The Tenant
Our tenant moved out tonight. We have a back house that we built for family to stay in when they visit. Our visitor schedule was non-existent for a few months so we offered it as a summer rental. Because God is one step ahead of us, always, we found the sweetest gal to move in. She’s from Texas, full of energy, flexible, and her fiance is friends with many of our mutual friends. He was actually at a party we hosted at our previous home over seven years ago.
Our tenant legitimately loves kids and they love her back. I tried desperately to respect her space and boundaries, but simply couldn’t keep all three kids under control. They were drawn to her – her two wacky dogs, her whimsy, and her kindness. They would leave notes for her, knock on her door in the wee hours of the morning, beg to sleepover, and check outside often to see if her car was there. Our tenant had a particular soft spot for our most misunderstood child – our middle daughter. A week after meeting, our tenant crafted this post on Facebook and it was spot on:
Reasons why the middle Caver child is quickly becoming one of my favorite humans ever:
1) The very first time I met her, she planned my birthday party before learning my name.
2) She never questioned why I was wearing cat ears.
3) When she saw my cat ears she went to her room to see if she had a pair so we could match.
4) I gave her a calendar and she wanted me to point out the date so she could circle it because we hung out and “it was a really good day.”
5) On that same day, I came out of the bathroom to find her locked in the dog crate. Which she managed to do on her own.
6) It doesn’t take much for her to have a good day.
7) She literally forced me to take this picture, then when I counted to 3, this was the face I got…
8) I had never heard so many sentences come out of a single exhale before I met her.
9) She is 5, going on 25.
10) Today was the first day this week I didn’t wake up to her sliding a note or hand-drawn picture under my door, and I was actually sad about it.
So tonight, walking in to that empty back house, I was overcome with emotion. She is leaving earlier than expected so we can prepare the space for family or a nurse. I think that’s what made me break down. We are trading fun and innocence for this sad, practical need. It was a tangible reminder that Simon is sick. I’m not angry at anyone or anything, just deeply sad. There have been lots of tears tonight. It was the first time I really wanted my life from six weeks ago back.
Even though I used the term tenant for this post, she is so much more than that. She became part of our family during a time when family matters more than ever. One of these mornings, I’ll drive the kids to your new place so they can wake you up with notes under your doorway and cat ears on their heads.
Oh Kristy, been praying for you guys heavily today. Praying you feel the peace of God and His great comforting arms. Jd lately stops what he is doing and puts his little hands together to pray and I just roll with it and I tellhim that its time to pray for Simon and his family.
What a beautiful and touching story! Tears flowed as I read about your precious family.
It’s okay for you to be sad, wishing for a happier time. We (those of us being witness to by the Caver’s steadfast faith and honesty while dealing with a medical crisis) are living these emotions with you. Your sweet family – wise beyond your years – are shining examples of God’s love & promises in motion.
For today, remember God’s truth in Matthew 11:28-29.
Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. 29 “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
Heartfelt prayers continue to wrap each of you in God’s grace.
What a touching beautiful story. Thoughts and prayers continue ….
Oh, Kristy, I saw that you were just about to post last night, and then I feel asleep! Something about heat and praying… Anyway, praying for you today as you work through all this “stuff.” Wishin’ it could still all be fun… But you, dear, sweet Kristy, are doing a bang-up job of “keeping it together” when you need to and letting it out when you you have no choice. That’s why we’re here! Thanks for sharing all the “crap” … yes, I said “crap” … that’s going on! You are loved and prayed for… along with the rest of your precious family, including that “middle child.”
What a sobering reminder this has all come down in six weeks. So glad God is that one step ahead , and knew you needed that tenant friend, her coming AND going. Praying for you all.
Praying that whomever takes residence there will be as caring and sweet to Simon, the kids and you.
Praying.
Releasing sadness is such a difficult thing to do, but it must be done. Sending you a great big bear hug my friend. How blessed to get such a wonderful tenant(friend/family).
What a blessing to number 2! Somebody to love on who “gets her!”