After a few days of watching Josh grow weaker, we knew our reality is not changing. We are losing Josh. Only God knows when…
Realizing we must go on, we continue caring for him, wondering how we will manage after… we pray… and pray some more…
Periodically, we look at real estate in Gloversville. Hawaii does not seem a realistic option without Josh. Nothing stands out. We continue to care for Josh; enjoying each moment; knowing the moments are growing short.
One day we notice a stately Colonial on a street near to the edge of the long established homes of Gloversville for sale. But, still walking distance to the organic market. It needs some work. There is over half an acre of land; a possible vegetable garden and tiered flower beds. Is it too much land? Is it too much house? The price is good. We send a deposit and sign the contract. We also locate a company, Efficient Heating & Cooling Services, owned by Patrick St. Pierre, to maintain and winterize the home until we arrive. As we go through the process he and I text back and forth and he offers helpful suggestions. Suddenly, we feel we have found a wonderful company and friend.
Searching the web we find a house inspector; one who real estate agents and owners fear. The perfect inspector for us! He is willing to work with us through email. An appointment is scheduled. Inspection day arrives. That night we check our email repeatedly. It takes time to write a thorough report. The next day the report arrives. Red flags fly! The garage needs a new roof; the attic was locked and not accessible; several windows in the house are cracked or broken out; and the house has shifted off it’s foundation.
Scott and I talk. We are still willing to take the house if the owner will drop the price by $40,000. The house easily needs that in repairs. The owner stands firm. Our offer is withdrawn and our wonderful attorney helps us get our deposit returned.
Again we face the question, should Gloversville be our home? Hawaii has been perfect because we have wonderful bus service and very walkable streets. Part of our decision why we chose Gloversville is because it is just 5.1 miles square. Easy for a visually impaired person to navigate on foot. Easy to learn my way around.
Yes, I am visually impaired. A visual impairment that cannot be fixed with glasses. The macula in both eyes were damaged by a disease I picked when I lived in the South. It manifested when I was twenty-eight in my left eye and erupted over night in my right eye when I was thirty-two. I forgot to mention it because I have lived with my limitations for so many years. Checking walk-ability in any area is second nature. Gloversville is very walkable.
So we are back to questioning, is Gloversville supposed to be our home?
Then, Josh’s doctor comes to the house for a visit. After visiting with Josh she and I go downstairs and sit on a bench outside. After a bit of small talk she says, “I don’t think he will live to see the holidays.”
We know we are facing losing Josh, but hearing the reality said out loud is devastating… the tears… the numbness… the reality… again…
