It has been over a year since Beth went on bed rest with complications during pregnancy. Since that time, Margaret was born, we have gone to the edge with her and back, we came down with a case of bedbugs, we moved to Brooklyn, we celebrated five years of marriage, we interviewed for a new job, my grandmother died, and we moved our whole family down to the Atlanta area. We've laughed and cried and raged along the way.
For a year now, I have stored in my phone the most meaningful text messages. They tell the story--or a story--of a year in my life, now past. So, without any names attributed to the messages, here's my year in text messages:
I'm praying 4 ur family! (October 16, 2009, 10:20AM)
God is with your family. We are surrounding u with prayer. (December 31, 9:32AM)
In Jesus name! (December 31, 7:40PM)
Continuing prayers! How r u all? Let us know if there's anything u need. Will you share baby's name? (January 1, 2010, 5:14PM)
I have brisket, twice baked potatoes brussel sprouts with bacon and a tossed salad that I would love to bring to you. Can I? Don't need to see me. Xo. (January 14, 12:57PM)
Prayed for you and beth and james and baby in community tonight (January 22, 12:25AM)
I love you. Do you want to hold MG today? (March 8, 3:30PM)
This place is so depressing when there's nothing to hope for. (April 27, 1:39PM)
Mg sucked her bottle down in one shot! Swallow study is Thursday. (May 17, 2:05PM)
Hot outside, awake- aware of being a blood meal. Found bites on James' leg. Anxious about this summer plans for James, moving (for how long)? (May 27, 4:51AM)
Quiet night at hospital. She's such a sleeping beauty. (August 18, 2:33AM)
Emotional day for him too (September 26, 10:25AM)
Grandma L died this morning. (September 26, 6:12PM)
Be safe in your travels, my friend. (September 29, 9:55PM)
Wonderful svc tonight! (September 29, 11:44PM)
Good day with MG. She ate 15ml then 20, then obvious it was reflux. (October 9, 6:52PM)
She looks so much like me: cheeks eyes mouth asleep in my arms (October 10, 3:25PM)
Massive poop all over body! Been back on last of breastmilk, think that helps. (October 17, 12:04PM)
Word up! (October 18, 11:11PM)
On leer jet. They had snacks and coke but I brought sandwich. No security gates, just walk right out to tarmac then land and park in hangar, then leave. No hassle (October 19, 1:46PM)
No nap. James pooped undies then clogged downstairs toilet. Need plunger. Not leaving until u get here (October 23, 3:24PM)
MG comes home this Tuesday. A new chapter--a new year--will open.
I'm appreciate your writing skill.Please keep on working hard.^^
ReplyDeleteYour writing inspires me. Thank you so much.
ReplyDelete"MG comes home this Tuesday" - so glad to hear that!!!
ReplyDeleteI look at this and smile at the complete picture it makes. I also lament the fact we didn't "hang" enough! Yes we were co workers, but I'm seeing the composite of a person I wish I knew better. Well at any rate the DL I do know is a pretty swell guy.
ReplyDeletethe texts are quite a slice of life - appreciate that you shared them. Be well as you look toward Tuesday and beyond.
ReplyDeleteDavid - I'm a regular visitor of Marble Church. It's been over a year since I've been there...and I just found out today that you've gone. So sad! :(
ReplyDeleteWe actually met only once - I'd reached out to you because of some sorrow in my life, and you spent some time with me having coffee, walking through the park, and listening to my problems. I will never forget that. You lent an ear in an often very lonely city. Thank you so much!
Since then, things have changed for me 100%, and my life is once again back on track. I just really appreciate how kind you were, and hope someday I can repay it by lending an ear to someone else who's struggling.
God bless you, and I hope you and your family enjoy your new city.
Best,
Shannon
Have been thinking about MG (and your family!) and am delighted to read all about her year.
ReplyDelete