The Road that led to Here [Epilogue] Where we are Today
You’re joining us today for the final installment of our story. To catch up, start with Prologue,Part I, Part II, Part III and Part IV.
Writing out our story like this has been incredibly therapeutic, and also slightly terrifying. I spent many Saturday writing sessions at Starbucks, tears streaming down my face as I wrestled these posts out. But I knew that it needed to happen for me, and by some of the personal messages and encouragement I’ve received, it’s apparently been helpful for you too.
Thank you. For listening. For sharing. For being brave with me.
Today’s post is challenging for a different reason. I like the idea of being open about things I’ve had the time to process and work through. But when I think about sharing what’s going on right-now-in-this-very-moment, without the chance to ponder and reflect, it makes me think I’ve gone a little crazy to have started a series like this in the first place. I’m vulnerable and tender, and that’s why I’ve been stalling (just a little) on this last post.
There’s plenty of road behind us, and we can see where we’ve come from, but the road ahead is uncertain and unclear. We’re at an impasse in our lives, very similar to the one we stood at in the moments before our house sold. From where I stand, I can’t see more than a few feet ahead, and if you know me, you understand that this can be a paralyzing reality. We need God to do something incredible and miraculous. Soon.
If I can be thankful for only one lesson from the last few years (and there have been many), it’s that God has never, ever left us. He’s never forgotten about us, and He’s never forsaken us. Because of the trials He’s brought us through, despite the panic that sometimes rises in my heart, by faith I know He will come through, right on time. He. Always. Does.
So for now, I will keep my comments brief, but this is where we are today . . .
Mike and I are working hard to keep our relationship in focus the way it should be. There are still just as many things vying for our attention, but we’re setting aside time to be a couple despite all the distractions, because we’ve realized just how important it is. Those little decisions made on a day-by-day basis have made such a difference.
By September 2012, God provided Mike with a temporary, part-time interim youth pastorate. In November, he started a second temporary job at a local junior high. Mike should be employed at both jobs through the end of May, right around the time he’ll graduate with his Associates degree (with honors!). We’re praying God opens the right doors at the right time for summer employment, and beyond.
I’ve had a few Skype-sessions with my counselor back in Carlinville to help me work through some of the crazy we’ve been through in the last year. As I’ve been writing through our experiences, God has been reminding me over and over how faithful He’s been to us, giving me the confidence He will come through for us again.
As much as we are able, we’re keeping things as simple and normal for Elijah as possible. He starts T-ball this month, and it’s a toss up really, to decide who is more excited. We’re all really looking forward to spring and Saturday mornings at the park.
Since being diagnosed in November with acid reflux and starting medication, Noah’s recurrent vomiting has all but stopped. He started speech therapy at the same time and to our joy and delight he is steadily closing the gap on any delay.
Unfortunately, he still wakes up a lot every night. We’re working with our pediatrician to find the right specialist who can walk us through this last piece, praying that we get some answers. Soon.
Thank you again for coming with me on this journey. I’m so excited to move on to the next part of this series, and begin to share some of the things I’ve been learning through this season.
In the words of Kelly Clarkson, “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.”