I have noticed on by daughter's blog (comments) that some of her friends have "suggested" that she tell her brother to move out. I thought I'd point out that it was a "family-decision" that he live there while his wife goes through basic & tech school. This does put a huge burden on Sherri, and I for one feel guilty about it. I have suggested they move here after schools out even though I only have one extra bedroom. Sherri said NO, and has a whole wing as you know, with separate bathroom, bedroom and big schoolroom where they are all now staying. So I try and take as many kids (hers and his) whenever I can. Yesterday I had six. I expect they will ALL be here a lot this summer as we have 3 pools up here on the Ridge, and they all love it!
The reason this decision was made after we ALL discussed it----was because: 1) Dean just started a new furniture-making business BLACK BEAR CABIN FURNITURE & needed help. We can't pay James, other than gas, as we are living on one S.S. check. So James could be working and making money otherwise. 2) Dean has NEVER spent any extended amount of time with James (our youngest) since he left home at age 18 and we have only occasionally lived near him for short amounts of time. 3) Since Dean has been diagnosed with the CLL type of leukemia, we know that his lifespan can be cut short at any time. 4) Both James & Dean felt the need to take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to spend these months together working on projects with Dean's new business, and getting to know each other as adults.
We knew it would be hardest on Sherri with the extra kids. And of course extra people staying in her house. Thank God for that extra wing. I wish we could help financially, but we can't. James is now getting a paycheck from the military and contributes food and money to the family. We all try to help Sherri as much as we can. And as she pointed out, there have been some unexpected blessings for each person in different ways. The kids are darling and we all love each and every one. James has been a blessing to each of us in different ways (he & Sherri are best-buds) & does little things around the house, and does a lot of "running around" for her. For Dean it has been just the best blessing in the world. I think he and James will treasure this time together for the rest of their lives.
After this, James will be in "military life" living at bases---who knows where? He may never have this time with his sister, mom, and dad ever again. We feel very blessed by having him here, and will be sad when he leaves. (I dread this for Dean).
So now you know the rest of the story.
A Life Not Wasted
12 years ago
1 comment:
Oh, Lynn, I never meant any disrespect in suggesting Sherri ask James to move out. What you all do and decide is your own business and I've no right being on the outside looking in to say what you should or shouldn't do, and you don't have to explain anything to me! I thought giving advice might help but now that I think about it (oh, that that should happen before I open my mouth!) perhaps just listening would have been enough.
I'm sorry to you and Sherri if I've made things harder for you. You both are peaches for putting family first and I can understand and respect you for that!
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