It's been an interesting couple of weeks. I haven't posted anything on here since December 27 about our journey through this grief, however, I am filling up a journal each and every day. Transferring all of those thoughts and realizations might make me seem really neurotic and today is the first day that I have had some down time. On December 29 we flew to Virginia to visit my sister and her family, we flew back on January 4th and January 5-6 were my first 2 days back in the office. This morning, Sammy and I went to church to what ended up being one of the most profound messages we have heard in a long time. (coincidence? we don't think so) Immediately in the car, Sammy and I had a very emotional conversation around approaching the 2 month mark of losing Juliette. What God has taught us in this and how do we continue to move forward. It was nothing short of an incredible dialogue with him. I love that Sammy.
In the last few months I have noted every mother that has experienced a similar loss. You have bravely and kindly shared your experience. You are what gave me my mantra for 2012. (I am not resolving to do shit this year.....except to continue to move through the shit) Every day I wake up and see the words..."Practice courageous vulnerability" As these women have called, emailed, or left messages your sharing does breathe some strength into my soul. You have continued to walk the path set in front of you and you have courageously shared it is not easy and that the loss will fade, but never go away. You see, whether you miscarry or lose during pregnancy in the 1st, 2nd or 3rd trimester, it is a LOSS. What has saddened me is these women usually start off with, "I didn't tell anyone, but I miscarried at......" And one woman even said to me, "When I miscarried, the Dr. said this happens often. I wish I would have known." Before now, I have just seen the wait until the 12 week mark to tell people as normal, but now I think its crap. Why is it so secret? Why do women hide with this pain? I am sure that deserves a much larger post....but I have no answers right now, it just angers me that women are embarrassed when they miscarry. WHY? How can we all change this conversation so that women feel supported through such a significant loss?
I still struggle with immense emotional pain. I still struggle with lost dreams. And to be honest, many moments that are quite obsessive. **note: I didn't expect this to be gone by now, I am just stating the obvious.** So many questions for us, for our future. That question mark has turned upside down like a fishhook in my heart. And then there is fear. And sometimes that fear is a fog that I can't even begin to walk through, afraid of what might be on the other side. Because, WHAT IF it really isn't what I want, what we want. And then I have moments where the dreamer in me takes over...I long for a new adventure, another pregnancy, and a different outcome. and then...I read something I have read a hundred times....
“Listen to your life. See it for the fathomless mystery it is. In the boredom and pain of it, no less than in the excitement and gladness: touch, taste, smell your way to the holy and hidden heart of it, because in the last analysis all moments are key moments, and life itself is grace." Buechner
And that is where the message at church this morning came into play. Our pastor talked from Genesis 22, Abraham and the sacrifice of his son, Isaac. The faith of Abraham in trusting. We sat and listened and then sang these words....
And if Our God is for us, then who could ever stop us.
And if Our God is for us, then what could stand against?
Is this easy to fully believe for us right now? No. But this is a huge part of our journey. I won't silence my longing. I won't stop dreaming for us, even if that means more pain down the line. Life goes on, right? And so must we. And as Alexi Murdoch wrote so beautifully in his song...It's Only Fear...
Don't hold your head too high,
Don't be afraid to cry,
Because you know my dear, it's only fear, it's only fear,
Yes my dear,
Do you hear,
It's only fear, only fear, it's only fear
Keeps you locked in here.
3 comments:
I always love your honesty and I'm still praying for you. I know I'm more of a far away acquaintance from the long ago college days but you are on my heart and in my prayers. Keep on going, I'm so proud of you.
You are an amazingly strong woman. I know you may not feel that way at times, but you are solid. Your faith in God and your love with Sammy will sustain you. I love that song, too-"If our God is with us..." It sends me down an emotional path everytime we sing it.
I'm so glad you're journaling and blogging your thoughts and emotions. Feeling and sharing will surely help you tackle each day as they come. God has amazing things in store for you - I'm sure of it!
Love you girl!
Jenny
Sweet friend, I love your honesty. And don't forget that God can take it. You can rail at Him, scream at Him, cry out in frustration. He is listening and loves you. We also sang that song yesterday in church and that is my favorite Bible verse, Romans 8:31. Someday I long to have the answers to all the grief that my family has experienced. All I know is that in walking the grief, I have learned amazing lessons about the grace of God. Much love to you and Sammy.
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