It's So Quiet Here

Well, Sam and Lydia have left, the toys are put away, and it seems very quiet here. What a fun few days we had. Because they were somewhat sick, we just stayed in and "played." Dad and Sam had an elaborate Lego train setup which took up most of the floor in the back room and gave them hours of fun. Lydia, in her sweet, winsome way, toddled about and tried to do everything the bigger people did. She is quite fluent in her own language and reacts with delight every time she rediscovers her "baby" which she has temporarily misplaced. All in all, having them here for the first time for a couple of overnights went very well.

A real highlight for Sam and for us was the appearance at the door of Marine Pfc Quantel Jackson, home for a few days after basic training in California. Dad and I cannot believe the transformation. He was dressed in his full uniform, called us "Sir" and "Ma'am," has lost about 40 lbs., and is a handsome, mature young man with some real goals and plans. He's heading back to Camp Pendleton for more training (wants to be a Lance Corporal) and then will be at Fort Leonard Wood, MO. He was disappointed that we were not at his graduation from basic training last Friday, but we did not know about it and probably could not have gone to California while Dad was still teaching. He had gone back to Holland High School to see his teachers and coaches and probably received respect for the first time in his life.

He demonstrated some of his marching drills, and Sam was in awe. He let Sam wear his hat, and Sam said he "wants to be a Marine like Quantel." We took some pictures of them together and will try to post one later. I can hardly believe that my grandson wants to be like Quantel when a few years ago...well, you all know what I mean. We gave him the book, "The Purpose-Driven Life," and he said he really wants to read it. He also talked about getting married someday when he met the right girl. Needless to say, his visit helped to make 13 years of caring about and for his family seem so "worth it." God has answered so many prayers for him and Elijah, and he said that Deverne is doing well now too.

So we end this week on a grateful note--for family and "family." We hope Brian and Amy will arrive in Grand Rapids tomorrow night earlier than Kevin and Jen did last week. As I emailed Eric and Ang, travelling is not for the fainthearted.