Tuesday, April 21, 2015

JEAN TELLS ABOUT THOMAS

Many of you asked questions about Thomas, so with his permission, I will answer your questions.  Thomas is very happy here.  He feels that our home is comfortable and stable, although after being in so many homes, still wonders if it will happen here even though we have told him, many times, this is his home.  Thomas says he can't help it after all these years.  Only time will prove it.  David and I feel that once the adoption goes through that he will realize this is his home and we are his family.

Is Thomas any more talkative?  A little.  He is a man of few words.  He thinks before he speaks.  If you question him about something he doesn't just pop off with an answer.  Not because he is afraid or anything.  That's just the way he is.

Thomas wanted to be baptized into the church on Good Friday.  He asked Bishop Joseph way ahead.   Bishop Joseph hasn't known Thomas for even a year yet so he asked Thomas to write his last two former Bishop's.  The last Bishop sent Joseph a very short letter saying he felt that Thomas was ready.  The Bishop he had before him sent Joseph a three page letter telling how he was so happy that Thomas finally got a permanent home and would be adopted.  He told Bishop Joseph that he felt Thomas was ready and why he felt so.  Bishop Joseph let Thomas read the letter and Thomas let us read the letter.  It was really a beautiful letter.

So after taking the lessons with the rest of those approved to be baptized, Thomas was baptized on Good Friday and is now a member of our church.  David and I had tears in our eyes as he was baptized.  We were so glad he chose the church and not the way of the world.

The next day we had friends over and the dinner he wanted.  It was sort of a party to welcome into our church family.  He really enjoyed it.

The night of the baptism David and I were in bed when all of a sudden David said to me I bet Thomas wants to get married.  I said no.  David said yes.  The young lady he had been seeing was also baptized in her church on Good Friday.  I said Thomas is only 17.  We have asked all of our children not to marry until they were at least 18.  Thomas won't be 18 until later this year.  David said yes and then they could get married.  I was sure we were wrong.

Next day, we asked Thomas if we could talk to him alone.  I don't know what he thought was wrong.  When we got him alone, David asked him if he was planning on getting married later this year.  Thomas shocked me when he said he would like to.  But he didn't have any farm or money to buy one.  He didn't have enough money to rent a farm.  So until he got a job and some money to provide, he couldn't. He said Michael and Edward offered him part of their land, but he didn't feel it was right to take away from them.  We were even more shocked that he had talked with them and we didn't even know what was happening.   David told him to let us get over the shock and we would talk about it.

Well after talking, thinking and praying we realized that maybe this was ment to be.  Michael and Edward admitted they and Thomas had talked about it.  We explained we would have liked to have known.  Michael said guys talk about it, but doesn't mean they are going to do it.  They would give him part of their land.  If they did that, it would make their farms smaller.  There wouldn't be enough land for three successful farms.

With Thomas' permission we spoke with Bishop Joseph.  He said he had married many couples at 18 including his own children.  Joseph spoke with Thomas.  Then with us again. Bishop Joseph felt that Thomas was more mature than many young folks his age.  He has been from home to home.  He had to look out for himself.  Thomas and his lady had been going together for about two years - when they could.  So, yes he would marry Thomas and his young lady when they both are 18.

We also spoke with the young ladies family.  They knew that they wanted to marry, but didn't think we would let them.  We are the last to know.  David told them that it was a shock to us, but we agreed as long as they are both 18 when they married.  Her parents said that was their rule, too.  So they are coming to dinner.  They have been to our house several times, but we want to know them better.

So we are out looking for land for Thomas.  He wants to be near us.  Elmer and Anna offered to sell the one they own next to where they live.  Elmer said most of the farmers in their area are about Elmer and Anna's age.  They would like Thomas  as a neighbor.  We also looked at some other land.

Once we find the land, the barn and house will have to be built. Maybe we can find a farm with a barn and house already.  Thomas is stunned, we would do this for him.  We told him, you are our son.  He said he wasn't adopted yet.  We said adoption is just a sheet of paper - he was our son when he came to live with us.  We want to get the land, and get it planted so he will have some income.  Also, he is looking for wood work that he can do to earn extra money.  He thought David and I odd when we laughed and said he was the first of our children getting married.

