We made it to Colorado. We had 2 decent nights on the road, and we spent a 3rd night in a hotel near our apartment. We picked up the keys yesterday morning, and I snapped this picture from the front doors of the leasing office. I could not believe the beauty of God’s creation.  The apartment we are leasing is nice. It sits in a valley, with beautiful hills, prairie dogs, and bunny rabbits by the hundreds. The trees are full and beautiful, and the walking paths are lovely. There is a lake with paddle boats, too. It is really a community of at least 200 homes, townhomes, and apartments. We are near the town of Broomfield, in Superior. Scott’s job is roughly 10 minutes from here, and it is so neat that he can come home for lunch. 

Maggie is catching up on Little House before homeschooling starts next Monday. She is dying to go swimming, so I think I will take her tomorrow, before it gets chilly in the evening. 

Samuel has had an upset tummy for 2 days, but he seems to be handling things fairly well. 

Mae dog is having a hard time adjusting to being leashed and walked. She is missing her backyard. And, every time the Fedex guy shows up, she bolts outside. Lots of fun chasing her! She isn’t eating much, so we are giving her plenty to drink, and we will find a vet, if she doesn’t improve. I think she is out-of-sorts, like the rest of us. 

We had a maintenance man, who hails originally from Jamaica, come by to fix the dryer. He talked several times to Samuel, and when Samuel didn’t respond, I said, “I’m sorry. He has autism.” 

The man responded with, “What’s autism?” 

In an effort to avoid a long explanation, I simply told him that Samuel is nonverbal. 

He then said,  “So, he is dumb.”            

I, reacting only from a broken mother’s heart, told him that, of course Samuel is not dumb, and in America we do not call children “dumb.” He explained that in Jamaica, when a child can’t speak, that is the term used. I am not sure why, but I burst into tears. He was very apologetic, but my heart was sensitive. 

I have to admit that, although the landscape is magnificent and the air is cool, there is absolutely no mountain in this world that can replace the love of family and friends. And, while I was/am excited for this adventure, I have cried my share of tears today. An empty apartment in Colorado can never compare to a full house in Katy, precious friends nearby, and a sister just a few miles down the road. I have had a myriad of emotions today, as it is stressful keeping both kids content, along with unpacking and having no sense of direction. I am awful in new places. I know that things will settle into a new normal in a few weeks, but for tonight, I long for home. 

Lots of bunnies!    Samuel enjoying the window bench.