Changes are Difficult.....

This is Cortney's last day being at home. Tomorrow she starts a new chapter in her life at a wonderful place called, Misericordia.  It was a decision we made about 6 years ago, and not a decision we made lightly.  We did our homework. We did our research. We knew the wait list was long, but when you want the best for your child, you are willing to wait.  We volunteered for years, met people, built relationships. We got the call last October and we couldn't have been happier.  This meant a nurturing place for Cortney.  A place where she will be cared for, loved, stimulated, surrounded by her peers. This is a place that gives every single resident a job.  She will wake up with a purpose each morning.  And yes, my heart is broken right now.  She has been my side kick, my shadow, my love, for the last 21 years.  I have taken care of her every need and loved her with all of my heart.   But I know that when Cort is home on the weekends, she gets bored easily.  She is restless, and constantly asks to go to school.  She longs to be with her friends all of the time.  Misericordia will become her "new school."  They will provide therapy, swimming, bowling, a job, picnics, dances, dinners, peer interaction, movies, and a host of other things.  It is time she spread her wings, spread her smile and her joy.  She needs to move on, just as my college son did.  She is entitled to some independence and to create a life outside of her mama.  

As Sister Rosemary said at our Misericordia meeting a few weeks ago, "We are not taking your child from you.....we are sharing your child with you."

The lyrics from this song were perfect.....

Here I am waiting

I'll have to leave soon

Why am I holding on?

We knew this day would come

We knew it all along

How did it come so fast?



This is our last night but it's late

And I'm trying not to sleep

Cause I know, when I wake, I will have to slip away



And when the daylight comes I'll have to go

But tonight I'm gonna hold you so close

Cause in the daylight we'll be on our own

But tonight I need to hold you so close



Here I am waiting

I'll have to leave soon

Why am I holding on?

We knew this day would come

We knew it all along

How did it come so fast?



This is our last night but it's late

And I'm trying not to sleep

Cause I know, when I wake, I will have to slip away



And when the daylight comes I'll have to go

But tonight I'm gonna hold you so close

Cause in the daylight we'll be on our own

But tonight I need to hold you so close

Daylight by Maroon 5