Wednesday, November 18, 2015

November 13, 2015



November 13, 2015.  I will never forget that day, ever,ever.  We got to Columbia River Correctional Institution about 6:35 in the morning.  Still dark, still quiet.  We could see movement in the building.  The rain had covered everything, but I found a dry spot on the outside bench and sat down by the gate where he would come out.  Dave paced as he does.  One other man was there to pick up his person.  We exchanged pleasantries, but then all fell silent again and my eyes were glued to the building.  Four years of being forcibly separated, four years of struggle, unfathomable agony on both our parts was about to come to a close.  Finally, after what seemed forever, I saw him.  He had chosen a set of sweats to exit with and he stuck out from all the rest, I knew it was my boy.  They walked slowly, the gate opened and there he was, we hugged and hugged and I could not control my sobbing.  When I was able, I let go and we turned to walk to the car, the man waiting for his person said, "There's no love like a mother's love."  I so appreciated that my love for him showed.  Because he couldn't come into Washington and return to Oregon, we just stayed in Oregon.  He changed into the clothes we brought him in the car, lol, then went to McDonald's, his first time in 4 years.  Then into Portland for some new Doc Marten's.  I knew I wanted to get him some, they are signature Josh, lol, so that was our contribution.  His sister and her husband helped, as have friends to at least have him a couple sets of clothes. 

For the first time in 4 years, my dream had come true.  Occasionally as I had gone to sleep during these 4 years, my mind would play every horrific scene from prison documentaries, or movies I had seen and it was too much, I learned to go immediately into prayer and trust God for his safety.  Now, that night, November 13, 2015, he was asleep, safe and sound across the hallway.  I slept soundly, aside from waking periodically in joy.  :)  It's been a whirlwind since, this is the first time i've had the time to write.

He is a different man, all because of Christ.  I hear worship songs being played on the guitar coming from his room, see him reading his Bible.  If I lived to be 100, there would not be time enough to thank and praise my God for this transformation.  From his lips, prison is horrible, but he counts it good because it brought him to a relationship with Christ.

My heart is overwhelmed with gratitude, grace, love.  There are unbelievable hurdles ahead, financially and otherwise, but the Lord has promised to provide, so one day at a time. 

And then there's my love, my sweet husband who once again brought me to tears the other night.  Josh was asleep, and I thanked him for all he's done and is doing to help him, he said, "of course, he's my kid too."  I love this man.  Dave can seem grumpy at times, and is at times, but his heart never wavers, full of love and self-sacrifice for those he loves.  He and Josh went to the men's event last night which was helping a local business move some stuff, how wonderful.

Well, I could go on and on, and probably will, but enough for now.  My heart is full to overflowing.  I will simply enjoy the blessings.  Hopefully Autumn and the kids will be here for Thanksgiving.....won't that be wonderful!!!!

If you know me, you know the amount of miracles i've experienced, and i'm nobody, truly, what a God we serve and love who loves us so.  Once again, I haven't words to say what this all means.  One day I will see Him face to face and i'm sure we'll smile at the knowing.