I'm back from 4 days of hockey and a snow day yesterday- well physically back. But mostly I'm still overwhelmed, completely moved, and lacking sufficient words in the outpouring of love, empathy, compassion and such great wisdom shared by all of you with me and my tiny family, these past few days. (I will be back to respond to each and every comment and email left for us.)
Sometimes, I feel so driven to write. To release the story writing itself in my head, and most likely my heart as well. It feels like it moves through me, more than from me and I'm not sure I'll ever be able to fully explain it.
And then you all show up. And through your emails, texts, and comments which, make me teary-eyed, I feel connected to each of you on some deeper level. You all get it, whatever it is I'm trying to say- you just get it. And I'm forever grateful. For the ability to say it, and for it to be received in such compassionate grace-filled ways.
Today, I had infusion and its not sitting so well. I just need some anti-nausea and a good nap and I'll be better.
But I'd be remiss if I didn't share with you all that Nolan's team, a selection of kids from the "West" section of the state of Minnesota- all born in the year 2000- were the champions of the tournament!
It was such an honor for two of our Moorhead boys to be selected- both Nolan and his team mate Parker. But to watch them beat first the East team, then the South team and then lose to the North team. But they still earned their way into the championship game and beat North for the championship.
Way to go West!
While walking through the newly remodeled arena in St. Cloud, we happened across this wall portraying the alumni from the St. Cloud hockey program who have skated in the Olympics- and there was our friend Matt Cullen.
The calm before the storm. A blizzard was brewing and school was cancelled yesterday even though we only ended up with about 3-4 inches of snow instead of the 12-15 they had predicted for us.
It seems that mother nature played the very best April Fool's joke on us, with the blanket of white snow she left for us to wake to today. C'mon spring!
Your trips with hockey remind me so much of our trips for competitive roller skating. Busy, busy times, chaos, but a lot of fun, too. I often wonder how I ever had the energy for it, since I was not only the mother, I was the coach, so not only did I have my kids to worry about, I had other kids as well. I don't miss the stressful part of those times and they were definitely stressful!
ReplyDeleteI can only imagine competitive roller skating- it would have to be so similar to hockey, I can only imagine. Oh my heck- and you were the coach? Now that is beyond busy- and yes stressful!
DeleteCongratulations to the West team! Those are the moments that make all the time, dedication and hard work so very worth it!
ReplyDeleteHang in there!!! April is here! Spring is just around the corner.
Love and hugs, Eileen
Thank you Eileen- so true- good to see the hard work pay off :) Still looking for spring- April just keeps bringing snow- yesterday- today and a big storm for the weekend- sigh :)
DeleteLove and hugs to you!
I have a feeling your son was playing that last game for you!! xo
ReplyDeleteAhhh- could very well be- very moving to think that could be the case :) xxoo
DeleteI'm so sorry infusion was tough today and you're feeling nauseated. I hope by the time you read this you are getting some relief. A HUGE congratulations to your Nolan, your oldest beloved, your cusp-of-manhood boy. All his hard work and diligence, all his early mornings and sacrifices, and all of his mom's letting him go when holding on would be the EASIEST thing in the world, have paid off. Congratulations on the win and on living through so many hard things and winning at that, too. XOXO
ReplyDeleteRobynn- its okay :) I have a couple of days usually after infusion where I don't feel 100 percent. But I'll take it- its keeping me here and I will not lose sight of that! Thanks for your kind words- you have such a way with them, friend, and I truly admire that. xxoo
DeleteCongratulations West team!!!
ReplyDeleteYea Nolan and Parker!! So proud!
Vicky, I hope that as I type this, you have had your nausea meds and that you are sleeping peacefully.
Consider yourself wrapped in the hugs of all of us who love you.
J.
I am better today and should be back up to speed more fully tomorrow. Just a couple of kind of yucky days and then better. Thank you for the hugs and love- sending some right back to you friend. xxoo
DeleteOh Vicky, I'm sorry you weren't feeling good today after your infusion. I am proud of Nolan and his team's accomplishments. You must be a very proud momma!
ReplyDeleteYes LIsa- so happy for the team and for Nolan to have such a great experience. Feeling better already Lisa :) Hope you are well and not surrounded by as much snow as we are!
DeleteIs it me, or do I remember Nolan, from your early blogging days, being a little kid? What happened. Congrats to the boys on the west team. So fun. I hope you are feeling better soon Vicky.
ReplyDeleteI know Mark- they grow up on us, don't they? Thanks for your kind words Mark! Hope you are well!
DeleteGlad to finally be catching up a bit, Vicky. Looking forward to seeing you soon. Yes, we were part of the April Fool's joke too, and were delayed a day on our return from NYC. We never know what we're going to get around these parts. I'm with you. Spring, it's time. Come out of your hiding place. We know you're in there! :)
ReplyDeleteAh- you've beat me to it! I am behind again- although for a really good reason and enjoying catching up in little pieces of time here and there. I truly "romanticize" March and believe it signals the end of winter- but I may have to alter that to April next winter :)
DeleteI am so glad to read about this trip - and the great results. Hooray! And very glad you were able to enjoy it. I hope you're feeling better today, dear Vicky. And that Spring is making an appearance in your neck of the woods very soon.
ReplyDeleteI truly did enjoy it Susan- and was so happy to feel as well as I did. Still peeking around the corner for spring- but all we see is snow so far- but one day it'll just be here and we will be reveling in it for sure :)
Deleteour 3 oldest were swimmers, they had the same early morning and after school practices. it takes determination and willingness to forego other teenage ideas of fun to play any sport, play in a band, etc. a pat on the back for your son and his team!
ReplyDeleteThank you Norma- I do think you understand exactly what I am saying and what we are experiencing. Swimming is another time consuming and physically demanding sport! Thank you!
DeleteOh sweet Vicky,
ReplyDeleteI hope you are feeling so much better! The sun is out in Spokane and I am sending some of it your way!! Bravo to your Nolan and the West. I am so thrilled you were there and got to see the victory!
You are in my prayers every day, dear friend.
Love you to the moon and back!
Linda
I am Linda- feeling better- thank you. Still not much for sun or warmth- more snow again-but we haven't given up on spring yet :) Thankful for your prayers, always! Love to you!
DeleteI am so glad you got to be out this weekend!! How great!!
ReplyDeleteIt was great! I did really well and was so happy to get to watch all the games, hang out with friends, and enjoy some family time.
DeleteWow!! Way to go, Nolan!
ReplyDeleteSpring weather is just so funny. We don't have quite the extremes you do, but last Tuesday was snow. This Tuesday was 83 and hot!
83? You said 83? Oh my… we'd do well getting over 40 these days. Snow again today and this weekend… at least it partially melts to brown grass afterwards- but enough already. Even the dog just grumbles when he looks outside :)
DeleteI just scrolled through your responses to the previous post and noticed you have a friend, Marcy Buckles and I thought it read, "Mercy Buckets" ( anglicized version of "Merci Beaucoup"). It gave me a laugh.
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh Kass- that is too funny. I have to admit- I love the idea of Mercy Buckets- and had no idea that it was the anglicized version of Merci Beaucoup- but that makes total sense. I'll never think of Marcy in the same light again!
Deletedid you ever meet matt cullen in real life, or is that one of your son's wishes??? just curious as we are USOC everything in this house.
ReplyDeletewhat size shoe does noah wear? i'm not a creeper…just might have something for him :)
ReplyDeleteHope your blizzard has melted! I love seeing pics of you and your handsome boys. You're such a good mama!!!! xoxoxoxoxo
ReplyDelete