Bryan and Sean celebrate their new home with an Open House.

Bryan has finally “landed”. After almost a year of turmoil both physical and mental, he finally has a place to call home. He is still reeling from our devastating house fire of October 27, 2024. His home of forty-some years was destroyed in the early morning hours while he watched from across the street. Thank the Good Lord we all escaped!!

Then came the physical struggle of severe pneumonia in early April. He spent two weeks in the hospital, full of tubes. One to give him oxygen. One for strong antibiotics. One to drain all of the fluid that had gathered outside his lungs in the chest and back cavity – two separate locations in his body. It was a supreme challenge for him. His strong faith helped to carry him through. We talked about that often in our daily visits.

Upon his release, it was decided that the four flights of stairs up to the apartment which he had called home for fourteen years was not a viable option for someone regaining all of their strength. He went to live in a temporary Cape Cod in Hatboro, moving into a tiny attic space. It was there that he met Sean, soon to become a friend, who had also moved into a larger bedroom at that home.

All this was preceded by a week-long stay at our temporary rental home. We moved a twin bed into the front living area and cared for him while arrangements were made for the Hatboro home. Things needed to be moved from the Doylestown apartment into the new place first. He needed careful watching those first days out of the hospital. We were happy to care for him with healthy meals and seeing to his other physical needs.

Once in Hatboro, Bryan was cared for daily by a large team from Shared Wellness, aiding in his recovery and easing the transition to his new place. It was tough for him to give up his Doylestown apartment after so long, and his roommate of almost three years. Bryan was administered daily antibiotics by IV from the caring staff. Once that two-week course of treatment was complete, he was able to return to work at Ann’s Choice.

This placement in Hatboro was always considered a temporary home for the two guys. The team started to look for a rental home closer to Bryan’s work in a house. He had done a survey with Shared Wellness to indicate those things he desired in a home. The list was long. Luckily, a home which was owned by S.W. became open during the summer. Repairs were necessary as was a fresh coat of paint and a deep clean. The move came while we were out visiting friends in Minnesota. Some things dear to Bryan were lost in the move. That was a real shame for him. Replacing these items cannot recall the special memories associated with them. But, he is moving on as are we.

Going from two apartments into another home is a tough transition. Fourteen years of accumulation, especially with a packrat of a son is a monumental task. But it’s done. He’s happier than he has been in a long time. Gone is the loneliness he talked about. He has a new friend and a huge team of nine or ten staff that come in and out of the home to ensure his and Sean’s safety and well-being.

We celebrated his new “digs” on Sunday. Bryan and Sean excitedly helped us set out the food and decorations. He had gotten out all of his fall decorations for the occasion, including a Christmas tree with Halloween ornaments. His dream of a new home has come true.

And, right now, his childhood home is being rebuilt and reimagined with a bedroom all of his own when he comes to visit. Replacing painful memories with new, exciting times to come!

Throughout it all, Bryan has been faithful in prayer and in his hopes for a new home – two to be exact. His faith in God has sustained him , as has ours. We are, indeed, blessed!