Tuesday, 4th May, 2010

And it comes to us all!

Who would have thought, looking at that 833gram (approx 1lb 13oz) wisp of humanity 21 years ago who arrived 13 weeks early that he would end up as this charming, funny, loving young man!  Nathan wanted to have his 21st at our house, with his sisters, other family, our friends and some of his friends from the sheltered workshop he attends.  So we pulled out all stops to at least have the house and the back yard in a reasonable condition in order to do so.  The party was last Sunday, and was very successful.  Not a large gathering and unfortunately his oldest sister Kylie couldn't make it, but Kirstie was there along with her four children and four orphaned, two-week old Jack Russell puppies.  !t makes me feel old that our youngest is now 21 - but as the title says, it comes to us all.  As my mother reminded me, her 'baby' (my brother) will turn 60 this year.

Our friends Marilyn and Richard had spent a long and busy day with us earlier in the week, helping with painting; and Marilyn and I also planted a dozen or more large pots with flowering annuals and plants.  We put native violets under the jacaranda tree; they will eventually form a pretty ground cover hopefully.  The pots have pansies in bloom, some have snapdragons, and some have other pretty blooms.  They certainly added a nice touch to our neglected back yard!

Not all the painting is finished, but most of it is done and the major furniture is in place.  Nothing is in it mind you, but it is in place lol!  The carpets have been cleaned, the upholstery on the lounge suite has been cleaned.  The pest controlling has been done. 

The party went well, Nathan had a great time and it we really enjoyed entertaining at our house even though there is still so much to be done here.  We are still facing a long haul, but are encouraged and will take it bit by bit.

Meanwhile we are counting our blessing that after an extremely rocky start and many close calls especially over the first ten years, God has kept Nathan in the palm of His hand through it all and brought him safely to this point.  We are indeed privileged to have this young man as part of our lives.