A Last(ing) Memory.

Last evening I went out to my brother and sister-in-law's house to help them out with packing their house for probably the last time, or the second last time. As I sat there scrubbing the counter and listening to my dearest, sweetest, sister-in-law, I couldn't help but feel the tears well up in my eyes. I couldn't help but think about all that needs to be done in a week (a week!) and sigh, knowing that time is indeed coming to a close. I couldn't help but think that I'm saying good-bye to some of the dearest people to my heart.

Yet it is totally exciting to think about God moving in my life in one direction and moving in their life in another direction. For God is so faithful, and of course He is working and moving, for that's Who He is.

The first "good-bye" is always the hardest, for it's the closing of a door that has been, up to this point, consistently open. But it's the brand new beginning of something new, something unknown, something different. And that's exciting to me! I like routine, for the most part. But then there are times that I just itch to do something a different way... take a different road... explore a different place!

I told Kim that last evening was probably our last "girl talk" for a long time... "Oh don't say that!" she exclaimed. It might've been the last time in that dining room of hers, but I choose to think that there's a *first* time awaiting us in a new house in Indiana:D. My last memory in their row home is going to be a lasting memory I treasure for a long time.

I experienced another last and lasting memory with my nephew Trevor. This sweet kid is over 4 years old, but just started talking within the past year. Before that he spoke what we affectionately called Chinese:). A typical sentence was this: "You andoseidsndileo me?"

Huh?:D

So as soon as I got there, he jumped up onto me and said, "We goes swimmin inz the pool Awntie!" I wasn't sure I heard him correctly, so I asked him again. "Wes goes swimmin inz the pool Awntie Awne!!!"

Wow... someone was pretty adamant about what we were going to do! But the amazing part was he specifically said my name. That's happened once before, and I think it was more wishful thinking on my part than anything else:D. But all throughout the evening, he kept calling me Awntie Awne.

I know, (I know!), Trevor is a handful many times. To his autistic mind, he needs to get what he wants or else he has a meltdown. Part of it is that Trevor's got a sin nature like every other kid I know (let's see: at least 3 people reading this blog should be vigorously shaking their head in agreement after working with him:D).

But one thing I never thought about until last night was something Kim shared with me. You see, Kim is very outgoing, energetic, fun, enthusiastic, talkative, bubbly, hilarious, and a prankster. But Jack (her husband ~ my brother)on the other hand, is not. He is quiet... she is loud. He likes the indoors... she prefers the outdoors. He loves going out for dinner... she would rather stay home. He likes to dress up... she is most comfortable in her culottes and t-shirt. He's night... she's day:). She is a crazy multi-tasker... he is methodical.

For the longest time, whenever people thought about the Hammonds, the first person that came to mind was Kim, not Jack. You know, it's Kim Hammond and her husband Jack. But once Trevor and his autism came along, God convicted Kim of the fact that the Proverbs 31 lady's husband was the one who was known in the gates, not her.

Slowly, slowly God used this wonderful child in Kim's life to show her that she needs to build her husband up and point to him, not her. He was the one who is supposed to come to mind first. Many times Kim couldn't go to a ladies gathering or agree to do some creative project because of Trevor. What seemed like a trial at first became a sweet blessing as she encouraged her husband, built him up, and pointed to him *sitting in the gate*.

Now as they prepare to move to Indiana in a week (a week!), Kim knows that at Fairhaven her position will be different than it was here at Lehigh Valley. While her husband will get involved with the church and the activities, and Tiana and Tyler will become active in the school and youth group, Kim will be homeschooling Trevor. Oh she'll get to know ladies and participate in services, but she does not want to be the one that's known; she would rather her husband is honored and lifted up. This lesson did not come easy; and in the days ahead it will be a tough reminder at times. But each time she looks at Trevor as he bounces around the room or says, "You want me", she'll be reminded of the valuable lesson God taught her about her husband through her son.

You know, I walked away from our conversation last night thinking it was one of the sweetest we have ever had. And as I prepare for my own home, I know I can look back on that Monday evening spent at 515 Locust Street and remember the lesson that was taught on honoring my husband... and just in case I forget, I have a Godly example in my brother and sister-in-law.