An Important Day!

After more than 3 years Rachel was able to see her mom today! It seemed to go really well. They met with Rachel's therapist. I dropped Rachel off and said "hi" to Anita (Rachel's mom) and took these pictures. You can see how excited and emotional Anita was. It was very sweet. I can't imagine how hard it must be for her to only have an hour with Rachel after all this time. It is hard for them to take it slow. I left for the in between part and then picked Rachel up. The rest of our night has gone pretty well. Rachel hasn't said much about what they talked about but we looked at the pictures of today for a long time before bed. I am not even sure she knows what she is feeling. Before today, God blessed us with a really great 3 day weekend. Rachel responded really well to me again, even initiating small acts of affection like laying her head on my shoulder. It has been so refreshing to have her show that sense of comfort, even though I am trying to brace myself that it will probably not last. The long term plan for Rachel remains up in the air. I must remember every day that God is in control! My friends and family can tell you that God has given me so much peace the last couple of days. It is so easy for me to stop depending on God when I am not stressed but I must go to him day by day. Even though I know I am called to be Rachel's parent right now, I am trying to hold her with open hands, letting God do what he will in the situation. Pray I will stay focused on the Lord every day!

The other important thing that happened today was the last basketball game of my brother David's high school career. My brother is 6'9'' and very good at basketball. His team lost a close game in the 2nd round of CIF (the playoffs) tonight. It was sad, but not too sad because they had had a good season and played a good game. It has been so fun to go to his games the last 4 years and let me tell you, I have missed very few! It has turned out to be one of the most relaxing parts of my week. It is so great to focus on something totally unrelated to "real life." I spend a lot of my time dealing with people and their problems. It's what I am good at. Basketball, on the other hand is a nice break from thinking about people and their screwed up families. I love it! David is playing at Biola next year. It is in Southern California, which means I will be able to see some of his college games next year. Good thing because that was my only consolation tonight. Well that, and that my 6'2'' sister will be playing high school ball next year. None-the-less, I will definitely miss basketball season!
Here are some pictures of the sign Angela, my brother's girlfriend, made for him, as well as my tall brother and his short girlfriend.