Gentle Brook

Gentle Brook called us last night right before we were going to tuck in for the night.  We were so happy to hear the sound of her voice!  It has been four days now.  She's doing well and prospering!

Gentle Brook is on a very big adventure!  She and her sister have moved about 24 hours drive by car south from where they had lived.  They moved from a quiet town of about 2,000 to a city that is about 400,000.  It is a very big change.  Gentle Brook's sister had had a job transfer to a much better position.  Gentle Brook was ready to go!

Gentle Brook sounded excited and happy.  She says the new apartment is wonderful and it is about three times bigger than the last one.  And, it has air conditioning!  This is a huge advancement!  There are other amenities as well.  They have their own washer/dryer, dishwasher, and separate bathrooms.  They also have a pool and recreation facilities.  Best thing (I believe) is that there is a good state college only 4 miles away.  Gentle Brook has been working a couple of jobs, but previously she was working on her education.  She is very smart and able with people, computer, and in culinary arts.

We initially met Gentle Brook a couple of years ago in an abuse survivors chat room, but our friendship has really developed over the last eight months.  We both spend a lot of time on the computer and she keeps us good company.  We each have a web cam so sometimes we follow each other's day.  It gives us a great sense of comfort to have her near.  

Although I'm old enough to be Gentle Brooks mother, and we sometimes worry over her like the daughter we never had, most often we are more equal in interests and abilities.  I love her dearly and have missed being in touch.  Soon though, her computer will be up and running and we'll begin to hear how her new life is unfolding.  Just such a terrific young woman...  Shoot, now again the tears.