It Was A Good Day For The “Baton Rouge Family”

Daniel left on February 15th of this year to go to school at a 6 month military program at Camp Minden. He has gotten into some trouble before it (but no more than the average 17 year old- not serious stuff) and was not doing great in school and was going through a phase where he didn’t want to be at  his Moms or Dads house so he asked to go. He researched it and had to present his case and convince them of why it was a good idea and I think he was right. Unfortunately Covid messed things up and he only got about 6 weeks in before they sent him home. (Which made no sense because they were quarantined there but... 🤷‍♀️) The 5 months of quarantine proved he was right though. He was getting along with his parents, visiting his grandparents, and got a good job at a window store where he worked in the warehouse and was also learning to install. He’ll go back to that job when he comes home in December (he’ll have his diploma when he does) and he’s considering either joining the military in February when he turns 18 or starting in a trade school in the fall. It may be an unconventional senior year but his parents are glad they got on board because he’s doing well. He has about 4.5 months left and Jen and Ryan will drop him off at 9AM today. The best part for us was that they had to come a day early and Bossier was the closest hotel so we got to see them! Yesterday marked exactly 6 months since I had seen my sister and it was by far the longest I’d ever gone except when she lived in England. 

They got here about 4:00 and everyone masked up for the house tour and then we sat outside by the pool until 8:00. The girls swam and the adults and Dan (but I guess he’s not a kid anymore) sat around an talked. It was Hot but our patio is shaded in the evening so not terrible. And it was nice to catch up in person. I truly hope it’s not another 6 months before I see them again. 

And the rest of the family in Baton Rouge had a good day too. It was Theresa’s birthday and they decided to bring the party to Nana since she can’t leave. Assisted living facilities are still not allowing visitors in this phase 2 but luckily she has a patio door that goes directly to the parking lot and the owners have said they will not say anything if she sits inside with the door open and they stay outside.

That’s the happiest I’ve seen her in six months! They may have bent the rules a little for a picture but people need their family. I think it can be just as important for health as anything else. And I’m glad everyone had a great day!