As I write this, Sam is escorting his parents back to New York. Elan, who was here in Arizona for a time to step-in for a weary Lynda, met her own Japan-based family in Idaho, and then they all flew to her parents' home, where she could make preparations for Norm and Lynda's return. Elan has enrolled her children in the local schools, taking a blizzard head-in, is figuring out authorizations, referrals, hospice, transportation, plus the daily life of a home-making mom.
Yesterday, Elan and I conversed about her immersion in strange, but ever-so-familiar new world. The ethereal-of-it-all considering what is about to take place. Mixed in the day-to-day conversations and comings and going of her children, the overwhelming deluge of phone calls and arrangements are all dancing amongst the shadowy glimmers of Norm, in his Gone Fishing hat, work pants on, boots laced ready for a dump run or in his Coast Guard sweats ready to start his morning routine of calisthenics, Fox News and scripture reading.
I told Elan that she is so immensely needed and that all of her gifts have prepared her for moments like this. I admire her sacrifice and her devotion to her parents.
Before saying good-bye, I shared this thought with her, in light of the crazy moments swirling around her, the decisions, the needs, the interruptions, the routines, the lists, the triumphs, the annoyances, the time to just be.
INTERRUPTIONS
"When you are exasperated by interruptions, try to remember that their very frequency may indicate the value of your life. Only people who are full of help and strength are burdened by other persons' needs. The interruptions which we chafe at are the credentials of our indispensability. The greatest condemnation that anybody could incur - and it is a danger to guard against - is to be so independent, so unhelpful, that nobody ever interrupts us, and we are left comfortably alone."
-Anonymous
from The Anglican Digest
"When you are exasperated by interruptions, try to remember that their very frequency may indicate the value of your life. Only people who are full of help and strength are burdened by other persons' needs. The interruptions which we chafe at are the credentials of our indispensability. The greatest condemnation that anybody could incur - and it is a danger to guard against - is to be so independent, so unhelpful, that nobody ever interrupts us, and we are left comfortably alone."
-Anonymous
from The Anglican Digest
OHHHH - Norm, Lynda, and all your family!! We don't know what prompted us to check in on your site tonight, but we're so thankful that we did! Thank you so much for sharing where you are right now. We truly are all in this journey of life together - not only to celebrate the more joyful moments, but also to share in the more difficult times. We have been holding you up in heartfelt prayer and will certainly continue to do so - each and every one of you. What a precious family you have - God has so richly blessed you! Hold tightly to each other and treasure each and every moment.
ReplyDeleteWith love from Mike and Nancy Edwards