I wrote this on October 2nd, just after one of the hardest and most love-filled stretches of our entire journey. Moving day. We were leaving a home that had become impossible to navigate and stepping into something new — carried, literally and figuratively, by an army of people who refused to let us do it alone. Seven months later, as Grace, Lizzy, and I continue living into whatever comes next, I want to share this moment. Because I never want to forget what it felt like to be carried.
Originally written on October 2, 2025
Yesterday was moving day.
We made it.
Parts one and two of three — done.
We could not have done it without our village — so a huge thank you to everyone here in this group thread.
Part two yesterday could not have happened without part one a few weeks ago. Derek, Steve & Jenn, Tad, and Ryan all flew in from out of town, joining Susan & Scott and Alex to help us pack more than half of our belongings into storage. It’s tough seeing your life packed away — perhaps never to be seen again — but they did it with such kindness and love.
In between parts one and two, Tammy & Sean came from out of town, and Char stepped in to help. Sean even stayed a few extra days to bridge the gap between no one being here and Derek flying back in. He took us to appointments with DaveRisner, with both of them carrying me up and down the stairs. Sean also safely lifted me from the floor after I slipped off a chair one time, and from an assisted fall in the bathroom another time.
Part two yesterday was its own beast. It started with the previous tenants not moving out in time and the new unit not being professionally cleaned before our arrival. No plan survives first contact with reality. The last 10% always punches you in the mouth. But once again, our friends showed up. Michelle, Jess, DaveRisner, Vamshi, Scott, and Susan all donned their capes and superpowers to get us through the day. For my last trip out, Vamshi and the movers carried me down the stairs in a wheelchair. Sayonara, stupid stairs. The night before, Scott, DaveRisner, Jessica, and Dru (with his daughter) finished last-minute details. More superheroes.
Speaking of, we truly believe Dru does drive-bys — texting us that he’s nearby and asking if we have any “chores” for him. He’s been in beast mode for months. In between visits from others, he and DaveRisner have been our two constants. Behind them, we’re comforted knowing that George & Kathleen and Rupal & Alpesh are ready to jump in.
Part three begins this month! Garrett is coming this weekend. Joe is coming with his boys, Kai & Tragar, next week. Steve & Jenn will be back later this month. Derek is returning. My cousins Julie & Dolly, along with Sara & Eve, Jamie, and JennyLee are all scheduled to cover us at different times. My sister and my parents will arrive at the end of the month.
On top of that, I’ll be receiving my customized wheelchair very soon — maybe even this weekend. The respiratory tech is coming to update the vent with the new settings my pulmonologist recommended. And on Monday, we’re meeting with the Les Turner Foundation, who want to feature us in their holiday event campaign.
I continue to be overwhelmed and overjoyed by how much our village is showing up to support us. I see God working all day, every day through His angels — YOU. He is making His intentions clear, showing us how He plans to care for us through your words and your actions. Grace and I are forever grateful.
“In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.”
— Psalm 4:8
And one small but beautiful moment.
Last night, I slept in a bed for the first time in months.
I never thought it would feel so incredible.
My biggest challenge is that my ability to tell you how I feel about you is diminishing every day. That’s the growth that I am going through at the moment — to trust that you never need to hear those words from me again. So thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Secret of My SucCecil 