"Girls' Day" w/Becca & Syd:
Spent most of the day with my Becca. Today was kind of a "holiday" for her.....Hurricane Lake Estates was having their Neighborhood Garage Sale! :) She picked me up and we headed out....our strategy in place to find our bargains. We each found a few (even a bite of breakfast at one - these folks have got it goin ON over here!) ....and then headed out to Little Rock for an impromptu trip to Hobby Lobby to get supplies for her latest "Pinterest" projects.
Hobby Lobby:
Not sure I've told Becca this....but in ways she reminds me of my mom with her "craftiness." My mother ALWAYS had a project going.....whatever the trend was at the time. She sewed, did ceramics (I believe the most BEAUTIFUL nativity scene ever is still on display at West Helena UMC each Christmas that she made.), made wreaths, floral arrangements, etc. I remember the era in the early 90's when everything was "country blue and mauve", the little bunnies with the floppy ears were popular. That momma of mine made hundreds of those!
Anyway, as many know....I am NOT really crafty like my mom. I used to tell her that "There are people like you who MAKE things.....and people like me who BUY things. And the world needs BOTH kinds of people! :)" Truth is, I never needed to be crafty....I had HER! hehe She was the one that always made the cutest teacher gifts, classroom treats, Sunday school crafts, etc. etc. I have sure missed her during science fair projects and classroom parties for sure!
I remember as a child growing up in Newport, we didn't have many places to shop there other than Wal-mart, so for shopping we usually made trips to Jonesboro or Little Rock. Never failed....my mom would ALWAYS find a Hobby Lobby or a Michaels to drag me around in for hours. About the equivilent to Lowe's or Home Depot for most women. Torture!!!! Seems like then it was ONLY craft stuff....and Bor---ing!
Hobby Lobby now is a lot different....lots of home decor items, picture frames, furniture, and such, and I really enjoy it. But my Becca had me in sections that I rarely go in.....the fabric, the scrapbooking, etc etc etc. As I stood back....knowing absolutely NOTHING about what craft she is attempting.....and being NO help to her at all....I reminisced about the days of coming with my mom. Kinda found a little peace in that. Funny how the Lord works in small ways. My friend had zero clue about all of this. But it did wonders for my spirits. I've joked before on those "I wany Momma days" that needed to go find a "Big Gulp" diet coke and find a "Hobby Lobby" somewhere! She had no idea that when we picked up Syd, and ran through Sonic for our Route 44's before heading to that "dreaded store" haha that she was placing me a place close to my mom. Thank you Becca.....:)
312:
.....God bless Tia Wind!) Our original plan was to check out some wig places in hopes of finding me something for later down the road. Just wasn't up to it today. :( That will be for another day. That, and the fact that if they tried to match me today....would have been bad hair and a Nike ball cap! So that will be another trip.
OMGoodness, I LOVE 312!!!. So many unique items that are truly affordable. I hadn't been in there in a while, since my current budget doesn't allow much for extras, but while we were there, she was showing me her new room and all her pretty things. We girls had a fun time trying on clothes and "bling".....She sent me home with a few things that I will be able to use after my surgery. Thinking I will need some loose fitting items after surgery until I can have my reconstruction. Even a pretty little dress for Syd. And "styled" me for the big evening tonight. Another way she is like my mom.....taking care of me whether I like it or not! :) Becca.....I love you MORE! :))
Uneventful Afternoon:
Becca dropped us off at the house mid-afternoon. Syd was a tad grumpy and like most mother-daughters we exchanged a few words....Lord the teenage years! and the teenage MOUTH! It didn't last long....but I realize we butt heads because we are so much alike. I love that child more than life itself. I'll save writing about my love for her for another blog..... but she is definately my BFF!!! :)
Love and Chi-Omega:
Checked the mail, and received yet another card from one of my Chi-0 sisters. I've gotten one every single day this week from sisters I haven't seen since the day I left ASU. Talk about tears. Facebook messages, emails, cards......not a day has gone by since my diagnosis that I've not heard from one of them. I'm so thankful to the "Chi O birdie" that passed the word (Jana!! :)) and each gesture has so warmed my heart. I've felt your love and prayers down deep in my soul. Thanks and sending my love to you ALLLL!!! (and BTW, have you girls noticed all the "Owl" stuff out these days????? Love it!)
My Mamaw and Papaw:
Another suprise came in the mail today....
My mother's parents are the epitome of "Mamaw and Papaws". Loving Christian examples and have ALWAYS been two of my favorite people in the whole wide world. In spite of the two hour travel time, I saw them often growing up, and would always find them in the audience of the big events in my life, and most of the small ones. Been married 65 years, out-lived two of their three children, in church everytime the doors are opened (in fact, I think for the majority of my life....my Papaw was the one who OPENED the doors ....and made the coffee), and always have remained faithful Christ servants. The example of EVERYTHING I hope to be. Im embarrassed that I don't check on them more....or visit more often. Sometimes "life" just happens...but I think of them every single day.
I received in the mail....a sweet note from my Mamaw, and a copy of the following which I couldn't wait to share on my blog. It was given to my Papaw from his doctor last week, and was insistant that she send it to me, and the thanks she is given for the fact that I, too, have a Christian doctor.
The Wooden Bowl
I guarantee you will remember the tale of the Wooden Bowl tomorrow, a week from now, a month from now, a year from now. A frail old man went to live with his son, daughter -in-law, and four-year old grandson.
