Everything’s Gonna Be Alright

I haven’t felt this in a very long time but I truly believe that “Everything’s Gonna Be Alright”.  I am still feeling all sorts of conflicting emotions but the positive emotions are outweighing the negative.  We are probably overstaying our welcome in Denver with Maddie but I now realize that I needed this time probably more than she did.  In the week that we have been here I have been able to see what Maddie’s life is going to be like out here and I can honestly say that the future looks a lot brighter than it has in a very long time.

She is creating such a great home for herself.  She started doing this in Milwaukee by ordering stuff for her new apartment but seeing her vision come together has been incredible.  Hopefully by the time we leave we will be able to see the whole picture.  I was able to see this with Marah’s recent move as well but she also shows us updates and additions her and Dylan have made along the way and I look forward to seeing Maddie’s as well.  Seeing the neighborhoods that our girls live in has always been important especially for Don–he is always worried about their safety.  For me, it is the “vibe”.  The restaurants, stores, outdoor spaces that are close by and Maddie’s neighborhood has it all.  We haven’t explored too much with her during this visit but just being able to see all that is around her has made me even more excited for her.

Maizy has settled in so well.  I was worried about her.  She certainly has had her share of homes in her short two years of life but I think that has taught her to be so adaptable and really–wherever momma is is home♥️  As soon as she saw everything that was familiar to her including her toys we could see her calm down and she has so many people offering to watch her whenever Maddie needs.  However, Poppa and Gigi have first dibs to come out and watch her when we can.

The most important thing that has made me feel like everything is going to be alright are the people.  I always knew that Maddie was coming to a place in which she was going to be around some good people.  We have known some of her friends out here for a few years and they have always “taken care” of Maddie but again seeing this in person this past week has just warmed my heart.  Our first night moving her in, a group of her friends made us dinner knowing that we were going to be exhausted after a long day of moving.  To see their excitement when Maddie walked into the room was a joy but then we started talking and I got to learn more about each of them.  These young people are extraordinary people.  What they have chosen to do with their lives is inspiring.  You have a child life therapist who helps children and their families navigate illnesses, a young man who is helping get suicide prevention and mental health programs into a variety of industries, a nurse who is now working in hospice care helping people and their families go through some of the most difficult times in their lives, and then even the most “corporate” of them all works for a tech company that assists non-profit organizations with their fundraising needs!  I am telling you–the world is in good hands when you have these compassionate, selfless, giving young adults to lead the way.  And that these are the people my daughter is going to be surrounded by, how could I be less worried that not only will she be “taken care of” but that she will thrive.

One of the things I was most worried about was Maddie being alone even with these wonderful people so close by.  Again, in the short week that we have been here she has gone on walks, hung out at friend’s homes, and gone out to eat with others.  They even surprised her and had a Welcome to Denver/St. Maddie’s Day party for her!  She is not going to be alone.  In fact, for the first time in a long time I think I may be able to take that worry off my list.

And she hasn’t even started her job yet!  Again, I think this new job along with her entire life here in Denver is going to be inspirational and rewarding.  I know there are going to be bumps along the way and I am still going to miss her like crazy and yes, we will continue to worry about both of our girls, but for the first time in a really long time I think all four of us are right where we belong even if that means us being thousands of miles apart.  Everything’s Gonna Be Alright.  . 

Bob Marley’s Everything’s Gonna Be Alright