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.
