He is sitting across the table from me. He is organizing baseball cards with a binder and I’m sitting behind a computer screen.

When we returned from the pilgrimage, I would have smiled and looked you in the eyes and told you that it was a beautiful trip but that nothing had really changed. I was incredibly thankful for the opportunity. There were amazing moments. There was extravagant hospitality. But when we returned home, much of that became a memory, almost dreamlike.

Out of obedience and curiosity we left, with hope and tenderness we returned.

I can truly tell you, I love Riley’s company. He is one of the easiest people to be around when rage and confusion have not taken over his mind. Riley is funny and loves animals with all of his heart. He has ideas… so many incredible ideas.

For weeks before we traveled to Geel, Belgium, homeschooling had been tugging on my heart. I kept the thoughts at arm’s length. Brian and I have been advised for years that it was a terrible idea to homeschool someone with RAD.

When we returned, Riley confided in me that he did not want to return to school.

Like a song that starts softly but then begins a rhythm that you cannot ignore, I asked Brian for his permission to withdraw Riley from public school.

The relief on Riley’s face, the absolute change in his behavior, the peace in our home (not perfect, but finally glimpsed), and the friends that have come beside me to lift me up are the miracle.

Oh friends. The miracle is happening. Years of crying out in the middle of the night to bring peace and healing. I spent years outside his door, praying for protection, healing, and prayers from angels, saints, and our savior.

Would you pray with us that this year is the beginning of something beautiful in his life? Would you pray that he learns deep in his heart that he is so very loved and treasured?

Saint Dymphna, please intercede for us.