Friday, October 19, 2007

He Likes It!


Phew. Lucey and I took Joe up to his new school. There are eight of these ten-bedroom ranch houses around a central school building, all on one campus. His "house" is right next to a big playground. The other boys in his house are very sweet. When Lucey and I came in, one of them shouted "There's a GIRL in here!" very excited to see Lucey. We got Joe settled and said a quick goodbye. Joe seemed fine. Two days later, I went back to visit, bringing Joe's two older sisters up from the city. One of the boys (only a few of them are verbal) called out, "Joe, how many sisters do you have?" Elizabeth and Maggie charmed all the boys, as Lucey had. Joe seemed very happy, hanging out with the guys in his house. His case manager says they love having him in the school. He seems to fit in very well; he's wearing underwear and taking showers, two things I could never get him to do. Is it that easy? Wow. They're giving him some time to get used to things; in two weeks we'll have his first IEP meeting, to establish his goals. They've already met two of mine. He likes it! Yeah, Joe!
But I miss him. My hands miss signing things to him. I find myself signing the "Our Father," to no one, and reaching for his hands to help him with things.
I keep telling myself, if he's happy, I'm happy.
When I first moved into this house 21 years ago, I had 1.5 children, with three-year-old Elizabeth, and Maggie due in a few months. By 1993, when Joe and Lucey were born, the house was full to overflowing, especially when their friends came over. Now, we're down to two children again, and the house feels too empty.
But he likes it! Joe's adjusting, and so will we.
God is so good.