Why Brownwood

One day last summer  MD Anderson gave us the news that current medicine would not kill my cancer and that our best bet would be that chemo would extend my life.  It was that evening in June that I asked Nancy the question "If you had to raise Ross without me, where would you do it at?".  She didn't hesitate with her answer and quickly said Brownwood.  She had been thinking about it too.

It was extremely important to me that we make this big decision and do it.   Timing is perfect with Sarah going off to college and Ross starting 1st grade.  I also wanted to get all big decisions done and behind us so Nancy is not left with them when God decided to call me home.  We decided on Brownwood that evening in June, had the house on the market at end of July, sold in August, and moved in September.

Why Not Houston or Dallas?

While I thought Brownwood was the right answer, I did challange Nancy so that she was making it for all of the right reasons.  She could have said Houston.  We could move to a much cheaper house and neighborhood.  We had a HUGE support network and MD Anderson was very close.  

We ruled out MD Anderson as a factor since they would be fading out over time and hospice kicking in.  Although it would be an inconvenience, being treated from MDA via Brownwood has been manageable.  Besides, the decision was based on what is best long term for Nancy & Ross and not what is best short term for me.

Our support network and church was what made the decision most difficult.  We have so many great friends in Houston it was very hard to leave.  We have a strong network in Dallas as well with two sisters, cousin Troy, and many friends from living there so long.  Brownwood, Nancy had her family which was very important for us to be around.   Not only her parents, but also her sister LeeAnn and her husband Ray.  

God Definitely Went Ahead of Us

It took us several trips to find a house that we liked.   While we had the best realtor in Brownwood (Go Sheri Go!),  the house we purchased had just gone on the market by owner when we drove by it.  It was another semi-impulse buy in that I walked in and looked around and said "we'll take it".  Nancy panicked and said I needed to see all the rooms, which wasn't true.  We ended up buying this house and could not have made a better decision.

Not only is the house perfect, but the neighborhood is perfect.  The really surprising part is all of the people who have become part of my "Brownwood support group" live on the neighborhood.  We didn't find this out until after the support group part.   For example, our pastor lives 3-4 doors down from us.   And our pharmacist lives behind us.  Dr live 10 doors down.  Nancy's bibe study leader and good friend lives 2 doors the other direction.   And Ross has multiple kids to play with.  We can select the house to our liking but the neighborhood is just a God Blessing!

Just Another Part of God's Plan

Our move to Brownwood so quickly, finding the perfect house in the perfect neighborhood, and the fact that Ross has made the transition so easy is all signs  that this was just another part of God's plan for us.  

Deuteronomy 31:8

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

8 The Lord is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”