Linda, my oldest sister, invited me and Jon and Katie, my other sister, down for a week to Destin, Florida. Linda had a job for the summer teaching and sitting two little girls. I prayed about it and decided Jon had worked so hard at school that year, I needed a break from church politics, and Bobby, my oldest son, had been invited to Florida the same week with trusted church friends, so we were off!
Jonathan was always calmer and happier during the summer time. The pressure was off and he knew we loved him no matter what. I had no idea if he would be allowed back in his school. In sixth grade children transferred from one class to another and this did not bode well for Jonathan. His thinking could be incredibly unorganized and then he would get frantic and combative. Our summer home had been sold and Mark, my husband, could not take off any time for the summer. All the circumstances and the opportunity lined up because I believed God’s hand was on it.
Physically, it was an extremely difficult trip for me, but it was worth it. I did all the driving and, as usual, I was exhausted when we started. We had to stop just about every hour for Katie to smoke or give Jonathan a break. Thirteen hours later we arrived in pitch black darkness and the street sign for the address Linda gave me was missing. I pulled into a real estate parking lot, pried my hands off the steering wheel and started crying. Jon said, “Mom it is okay, I’m sure it is around here close”. He was so precious and helpful when he knew I was at the end of my coping ability. We circled the neighborhood again and went down the only street without a sign and there it was. It was a small one room efficiency apartment behind the house and we could walk to the beach.
Jonathan was very comfortable with me and his two aunts. The three of us ladies laughed like teenagers on spring break and bonded in a way we had not ever before! We had a ball and Jonathan loved the ocean. Little did we know it would be the last time the four of us would spend fun time together but the Lord did.
Thought: Are there things in your future that you cannot fathom, but God knows and prepares us.
Action: Stay flexible and moldable in His Hands.