The old man's hands trembled, his eyesight was blurred, and his step faltered. The family ate together at the table. But the elderly grandfather's shaky hands and failing sight made eating difficult. Peas rolled off his spoon onto the floor. When he grasped the glass, milk spilled on the tablecloth. The son and daughter-in-law became irritated with the mess.
We must do something about father, said the son. I've had enough of his spilled milk, noisy eating, and food on the floor! So the husband and wife set a small table in the corner. There, Grandfather ate alone while the rest of the family enjoyed dinner. Since Grandfather had broken a dish or two, his food was served in a wooden bowl. When the family glanced in Grandfather's direction, sometimes he had a tear in his eye as he
sat alone. Still, the only words the couple had for him were sharp admonitions when he dropped a fork or spilled food. The four-year-old watched it all in silence.
One evening before supper, the father noticed his son playing with wood scraps on the floor, He asked the child sweetly, What are you making? Just as sweetly, the boy responded, Oh, I am making a little bowl for you and Mama to eat your food in when I grow up. The four-year-old smiled and went back to work. The words so struck the parents so that they were speechless. Then tears started to stream down their cheeks. Though no word was spoken, both knew what must be done.
That evening the husband took Grandfather's hand and gently led him back to the family table. For the remainder of his days he ate every meal with the family. And for some reason, neither husband nor wife seemed to care any longer when a fork was dropped, milk spilled, or the tablecloth soiled.
On a positive note, l've learned that, no matter what happens, how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow. I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles four things: a rainy day, the elderly, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas Tree lights. I've learned that making a living is not the same thing as making a life. I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance. I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands. You need
to be able to throw something back sometimes. I've learned that if you pursue happiness, it will elude you. But, if you focus on your family, your friends, the needs of other, your work and doing the very best you can, happiness will find you. I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision. I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one. I've learned that every day, you should reach out and touch someone. People love that human touch—holding hands, a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back. I've learned that I still have a lot to learn.
Wow. I have no words for that dialogue. Just reminded me that even simply annoyances should be treated with the love and grace that God extends to us. I am going to strive to be kinder!!!!
And with my receipt of this, I know God had its perfect timing. Apparantly, she had mailed it to my old address, because since I recently moved, she didn't have my new one. It came through the forwarding process.....and I received it yesterday. At the time when I needed to be reminded of this very thing. His hand is on everything! Everything.
There is a young man that has become a special part of our family for the last couple of years.....Aaron. My Aaron is the epitome of what I'd like my son to be. A vibrant, funny, God-loving young man. He graduated from Benton last year and is working and a college student now, but is one of my son's best buddies. There is no doubt in my mind that Aaron has played a major part of my Sam's walk toward the Lord in many ways. He is simply precious to us.
I've called on Aaron many times.....to babysit, carpool, dog-sit, house-sit. You name it. Our families have had so many good times and memories, way too many to name. I love he and his brothers like they are my own. Anyone who has ever come in contact with this young man will never forget him or his "deep down in the belly laugh"....and the smile is ALWAYS wearing! Can ya tell I just LOVE this child??????
He also shares my "bad luck" with automobile maintenance! hahaha If fact, not long ago he was with us as we took a stroll, after my car left us sitting on the road. Never complained....turned into quite a fun evening! hahahaha
I rushed to grab Sam a haircut, came home and showered, and as I was drying my hair for the "shin dig" tonight, Aaron calls my cell to let me know he is IN my driveway. Was closeby having car trouble, and he came to the house to fix the problem. A simple fix....thank goodness....I was able to provide him with my water hose.....but he provided me with a big ole Aaron hug and a big ole Aaron smile! We love our Aaron!
Gino's:
One word....wow! Just Sayin' is a band that plays locally around our area. Mostly Classic Rock, Country rock.....always a fun time and fun group when they play. My friend Kim (Aaron's mom!) sings in the band and I always love hearing her sing! I used to feel like a "Just Sayin" groupie.....due to the fact that most of their "gigs" are "kid-friendly" we would go alot. Kim contacted me late in the week to let me know that they were playing tonight and that they were foregoing cover charges to accept donation for the children and I.
I was touched beyond words. And excited that the kids and I could have an evening out with friends prior to kicking off this "cancer thing" next week. Just Sayin always has a fantastic following and draws a good crowd....but I never imagined and was so touched by not only the wonderful friends that came out to support us, but the strangers there "for the band" that generously gave to our cause. I will never be able to adequately thank those who have helped us......"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above." James 1:17
More important than that....I laughed more than I had in weeks!!! Boy, do I have some crazy friends! We appropriately named this event...."the Bye Bye Boobie Bash!" haha We planned a huge party for the "unveiling" of the new ones down the road. I clarified over and over not "literally" of course! :) We danced, we sang, we laughed, we enjoyed our children and their friends! I got hugs and prayers from once strangers and now new friends. Well wishes and comforting words from the "village" that God has placed me in. I am starting to understand now how God's plan for me is absolutely perfect in His eyes.
I am posting a few pictures from the evening on my facebook.....as memories were made for the children and I that will last a lifetime! Others took picture for me too.....so I can't wait to post those as well!
In closing tonight.....I saw a quote today (on a plaque at Hobby Lobby!) that felt like it slapped me right in the forehead! "Don't just count the days.....Make the days count." Boy, how true.
Much love,
Terri
Loved the wooden bowl story. Yes, we all need to be kinder. Ironically, thats what our message was in church today...we are no better than anyone else. We even had a sweet baptism, we now have a new sister in Christ. As the person who encouraged me over and over to attend church with you several years back, I thank you. I found it fitting to make the trip to the alter this morning, knelt down and prayed for you. You have Him on your side!
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