…
Seriously, I’m thinking about it…
Really, the only reason I’m actually putting anything here is two-fold: I didn’t really want my belly-aching column to be at the top of the page for so long and also, it’s time to mop my floors! So, you know, avoidance behavior.
Maybe this is a good time to thank you all for your kinds words and in addition to those kinds words, the absence of negative words these last six or seven or million weeks. I realize that each week since the “incident” I’ve only written about the cast, more or less. And I really do thank you for not taking the opportunity to remind me there are worse things in life, etc. Because I tell myself those words all the time and truth be told, they don’t make this situation right now any easier. It helps to remember that, of course, but it doesn’t change things.
Here’s where I’m coming from, just so you know (which, upon thinking, you already know because you visit me here): I’m the kind of person that likes to be honest. Not in the “how do I like that dress you’re wearing? I think it’s ugly.” Not in that kind of way (I mean, you can be honest without crushing the very depths of a person’s dignity I think). But when I’m struggling with something, I don’t really see the point of pretending like everything is hunky dory. That’s not to say a person should just walk around moping all the time. But when someone can be totally honest and say “you know, this isn’t the easiest season in my life but this too shall pass” — that makes me love that person even more.
A few weeks ago, I was having just a horrible day. I was blue and sad and overwhelmed. I knew I needed to get out and take a walk. I started to call a dear friend, my good walking buddy, but every time I thought about having to answer the question “how are you doing,” I started to get weepy.
The next day I spoke with my friend and told her about the day.
“I wanted to call you,” I said, “but I was afraid I’d start to bawl when you answered the phone.”
“Me too,” said my friend. “I was having that kind of day, too.”
So anyway, I hope you don’t take all these musings as me being an Eeyore kind of gal. It’s actually very therapeutic for me to write about my struggles. It always gives me the reality check I need. I just feel the minute I admit how weak I am, how much I need a Savior (and, a lot of times, just your basic reality check) — well, that’s when I get the boost I need.
So thank you. Thanks for listening. I wish you all lived closer, because when Henry gets his cast off, I’d invite you all over for a beer or a cup of tea or whatever else I could offer for a celebratory toast!
p.s. Would you sign a virtual cast? I thought it might be nice to have a little on-line cast signing party! Here’s a Sharpie — go!
Get ready to party!
p.s. There have been two great parties in my life – the first was the surprise party for my 15 year old's completion of her last chemo treatment. When you have completed an ORDEAL, the celebration is precious. The second great party was when that same little girl got married last year. Best wishes for your family's speedy recovery from Henry's cast.
My sharpie is red so that it will look purple on that blue cast:
Be sure to give your mama a big-ole'-wrap-all-the-way-around-her-kinda bear hug when you get this thing off cuz she needs it!
P.S. My word verification is "unite"!
Henry–you have the best baby name! We will toast you AND your family when you are free of your cast.
I keep watching for posts to see if Henry is out of his cast!
You are such an awesome momma. I can only imagine how heartbreaking…I have a toddler. I just can't imagine having to try to keep her entertained in body cast…not to mention clean, ha! I can't wait to log on and find Henry running around again.
Get well soon Henry! And cheer up – this will be one of the great stories of your life! Imagine showing these pictures to your prom date!
You wouldn't believe how many people I've told here in southern California about your Spica adventure…lots of people out there thinking of you…lots of people who haven't even read your blog!
I think I"ll sign my name with a big racing car next to it.
Remember: With blessings come burdens, and with burdens come blessings.
You are very sweet to share your blessings and burdens with us. You don't know me, but you are in my prayers. Best wishes for a quick and easy recovery.
Barb B.
Yay Henry, you're almost there! Make sure to run straight to your mama and give her a big giant hug as soon as you get your legs back. You boys are so blessed to have her!
get well soon little guy!
In a few years you'll look back on these photos and laugh!
God Bless
Emily
-x-
Baby Henry & Mama – It's almost over!
Here's to running, jumping and big ol' bear hugs!
Rachel, we check on you daily and you've really done a great job. I can't say I look back on our spica pictures and laugh, but I definitely feel a HUGE sense of relief when I see them, and smile an even BIGGER smile when I see my "once in a spica" guy running through the house. Chin up!
Amy N.
Get well soon Henry! We're praying for you!
Only a couple more weeks. I love that you're sharing all of this with the "blog" world. I think so many of us struggle with the ability to let people know when we need help and support. It's nice to know that we are not alone in that!! Hang in there. Baby Henry – we're praying for you and will be so excited when you get your cast off!!
