Safe Arrival

Tah-dah! Mom did it! She made the long and arduous three day trip from New York to Tennessee, arriving in good spirits. I was very happy to hear my sister's voice saying that they had successfully completed their journey. Now the settling in process begins.

Mom is adjusting well. The castle in which she finds herself is beautiful, spacious, and spanking new. I visited last summer and found it a delightful and restful place. I'm sure it will have its little quirks as every new place that's not home will have. After all, Mom has lived in her Lake George A frame for decades. Some of my kids weren't even born yet when Dad was raising the rafters and we helped butter bricks and pull the A's into place.

When you are used to a place, even the creaks and groanings seem normal. So a new place will present the challenge of learning new sounds, new quirks, new particularities. How long does it take for the hot water to reach the tap in the bathroom? Does the showerhead in the bathroom have a little side spray where it shouldn't? Is the floor cold in winter? Does the air circulate evenly? Are there drafts when you are sitting still watching a movie?

All these little things will have to be processed and tucked away, helping the new digs become familiar and comfortable. Sometimes the process feels overwhelming. But that passes. I am sure Mom will soon find her way about and make the little adjustments to placements of chairs etc. that personalize her new space.

For today, I am just happy she got there in one piece and seems to be doing better. I will keep the prayers rolling and continue to check in. We plan to go there for Christmas and visit. I know that's a ways off, but it will get here soon enough. Meanwhile, back to work! There are children to feed.