Aaron’s Move: Battle of the Books

The day of Aaron’s move to a group home is drawing near.  He will be moving on Monday, August 3.  It’s still hard to believe we’re really doing this. 

Aaron continues to talk excitedly about moving to anyone who will listen, or to anyone who might pause near him in a store aisle, or to anyone whom he thinks he might know even if he doesn’t……

If you see us out and about in the next few days you might want to hide unless you have extra time to listen to Aaron talk ALL about moving.

But Aaron is also showing some concerns about this huge change in his life.  He’s been talking more this week about missing us when he leaves, and about not wanting to leave his room.  Some of his increased concerns are no doubt because we have started moving some of his things over to his group home.

Aaron loves his Handy Answer Books.  I counted 31 of those books!  He has had them stacked in a very high pile beside his bed.  He won’t hear of any better ideas for their storage, so his mountain of books has stayed there and has grown even taller with each new book.

A couple days ago I put the books in three baskets and carried them to our kitchen, where I put them on our kitchen table bench waiting to be taken to his new room. 

I picked him up from his day group that afternoon.  He hurried inside and by the time I walked in the house, the books were not on the bench.  I knew exactly where they would be.

Sure enough, quick as a flash he had put the books beside his bed where, to him, they belong.  At least they were still in the baskets.

“Hey Aaron,” I said.  “I had those books downstairs so that we can take them to your new room tomorrow.”

“Well, I’M not moving tomorrow,” he quickly responded. “I want them to stay here!”

I left it alone for awhile.  Later I broached the sensitive book subject again and he agreed to let us take them to his group home.  A small yet huge step for him.

He came downstairs before he went to bed to dig in his books until he was satisfied with what he needed to see.  I just watched, not wanting to pester him in whatever his needed mission was at that moment.

Dear Aaron.  I know we can’t begin to imagine the turmoil in his life that the removal of his favorite books caused.  They are safely in his new room across town now, waiting for him to join them again.

Aaron is putting on a brave face, but we know that this change is more monumental to him than we can ever fully realize. 

Only God knows what thoughts are rumbling around Aaron’s brain as he sees the only life he’s known being uprooted and drastically changed. 

We know God is in it and that He will take care of Aaron.  He knows Aaron even better than we do and loves him even more.

God knows our worried thoughts, too, and that my heart that feels like it might break.

God didn’t clearly answer our two very huge prayers regarding Aaron moving only to leave him or us stranded.  We know that in our heads.  Our hearts are taking a little longer to adjust.

But I do look forward to seeing how this move will show us God’s loving care in very real and sweet ways.

And I would not be at all surprised to walk in Aaron’s new room one day to find all 31 Handy Answer books out of their bookcase and stacked on the floor beside his bed in a very tall book tower. 

Don’t tell Aaron, but I don’t think I would mind that one bit. 

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Author: Patty hesaidwhatks

I'm Patty and I write about our adult son who has Epilepsy and Autism, who still lives with my husband and me, and who is a package full of many surprises and joys and challenges and TALK! Lots of talking, which creates laughter and some other reactions as well. I also write about how God shows Himself to me in everyday life.

26 thoughts on “Aaron’s Move: Battle of the Books”

  2. I also have books piled in my bedroom on a bench In the corner and there are a few on my night table! Parts of this blog brought tears to my eyes. I am sure there are a lot of mixed emotions, praying for you and Aaron.

    Maryann

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  4. This is really quite a miracle that Aaron is on board (at least most of the time). You will be in our prayers, for Aaron’s health, your sanity and for peace that is way beyond what we can understand to keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7)

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  5. Oh, my precious friend. So many thoughts and emotions for all of you. I’m just reminded more and more these days that God isn’t just with us in these times – that’s precious in its own – but He is already ahead of us too. He’s been preparing a place (see what I did there?) and preparing hearts for this change – He’s already taken care of what WILL happen in this journey. There is peace in that too. I’ll continue to pray and promise to love you through this!♥️

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  6. Just the fact Aaron agreed to move his books to his new home seems to me another sign that God is making the path straight for him (and for you) during this monumental transition. God speed, Aaron (and Patty)! I’ll be praying for his peace, strength, and help to continue supporting your family, through all the changes taking place.

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  10. What a big step this is for him and you all. I was wondering if the time was getting close. Praying for you all. It will be tough.
    Standing firm in love and prayer will be key as it will be tempting for all to want to go back to what it is today. That would only be a short term answer, and you’ve prayed for a long term one. As you said, it’s all part of God’s plan for you and him.

    The books, ah, I can so see it and guess. He was counting, checking to see if they were all there or if anything was amiss. Something physical he could still control, they are a part of him.

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    1. You’re so right about the books, Rosie. Control over his surroundings is so key to his happiness. All this uprooting is very hard for him but oh, he’s handling it so much better than we thought he would. God’s grace!

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  12. ❤️Beautiful storytelling as always!! Praying he is adjusting well and with all 31 books right there to greet him as he sees fit! Sounds sooo much like Brother Jeff. My mom recently tried to message you but wasn’t sure she did it right. I think the two of you would benefit from a phone visit with one another regarding similar life changes.

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