I love my life. I do. It is so rich with wonderful people and beautiful things like the sky and fresh tomatoes and crickets at night. I have baby legs to squish and children pulling on my arms and food to cook and eat and savor. I have friends who are like sisters and sisters who are like friends. I have love, true love. I have music and fun new shoes and new tile in the bathroom. I love my life.
I am reflecting on all these wonderful things because the past month has had so many sad events to throw the happy ones into sudden and sharp focus. I thought about these things especially last night because I finally uploaded a couple of weeks' worth of pictures from the camera onto the computer. Life has been too busy to do it, and I look at these pictures and think about the things I know now that I didn't know when the pictures were taken.
My mom has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's. This is the health trouble that brought them home from Belgium, and which will keep them from returning to their service there, and which they are facing so wisely and courageously. I think I knew that she had it, but hearing it confirmed was quite a shock. Happily she's in the very early stages, and she lives a very active and healthy lifestyle that has really given her a leg up on this. She is doing great, and so is my dad. I admire them so much. They are happy and peaceful and enjoying this opportunity to count their blessings, act now on doing whatever it is they want to do and just love each other and their family. I love them so much and am so proud of them.
My friend has cancer. Well, now two of my friends do. One friend is entering the hospital today to start treatment for melanoma. I am sending him my energy in hopes to help him fight and overcome, and I'm pondering what I can do to express love and support but not be another intrusion in the life of his family. Then two days after I learned of my mom's diagnosis, one of my dearest friends, who overcame breast cancer three years ago, found that it has returned and landed on her bones. This is a fight she will fight for as long as she can, and I send her my energy in hopes of sustaining her. Making this discovery put me in a pretty dark place for a few days, but I have been given the chance to realize how honored I am to be a part of her life. We have heard many tales over the past 10 days of women who have lived with this for many years, and this is what we are earnestly praying for. Love you, friend.
And Elsa. I continue to carry with me the thoughts of my friend's little babe, whom she lost, finding out about her passing only shortly before delivering her. Troy and I do not spend a single moment with our darling Bundle without thinking of my friend, her husband, their boys and the baby, and we speak of them often. I know I've already blogged about them, but my feelings of happy/sad/sorry/grateful are increasing.
Sorry for the heavy posts lately! I have felt very heavy deep inside and it's been a relief to share the burden of this precarious and precious life. I especially appreciate friends with whom I can always turn to when it all feels like it's getting to be a little much. And I appreciate the chance to savor all that I have to live for, however long that might be.
13 comments:
Is this friend with bone cancer who I think it is?? My heart is breaking.
Rachel...(((hugs))). That is SO much stuff. Your mom. She will be in my prayers every day. I love her. I'm glad that they are handling it well.
I just want you to know that I can feel your love and everyone else's love and prayers, and that is making us comforted, well and even happy. All is well.
Such a lot of things! Life changing things! I love your mom! She is such a wonderful person and I hope things can continue to be good for her for years to come! As is my hope for everyone in this post!
Precious indeed. Thank you for the lovely post. Our prayers and thoughts are with Ben and your mother as well. Here's to winning.
Your mom taught me words like scion and pugnacious and dilettante. She taught me to use active voice. She taught me that words can do much more than communicate facts; they offer beauty, and truth, and yearning, and hope. She taught me so much, and she was just my English teacher--how blessed you are to have her as your mother. My heart goes out to you and your family, and to friends who are also struggling. We love you.
We love you, Preslars. In your victories (Go Troy!) and your sad times. Hope we can be of some comfort when you need it.
Rachel-
It is so unfair that all these things happen. My heart is a little heavy with all the news you have shared. Thank you for the perspective. I need to hug my children and kiss my husband now!
What a rough time you've been having. Please give our friend a big hug for me. I wish I was close enough to do it myself. Love you, Preslars.
So sorry to hear of all these tough times for your family and dear friends. I'll be thinking about you. Big hugs.
Oh Rach - I am so sorry and sad to hear about your mom's news. She is such an amazing person. Life does throw very hard things at us. It is hard to know how to help and be supportive without being an intrusion. I feel that conflict from time to time as well. Follow your heart, follow the spirit. I love you guys!
Rachel I am so sorry about your mom. Billy was so sad by this news. He thinks so much of your parents. I don't know them, but I do know two of their children, which speak volumes for outstanding, exceptional people they must be and they will be in our prayers.
I am so sorry to hear about so many trials. I too love your mom and wish her the best! You could write a book you always have a way with words thanks for sharing! My prayers are with you!
Thank you for your post. I had just yelled at Tommy for spreading mashed potatoes all over himself and the carpet moments before I read it - it made me realize life's too short to get upset by mashed potatoes! I echo Kathleen's sentiment - your mom was one of the most influential teachers I had at a time of life when your character is really being built. I always think of her when I come across a word of the day, too!
Post a Comment