Mondays are difficult.  They are the return to the divided life.  Lydia is very emotional about leaving home and saying good bye.  We want to join her sobbing, but choose to encourage her and remind her about her friends and therapists at Hollland Bloorview, to ease her pain.  We work our way through our own tears later.
Weekends are bittersweet.  It is so beautiful to be altogether, and to have Lydia at home, but it is also a difficult task.  Weekends have become more demanding due to the incrased level of supervision Lydia requires.  While care is less rigorous in some areas, it is more rigorous in the vigilance that is required to keep her safe.  She is like an inquisitive toddler in a teenager's body!  She has strength, and such a long reach!  We cannot easily physically stop her if she decides she wants to do something.  She is impulsive.  If she decides she wants to walk, she gets up to do it, not knowing that she is unable to do it on her own yet, and unaware of the dangers of trying.  At present, she requires the undivided attention of one care giver full time.
Into this day of feeling like the journey is long, a friend sent us the following verse: Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” 
The reminder is helpful.  It is life giving.  He is here.  In every season.  In every trial. In every step of the journey.

On Sunday, James and I shared parts of our journey with our congregation at Waterloo Mennonite Brethren Church.  If you would like to listen, here is a handy link - sent by another friend!  (How blessed we are with friends "to walk the mile and bear the load" with us.)
http://waterloomb.org/messages/detail/871