Arkansas Traveler

This morning Matthew headed out for some R&R time with family members in Arkansas. Rest & Relaxation, yes - but also Reflection & Redirection. His recovery continues to be so successful; his resolve is so strong! It has been a joy to my heart to hear him singing in the shower or whistling as he works on some task around the house. It has been a true answer to prayer to have him clear-eyed and open to real, honest conversation. Now that he is finally learning to live One Day at a Time, the next phase is to think about and plan for the direction his life will take from this point forward. So it is with a strong faith and a Mother's hope and trust that I watched him pull out of the driveway and head for the highway. I had tissues in hand but it was only because of my head cold - I am certain this will be a positive time for my all-grown-up baby. He'll be staying for the most part with Frank's parents in Brinkley. Nana will fuss over him and insist on keeping him well fed. Pa will spend lots of quality "guy time" with him. Both of them will surround him with unconditional love. Time will also be spent with Uncle Larry in Clarendon - he's the one with the huge HD TV setup, the hunting dogs, and all the "toys" that serious hunters need. Time will also be spent with Uncle Jim and Aunt Phyllis, who have raised two boys of their own and who will provide very good counsel and plenty of hugs. Penciled in to Matt's plans will be a trip further north to Fayetteville to visit his "Bubba" (older stepbrother Chris) and wife Lynne. That leg of the journey depends, though, on how eminent the arrival of Matthew's new nephew is! Liam is due any time, so as important as it is for Matthew to spend time with Christopher he doesn't want to intrude on their space when their concentration needs to be on a new baby. In addition to just being with his brother, Matt also wants to look into the future possibility of enrolling as a full-time student at the University of Arkansas. He knows that he can't "run" because alcohol will be wherever he is, but a fresh start in a new environment closer to his brother might be a wise idea. He's already comfortable with the area, having visited there before, but wants to do some more research into whether or not such a move would be the right thing for him. Since Frank is due to fly in to Little Rock from Iraq on January 22, it may be that I will join Matt and his Dad and we can make the trip to Fayetteville together. Frank and I are so anxious to welcome our first grandchild! In the meantime, those plans are open to change depending on how things go in the next couple of weeks. Right now I'll just rest in the knowledge that Matthew is surrounded by loving extended family, I will do everything possible to move this stupid cold on its way (!) and will continue to pray for God's guidance in the life of my young Arkansas Traveler.