Monday, November 25, 2013

When blessings and sorrows intermingle...


I have a complete swirl going around in my brain.  As I sat trying to pull it all together I was struck by the sheer volume of activities we attended these past few days, and the storm of emotions that surrounded parts of that.


Deciding to center myself before I got too far into my day this morning, I picked up my Jesus Calling devotional, by Sarah Young.

"...Walk with Me along the high road of thanksgiving, and you will find all the delights I have made ready for you. To protect your thankfulness, you must remember that you reside in a fallen world, where blessings and sorrows intermingle freely...


We had 5 hockey games between the two boys, 1 parent social for hockey, and I ended the weekend attending the Moorhead High School performance of Jesus Christ Superstar with a group of girlfriends last night.  


The play was fantastic.  I've heard huge accolades for the performances by many who have attended.  The entire production and ensemble was just spectacular!  Rick shot photos for the high school activities office and shared these with me from the first act.






(The young man in white, playing Jesus reminded me of someone…)



Jared Leto perhaps? 















There were some intense, graphic scenes, with stark and edgy images.  While at times I would be shrinking back in angst and sadness, at others, the sheer compassion and empathy I felt drew me in.  There were also many beautiful moments of dance and artistry that were beyond words.  Many in the audience were moved to tears by the end of the performance.  

The rest of the weekend was spent at the hockey rink.


One part of spending so many hours at the ice arena, is never knowing who you might run into.  Jordy Christian was our boys favorite high school hockey player for so many years.  My boys have worshipped him since they were 3 and 5 years old.  This summer he coached Nolan and his team.  Jordy has recently gotten married to beautiful Jessica, and started a new career a couple of hours from here. 

While acknowledging the talent and skill he has as both a hockey player and coach, what has always drawn my "mother" heart to him, is that he is exactly the kind of man I want my boys to grow to be some day.  

So my mother heart was devastated to hear that Jordy's long time neighbor and family friend, had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer just two weeks ago, and she passed away earlier this week.  She was laid to rest earlier the day I saw him.

So he did, the very thing, that I've always said nourishes me and sustains me.  He went to his second "home," the hockey arena- filled with a community who would help him keep moving forward through the fog of grief he and his family are surrounded by.

And what was the one thing providing him and his family with a semblance of peace?  That they all knew where their friend was- in her eternal home with Jesus.  Jordy's faith runs deep and so did his friends.  

It also just so happens that Jordy's neighbor and friend?  Was an oncology nurse.  And who did Jordy see walking by on the 7th floor at the hospital?  Dr. Panwalkar.  

My world continues to shrink and expand.  Will you join me in keeping the Christian Family in your prayers while they mourn the loss of their longtime friend?



This boy had an awesomely fun weekend playing hockey.  His team won 2 games and tied one.  We had a wonderful time hanging out at a hockey social with the other parents of the team.  With the vulnerability I feel on a daily basis, its supportive to feel like others are willing to embrace us when our "blessings and sorrow intermingle."



I was more than ready to call it a night when I arrived home last night after the play.  But Rick was waiting up, ready to talk.  

It's Nolan, he said.  He'd spent hours after hockey last night, trying to console him, to counsel him, to help him through a rough patch.  It started with another coach that Nolan had last summer, who was killed by a train last week.  Nolan's been struggling with coming to some understanding about this.  Some very adult concepts are working their way into his very young teen life and his emotions haven't matured enough to cope with all of it.

He is adding this to so much "new" to contend with this hockey season.  A new team, filled with boys in 8th and 9th grade, that he doesn't know well.  He's been challenged.  He is trying to find his place.  To fit in.  To feel like he belongs.  

Thank goodness he still feels we are his soft place to fall.

I encircle my big boy before bed, in a strong embrace, that encircles all the way around.  Praying he knows, he matters, and believes- all shall be well.  


Infusion and Dr. P tomorrow.   








26 comments:

  1. Vicky--once again your words inspire me…your words, your actions…teaching us to embrace. Blessings to you this Thanksgiving week!

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    1. Kim- your words here and the lovely card I received today have truly lifted me. Thank you! I wish you a blessed and happy Thanksgiving week as well!

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  2. Yes, Vicky, I will pray for your friends. It is so hard to say goodbye. It heartens me that he knew where he would find life, and that you were among those waiting to receive his weary heart. You manage to pack so many good things into your posts! I wanted to go to the musical to watch a friend's son perform, but it was just too busy a weekend for us. We are so blessed to have such talent in our midst that can pull off performances like this, and give our children these amazing experiences. Glad you were able to go with your girlfriends! Wishing you a very blessed Thanksgiving!

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    1. The musical was such a great way to end our weekend- truly a gift! I know you would have thoroughly enjoyed it. Yes- we are completely blessed in the theater arts here in our community- we have a long-standing tradition of it for sure. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!

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  3. So much is going on for you, Vicky - in your family's life and the people you care around you.

    I pray that you will feel strength in the middle of it all, and I am especially lifting up your son to the Lord. He's got a heck of a lot going on for a young man his age. Bless his heart.

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    1. Thank you so much Susan- in a way- its made me feel more determined than ever to double my efforts in so much that I do. Thank you for being willing to help me with that! Happy Thanksgiving week to you and yours!

