The thank you notes clutter my desk, my table, they're abundant everywhere. My gratitude runs deep while my ability to convey it is slow. I am deeply behind in writing my thank you notes. Luckily, I have infusion, to at least give thanks in some permanent and meaningful way.
Each week at infusion, I sit and number all of my gifts in a gratitude journal. I'm literally tied down by a needle in my chest with tubes running up to the big iv pole and pump. I'm not going anywhere! But I find I pay little attention to time, I'm so absorbed in the writing of the journal.
Plus I'm blessed with a visit from Sandy, the volunteer. She is a beautiful soul, that always remembers to come and find me right where I am. We talk about scripture, and daily devotions, and books, and everything. Then she grabs my hands and fervently prays. I often feel like its her, and so many of you, with me- all circling around and letting grace flow. I receive so much more than "drugs" at infusion.
Plus then it follows me home. The beautiful handmade card below, with equally as beautiful words written inside. I'm slow to say my thank- you's these days, but I pray you all know how these are the very things that get me through.
I feel the most longing to letting Melody know how much this card touched me. Her words were so heartfelt and she is so generous and giving, and I am speechless and filled with gratitude that these gifts that come my way. Thank you, Melody!
And the bracelet? I completely forgot that I had ordered it, weeks ago. I madly opened the Alex and Ani box, and love walked in. The gift of love... that I had ordered BEFORE I had chosen my word.
I also feel love, when words come together that describe your feelings, but you just didn't think to align them in this way- it feels like someone knows my heart.
Then having just read those words, you walk outside into the midst of snow swirling about you, and the sun shining through as though the air is magically glistening, and sparkling- and you feel where "calm meets chaos... and madness swirls... and love passes by."
Then the finale arrives when the sundogs radiate their rainbow colors around the sun, and all is right with the world.
And Crosby never leaves my side, unless he is going to sneak off to find the Santa teddy bear he longs to wrap his arms around. Love personified.
So this is me, trying. Because, in between all of these fleeting moments I cherish? Are the hard and messy ones, coming at me faster than I can deal with some days. So I'm trying to align the words, and cling to the moments of grace and love, no matter how fleeting they feel sometimes.
Ann Voskamp always aligns those words just right...
“I want to see beauty. In the ugly, in the sink, in the suffering, in the daily, in all the days before I die, the moments before I sleep.”
You are the beauty in life, Vicky.
ReplyDeleteAnyone who knows you can see that.
Hugs from me to you.....
Always,
Jackie
Hugs back to you, precious friend - the love pours through your words and I am so blessed by by them- always.
DeleteThink of you so often Vicky.....wishing you many moments of that quiet joy. Your faith and your perseverance is beyond what most are capable of. Hugging you from here.....
ReplyDeleteHilary, I always think of you in exactly that same way- your perseverance is beyond that same point and I admire you greatly for your ability to keep moving forward.
DeleteYou have a gift for using words that draw us into your world. Thank you for pointing us back to love. Prayers going up on your behalf, from a multitude of folks who love you, me included.
ReplyDeleteAnd the photo of your sweet doggy?? So sweet!!
It warms my heart to see your sweet self here, and your words/prayers sustain and nourish me so very much. So thankful for you! Love and blessings to you~
DeleteLove you! Think about you and pray for you Vicky- still and always. Xoxo
ReplyDeleteTiffany!! Oh how I wonder how you are! I think of the beach, the ocean, the bonfires, and I feel you, friend. So thankful to have you here, still, with me- as I am with you! Love you sweet Tiffany!
DeleteOh... my precious soul sis,
ReplyDeleteYour words this morning go straight to my aching heart. Your gratitude and love and hope
cross all of those miles between us, and you minister to me with your care, your words and your breath-taking photographs. Honey, there is no need to worry about thank you notes arriving on time. YOU are our thank you note! Your love radiates from each word you write. You matter in ways that you could never imagine. And sweet Crosy, holding the Santa teddy bear close. He adores it. And that's just how we all hold you close, dear Vicky. Close to our hearts and minds and souls. You teach us all about what LOVE truly is!!
Love you always, dear heart, to the moon and back.
Linda
Oh Linda, I see your sweet smiling face and I'm pouring through words in my mind to share with you- the first thing is how much I've loved reading the book you sent me! I'm so enamored with her writing, and truth sharing and ability to write a good story- oh my! I have to tear myself away from reading it! That is why I long to write thank you notes to everyone- I love sharing with them how much they touch me in so many ways. But your words resonate with me, and I am very touched you leave me such kind and grace-filled words. Love you right back- all the way sweet one!
DeleteYour words are so healing--for all of us. I think it's your gift of unfailing gratitude and gentleness. It draws people TO you and TO our Father.
ReplyDeleteSo much love, my friend,
Julie
Julie, that is such high praise to me, and I am thankful if anything I do draws people near to Him. So grateful for your sweetest of words! So much love to you~
DeleteVicky, I hold you in love and light and always, always feel a warm heart smile when you are able to post to your blog. Thank you for stirring in me the awareness of how important it is to express gratitude and love, always.
ReplyDeletePeace be with you.
Kristin
Kristin, such grace-filled, kind words. Having you come here and share such kindness with me, truly mirrors that very gratitude I strive to express too. Blessings and love to you~
DeleteVicky, Since I started following your blog, the military has moved us from Montgomery, Alabama, to Ramstein, Germany, to Lajes Field, Azores, to San Antonio, Texas, and now to Alexandria, Virginia. I have prayed for you at each destination. Please know I think of you as a friend and certainly a sister in Christ, and I admire your courage, strength, and LOVE so much. Peace of Christ to you, my friend.
ReplyDeleteMelinda! So great to hear from you! I have shared with friends that prayers have come from all corners of the world and it truly honors me so. I deeply believe those prayers have nourished and sustained me through everything. So grateful to you, friend. Love to you~
DeleteVicky... you and your family continue to be in my prayers. What a cutie that Crosby is! I hope that this week is an easy one for you.
ReplyDeleteHi Katie, your prayers lift me so- thank you! Yes- so far I've had more energy and time to replenish myself a bit and keep that resolve strong to help face next week!
DeleteOooh, that image....
ReplyDeleteMay you find many more of those cherished moments and experience less of what's in between.
Our Crosby is the center of our world, for sure!!
DeleteBeautiful pictures as always, Vicky. Crosby is a sweetheart. Your words always touch me in a way that fills me with hope and grace. I'm so thankful for you, my friend. Love always.
ReplyDeleteWhen I think of you, I stop by just to send a hug and let you know that I think you are amazing.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry these days have been so rough, dear Vicky. And that you push through to thank those who love you is just Herculean. I've never heard the term "sundogs" and still don't know quite what it means but I love hearing a word I don't know. And speaking of any kind of dogs.....Crosby's dear face. Oh my. What would we do without our angel dogs? What indescribable faithfulness, patience, and true forever love....
ReplyDelete