his.

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  38. Jacqueline, David is so blessed to have you in his life. It will be a transition in life for all of you. You never know the work the Lord has for David in his new home. He will no doubt emanate the love and compassion from a very loving family. God Bless you in your transition my friend.

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  39. Jacqueline, I just came across your blog because of a post on Pinterest.
    I got tears in my eyes while reading about David moving out of your home. I have a younger sister who has Down Syndrome and has been living in a wonderful group home here in the U.S. for over 15 years.
    When it began to get difficult for my parents to care for her as she needed the Lord provided.
    May God give you peace as you adjust to not having David around as much.

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  40. I missed this post Jacqueline...
    Moet een moeilijke periode geweest zijn. Ik hoop dat jullie allemaal snel aan deze nieuwe situatie wennen.

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