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  4. i would certainly say you "embraced" last weekend with all your might! glad you had a wonderful time, even though it was mixed with difficult news. my friend lynne was remembered Saturday. her fight ended the 17th. i am SO thankful that i do not grieve as those who have no hope of eternity...that would be unbearable.

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    1. We surely did :) I am so sorry for the loss of your friend Lynne, sweet one. I am so glad you told me that and now I can say a prayer for peace for all of you. Such truth in your words! Amen. Wishing you and yours a Blessed and Happy Thanksgiving!

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  5. Oh, that is a lot of hockey and a full, full weekend. It's so hard when our kids are experiencing growing pains and the difficulties of life. It is wonderful that you and Rick are still his safe place to fall.

    Will definitely pray for your friend's family. Two weeks? So sad.

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    1. I know- right? So grateful he still will come to us and share the hard stuff when it gets to be too much. We think as difficult as it may be- he will grow and learn from it and come out stronger :) Yeah- two weeks- beyond comprehension. Happy Thanksgiving (again maybe) in case I forgot to say so in the comment I left you :)

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  6. You and Rick are your boys' "soft place to fall." I love that.
    I love so much about you and your dear family.
    Sweet dreams to you tonight, dear friend.
    Love you,
    Jackie

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    1. Jackie- we're just cut from the same cloth it seems- like "extended" family in a way- and that feeling is entirely mutual! Love you sweet one- Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!

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  7. My dear Vicky,
    This post brought a lump to my throat, gratitude to my heart, an "Oh, no" escaping my lips, and a giant hug sent to your Nolan. Yes, like you, we are intermingling blessings and sorrows at this Thanksgiving time.

    I find it almost inconceivable that she only had two weeks- two weeks to understand, two weeks to say goodbye. I am so glad she knew Jesus and has come Home to Him. Her family is in my prayers. What a hole they have in their heart, even knowing she loved the Lord.

    And about Nolan. You ARE his safe place to fall. Your listening ears, compassion, empathy and belief in him will help him over the lumps he is facing now and those he will face in the future. It has been our experience that all of our adult children call or come over when they need to talk or process hurts or changes or when their own sweeties (our grandchildren:)) are hurting from a mean word at school or the loss of a best friend. In my heart, that's what family is for. To be that place where you are always welcome...welcome to come, just as you are. Welcome when all is well and welcome when it hurts so badly that no one else will do. What a great honor for you and Rick that Nolan came to you for consolation.

    Keeping you in my prayers, sometimes hourly.
    Know how grateful I am for you, sweet Vicky.
    Love from your friend
    Linda

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  8. Prayers for your friend, your son and you.

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    1. Thank you- goodness- it seems I need to ask who you all need ME to pray for- I've asked for a lot lately :) Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!

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  9. Keeping you in prayers tomorrow. You had a BUSY weekend of emotions and moments. Keep embracing my friend...
    xoxo,
    Michelle

    and extra hugs for your Nolan. :(

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    1. Thanks so Michelle- so good to hear from you- I think of you often!

      Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!

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  10. Isn't that just like life to give us a rollercoaster of emotion and experiences! I read Jesus Calling (among other things:) every morning too. Most days, it moves me to tears. That musical looks outstanding!! We'll be traveling to your territory this weekend to see Rachel's team play in St. Cloud! They're traveling all the way from Maryland. All of my kids together in one place!! So excited. Happy Thanksgiving dear dear Vicky. You are always in my prayers.
    XOXO,
    Deb

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    1. Wow- that is a huge distance to travel for hockey- but some good competition should be found in St. Cloud for sure! Its too bad our teams aren't traveling in that direction this weekend or our paths could definitely cross :) Hope the travel goes well and the team does well too! Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!!

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  11. I am in awe of the presentation of this High School Performance!! WOW... it looks like it could be on broadway! Bravo to all that young talent.

    I love that Thanksgiving quote, just beautiful.

    Your son has the best tools to navigate this difficult time, parents who adore him, nourish, encourage.

    Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours - xo

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  12. That looks like an awesome performance . Yes life is tough. My sisterinlaw just went through major surgery on her spine. Thankfully it all seems to be going well.
    It's hard for adults so you can imagine what its like for kids.
    Too much too early.
    Hard to lose people we love.

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    1. Glad to hear your SIL is doing well after major surgery. Yes- its always tough to suffer those losses no matter what age we are at- so true.

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  13. Thanks so much for more than I have the patience to express on this smart phone keypad! I am 'stealing' the Jesus Calling passage you posted for my FB status today. It is so beautiful. God bless you and all those you write about. Happy Thanksgiving....oh, and at 48 degrees in South Florida this morning, it feels like ice hockey weather to us!

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  14. Hope you will still have a Happy Thanks giving Sweetie.

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  15. Hi Vicky, I am just at loss for words...but prayers will go out to this family! the show looked wonderful...busy busy you! However I am blog stalking today..wondering how you are doing??? when you are silent...I wonder if treatments or things are making you nauseated or ill. See what happens when we get so attached to beautiful you! someone with a gift for words and a honesty and vibrance and such grace....we become little blog stalkers ..checkin in...to make sure all is well! Big hugs Dear Vicky!

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I welcome what you have to say. Thanks for taking the time to grace me with your thoughts and words!

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