We have a lot going on here all at once so I better just do a clumped update to catch you all up!
On death...
David's grandfather passed away on Oct. 24th in Ann Arbor surrounded by his daughters, wife, and 3 grandchildren (David was one of the three). He had been in the hospital a few weeks and caught pneumonia. He had been battling a rare genetic lung disease for several years and his body just couldn't fight it this time. We went to the hospital a few times- we were able to take the boys before he was moved to ICU... the last 36 hours were quite powerful. David's grandmother didn't leave his side. His cousins and aunts lovingly took care of him. We all shared stories, and he gave advice. He was so encouraging. It was a very peaceful, God-honoring place. He was in a lot of pain and pleaded to go "Home". Grandma and Papa were married 62 years. They were a beautiful example of love and commitment. I am so thankful to have experienced such a profound event. It encouraged me to be a loving committed wife. Also, the experience shed light onto Papa's impressive career life. He was a landscaped architect who founded the firm JJR. Along with many other extensive accomplishments, he excelled. I had no idea he had done so many things. He met Desmond Tutu while in South Africa and was sent flowers from Billy Graham himself. All that is cool, but at the end of the day it was his family that surrounded his bed that morning. May it be a reminder to me and to us- that doing things for others- and having a good job are important, but it's our family that is with us in the end. That may be your biological family, your family by "law", or the family that God has give you in a church or community. The whole experience drew me closer to my family and for that I am thankful.
On Bentley and preschools....
I stayed in Ann Arbor for the week so that the boys could spend time with their grandma (David's mom). While there, I took Bentley to his old therapy location for the 2 year old program that they have- I wanted to see how different it was from what we do in Detroit. I can't believe how much better it is in Ann Arbor. It's totally unjust. Children with special needs in Ann Arbor receive exceptional services, care, and support. In Detroit it's like their trying to create an environment for children with special needs to learn, but it's chaos. All that to say, I am not going to pull Bentley or look for something better here because he does enjoy it and he is learning... but it does make me long for more. Because of unions and rules and this and that you can't really change the system... but I am still trying to figure out ways to alter things. So next year Bentley will go to preschool. There aren't any preschools in our zip code- and the real only option are Head Start preschools. I am not impressed with this option. So my friend Kristen Selle who is a special needs elementary teacher- might open up a preschool for typical and high functioning special needs kids next year. The first year would probably be a Co-op, but then we'd look for a real building if it works out. First, I have to convince Kristen and her husband, Scott (our old housemate) to stay in Detroit. He's currently doing the interview rounds and trying to figure out where he wants to go for residency. I hope they stay in Detroit because they are very dear friends of ours and I would genuinely miss them. Also, I really can't do the preschool without Kristen so there is a selfish element of wanting them to stay. We'll see. I think it would be really cool if they stay.
Back to Bentley!! He's doing really well. I really need to work on his speech now. I am trying to get him to pronounce syllables- I am really hoping to get this kid talking soon! He has about 30 signs, so he is able to communicate, but we need some words!
On the future living situation...
I have posted several times about praying for us in our decision about where we should be next year. It has been such a wonderful process. After some challenges from people we love and then thoughts from the current Galatians sermon series at church, we feel God allowing us to make this decision. We don't have this sense of God is calling us here or there... but more of Him graciously allowing us to live anywhere. After some serious consideration and prayer it looks like we'll be ranking Detroit as number one on the residency match. David interview for the Internal medicine/pediatrics residency program at DMC last week and loved it. It's a 4 year program. We have such a strong network of community and friends in Detroit. The next few years are going to be busier than the previous and I am going to be alone quite a bit, and we figured why would we start all over to build a network when we have one here that we love. Also, we love the ministry that we are part of. We love our church. If we moved, we would want to be part of a very similar ministry- so once again- why start all over? David still has some important interviews coming up- so we'll see what happens... but Detroit is looking like the most likely future home.
with that...
On buying houses at auctions
If we choose to stay in Detroit we have a house! It needs a lot of work. But it's a beautiful brick home on a corner HUGE lot. I love it. I haven't been inside :). But I love it! It's a block from the local elementary school and near many of my friends. I will post pictures later. We secured the house for unbelievably low price (if you know me well you can ask! :) Anyway, it's going to be a great place for our family.
So there's the Crawford family update.
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