Be With God,
Jean






19 comments:

Countryside Reflections said...

What a touching story. Thomas sounds like such a nice man who is sensible and considerate. Also very lucky to have Jean and David for parents. I'm looking forward to hearing about the future wedding.

I'm just catching up on a few weeks of posts. I love hearing from Elmer, Anna, and Jean, and appreciate the recipes. Oh, Pierre looks so cute with his new stylish hairdo.

Doreen

Tom said...

A nice story to start the day. Tom The Backroads Traveller

Angela Tucker said...

Good morning, Marilyn. I've been away for a few days and catching up, too. Elmer's story made me laugh. I have a habit of listening, but not really "listening" and have had a few accidents. I'm sure that the walkway will be a perfect ending to the story. How wonderful for Thomas. I truly believe that there are two types of family...the one you are born with and the one of your heart. Thomas has found the family of his heart.

New York State Of Mind said...

Good Morning Doreen,
I will see that Jean and Thomas get your message. So glad he got Jean and David for parents, too.

Will see that everyone gets your message. Pierre does look better after his grooming. They took a lot of fur off.

Marilyn

New York State Of Mind said...

Good Morning Thomas,

Was a nice way to start the day.

Marilyn

New York State Of Mind said...

Good Morning Angela,
So glad your back. The new walk way is in and it does look nice. I guess we all have times when we don't listen like we should. I have had few accidents, too. Love what you said about natural born and children from the heart. Will see that Jean and Thomas get your message.

Marilyn

Anonymous said...

Such a wonderful testimony of God's grace, mercy, and blessing to Thomas, David+Jean's family, and the community. Brought tears of joy to my eyes, and I'm sure I'm not alone.
Marilyn, would you mind asking Anna how her sister+brother-in-law are doing so far? Thanks.
Blessings to all, Carol

New York State Of Mind said...

Good Morning Carol,
It is a wonderful testimony of God's grace. Will see they get your message.
I will ask Anna to tell about her sister and brother-in-law.

Marilyn

Wilma said...

My parents were married when my dad was 19 and my mother was 16. When my dad passed away, they were just within one month of being married 72 years, They were able to come to our 50th wedding anniversary reception. Not all young marriages fail and I wish the best for Thomas and his young lady.

New York State Of Mind said...

Good Morning Wilma,
Your parents did last. Not many children are able to have their parents to their 50th wedding anniversary. Thank you so much and I will see that Thomas gets your message.

I know Grandmother Olive and Grandfather Albert married quite young and they have been married, many years, too. They don't all fail.

Marilyn

Willow's Quiet Corner said...

Congratulations to Thomas on being baptized into the church, his upcoming wedding and becoming such a thoughtful young man! I am so glad he found the family he has so he could flourish.

New York State Of Mind said...

Hi Willow's Quiet Corner,

I will see that his family gets your messages.

Marilyn

Anonymous said...

Blessings to all. Wish them well, years of happiness.
By the way, we have been married 62 years.
jodie

New York State Of Mind said...

Hi Jodie,
I will see they get your message. Congratulations on being married 62 years.

Marilyn

New York State Of Mind said...

Hi Jodie,
I will see they get your message. Congratulations on being married 62 years.

Marilyn

Vickie said...

Thanks be to God! I am so touched by Thomas' story here. I am moved to tears. I liked Thomas immensely the moment I heard of him. Good for you Thomas!!!!

New York State Of Mind said...

Hi Vickie,

I will see that he gets your message. He is a good person and I am glad he is getting what he wants he deserves.

Marilyn

Anonymous said...

Perhaps Thomas is wise beyond his years due to the moving around he experienced in his young life. Also, the stability and love of Jean and David (+ his brothers and sisters) has shown him what a good man and husband/father he can be. I wish him well! Now I guess wedding planning is the works!
Carol in SC

New York State Of Mind said...

Hi Carol in SC,

I agree with you about Thomas. Right now, I think they are looking for a farm or land. The wedding is coming.

Marilyn