Part Sixty-Three: And Now, We Wait

Mr. Lucky and me after finally (!) landing in Orlando.

Waiting has become the theme of the last 15 months. I should be used to it by now and, to a degree, I am. But still, it drives me crazy. I mean, would someone please speed things along already? All our lives have been on hold with this and it’s taken a toll — the greatest of which has really been on Mr. Lucky. His weight is up, his cholesterol is up, and his vitamin D is infinitesimal.

I know, we’re close to the finish line. Just. Gotta. Hold. On.

But, about Quest Village. We loved it. More importantly, Mr. Lucky loved it. And it appears they loved him, too. That’s the sense we got during our tour (the apartment he’d have is perfect for him AND he can bring his cats!) and after his assessment.

The entrance to the Club House at Quest Village. I forgot to take other pictures!

The Village is surrounded by tons of things to do, places to shop (and work), and is just 30 minutes from Disney World. And you know who wants to work at Disney World right? Mr. Lucky. I hope he does. He’s so excited at the prospect of starting a new life that I hope he follows through and doesn’t immediately go looking for another job at a supermarket or delivering pizza. I hope he takes the leap and pursues something completely different, something that excites him. There’s job assistance at Quest and we’re told that the placement person “has a pipeline to Disney.” So, fingers crossed.

We will know within a week if he’s been accepted. We’ll also know how much this whole shebang is going to cost us each month. The Village is completely private pay, which is ok, I guess, as Mr. Lucky didn’t get approved for a Medicaid waiver anyway, but still. It’s not like there’s a money tree growing in our backyard.

Oh wait. We don’t have a backyard. Do you think I could get a money tree houseplant? Oh wait. No. My track record with houseplants is bad. Very bad. If anyone ever discovers the number of plants I’ve killed, I’m going to be under house arrest. Houseplant arrest. (Ha! I couldn’t resist.)

So, we wait. And pray.

Mr. Lucky’s final court appearance is June 12. If his living situation could be settled before then, it would be a huge help (not to mention a relief and a blessing).

I really think it’s all going to work out. I really think my kid’s going to live in Orlando, (far closer to me and Rob than Jacksonville), work for Mickey, and be with people like him who get him. He will be independent in the best way possible.

And he will no longer be lonely. Please God, let him not be lonely ever again. This all started because of that, and I simply don’t have the energy to do this again.

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Thank you for taking this long, strange trip with me. I appreciate you and your many comments and emails. If you’d like to read parts 1-62, you can do so here.