When he was almost two, my nephew (now in college) broke his femur bone falling off a kitchen chair while helping his mother make cookies. The same cast as your Henry, but in 1988. It broke my heart. We are from a large family, but even given the stiff competition I somehow was his favorite auntie (then an unmarried grad student) and we bonded even more deeply through his recovery. Good luck, Prince Henry! You're so loved!
Henry, you and your mom are hanging tough and doing great! Chuck Norris would be proud!
Get ready to have a super strong Chuck Norris leg when your cast comes off!
Rachel,
I read your blog regularly and am a committed Christian although not a Catholic. I wanted to respond and let you know how much I enjoyed this particular post. I look at so many blogs by women in internet world, and the women all talk about how marvelous and wonderful their lives are ALL the time. And I don't honestly believe their lives are perfect and wonderful constantly–and frankly those blogs sometimes make me wonder what is wrong with my less-than-perfect life.
It is nice that you are refreshingly honest about your struggles and need for Christ.
My prayers will be with you as Henry continues to heal and get his cast off.
Get well soon Henry! I hope when you are older, you have the chance to read these and realize how many people your mom touched with her writings.
Henry, I can't wait to see what the story of your leg-breaking-adventure is when you're older. I'll bet it has something to do with ninjas attacking during a picnic and you and Chuck Norris defending your family. Chuck ended up in a full body cast — you ended up with only a broken femur.
Henry, we're looking forward to seeing you RUN!
(And Rachel, I've loved reading about this journey. Sorry you had to GO through it, but it's been a joy to read what you're writing, if that makes sense.)
Your struggles bring tears to my eyes, as I know you are at a real lowpoint. I am so grateful that this is just a "season" and not a permanent situation – although I'm sure you will agree that you would have appreciated a much shorter "season"!
I'll keep praying for you and Henry, and may God carry you both through to the end of this difficult time. Take care of yourself, too, Rachel!!!
Hi – I have never commented here… found your blog after you had a Good Housekeeping column. Anyway, I ran across another blog not long ago where the mom had to go through the spica challenge with her daughter. Thought you may take comfort in her writings. You can do a "spica" search.
http://barefootinthekitchen.blogspot.com/
Hang in there!
Somebody in Utah loves you both…A LOT!
go, henry, go! heal well! way to let your body do what it needs to do!
sending a virtual hug and diet coke your way, friend.
God bless you and the family. As you work through tough times, you encourage the rest of us (in case you hadn't noticed), so you give grace and gratitude.
And watch out! Don't let a couple of months off from chasing a toddler make you careless when he's liberated. I bet he's been saving up those months' worth of pranks.
For some reason, Henry is making me think of a book called "I'll Love You Forever". It's probably better suited for the next guy up, even though it's a picture book. It always makes me cry in a good way… hope you can find a copy at the library.
Again, God bless you.
Scotch Meg
It won't be long now and then you'll be running around.
Signed,
Chuck Norris
Sorry, just kidding. Signed,
Bia
But, really, Chuck WOULD approve. You have been a trooper (and a trouper) through all this, and Henry will be all the stronger for having gone through it with so much loving support.
God bless you, Rach. I'm having a celebratory Woodchuck Pear Ale tonight simply in anticipation.
Love, Kit
Here's hugs to you both and virtual drink for momma. Can't wait till you post that Henry's cast is off. I'll raise a glass w/ from here.
Hugs to you both from here too.
Think a funny smiley face signed on there — maybe in silver sharpie!
Thanks for sharing the ups and downs and never feel a need to apologize!
Here's hoping the last days of this season pass quickly and you're back to catching up with him soon!
Remember:
It's only funny until someone gets hurt……. (your brothers can probably fill you in on the rest of that sentence in a few years.)
Gentle hugs from our clan… hang in there.
Get well soon, Henry! We've been thinking of you and praying for your healing down here in Savannah.
God Bless you and your precious family.
Dear Spica,
I has been quite interesting getting to know you via the internet. You are a pretty neat looking contraption, you help heal sweet bones back to perfection, and you provide a perfect, albeit stiff, superhero uniform. All of these truths stated we are eager to bid you farewell. So we shall sign you with some good-bye love, "We love Henry! We are so proud of you – for your great attitude and for reminding Buelo how it feels to be laid up and uncomfortable. We can't wait to run around with you soon. Big kisses from your cousins!!"
Celia and Amelia Claire
PS – can you believe our mom let us use a Sharpie?
Somehow I don't think this was really what Christ had in mind when he said he would cast out Demons…
Almost there!