Claire and The Chief"It was on the doorstep." She explained. "Open it!"
I was about to, but then I heard WAAAAAH! from the nursery.
I returned shortly after, The Chief gnawing at my shoulder as I patted his padded behind.
"Open it now!" Claire demanded again taking over The Chief as usual. The two of them are inseparable in the afternoons, only apart when the baby needs his "juice." They are also known to spend hours together smiling at each other and cooing back-and-forth. In essence, they are totally co-dependent.
Inside the package I found my copy of the mother in me book that I contributed to with a short essay about infertility.
"It's my book!" I exclaimed holding it one-handed like a preacher with a bible.
"Your book?" Asked Claire.
"Well, sorta. I have an essay in here."
"Read it to me." Claire was matching my excitement.
"What?"
"I said, read it to me."
I tried to explain that it might not be interesting to a First Grader, but she insisted. I think my excitement sold her on the brilliance of the book (it is brilliant) and she wanted a taste. So after the cousins left for their respective homes, we snuggled on the couch and I read her my essay.
She listened to every word while clutching The Kung Fu Kicking Chief of Spazzy Shorts. And though as a rule I never read any of my stuff once it's been printed, I have to say by the end of the essay--my own essay--I was crying. How is that for self-motivated?
Now, before we arrived in Utah I had to warn Claire that people would be crying a lot in her presence. "It's because they love you so much." I explained. By now she is used to adult tears, though it doesn't stop her from staring with her big hazel eyes. This time she wasn't staring at me, but burrowing her face in the folds of the baby's neck.
"I want to tell you why I am crying." I said.
"Ok" She replied softly.
"For five years I wanted a baby. I wanted a baby so bad that sometimes I would steal you when your mom wasn't watching! You were like my own baby. But then you moved to New Jersey and I couldn't see you as much. That is when I really, really wanted a baby of my own."
The Chief squawked and punched his arms. Claire held him tighter.
"I never knew why Heavenly Father didn't send us a baby until a year ago, when I found out that I was pregnant. I just knew that there was a reason we didn't have The Chief when we wanted. But now I think I know why."
"Why?" Claire's interest was obvious in her eyes.
"Because He was saving The Chief for you. He wanted The Chief to be here when you were here with me. You make The Chief smile and he needs to smile. Smiling makes him grow."
Claire liked this idea, and grinned at the thought.
And someday I will tell The Chief the same thing.
"He was saving you for Claire. He wanted you to be here when Claire came along. You make Claire smile and she needs to smile. Smiling helped her make it through. You helped her make it through."
A tender mercy with just the right timing.
Now I get it.
P.S. Should you chose to pick up the mother in me please be prepared to cry at the end of every essay, but most especially the poetry. The poetry nearly killed me tonight.
260 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 1 – 200 of 260 Newer› Newest»Thanks for sharing your tender mercy. Some times I forget those exist.
I saw your story on a few blogs and finally linked a few weeks ago. I'm praying daily for you and yours and spreading the wordon my own blog as well. I picked up your book yesterday and am already half way through, it is definitely brilliant. And I have shed some tears while reading, probably because I usually read while nursing my 5 week old so the motherhood theme is all too real. Thank you for sharing and we will continue our prayers in your behalf.
you are such a wonderful writer. your story has touched my life deeply. You are in my thoughts and prayers every day.
what a beautiful picture of the chief and his special guardian. and i love your new picture on the sidebar. wonderful post.
Tender mercy indeed. Thanks for sharing your beautiful story. I know your busy and all, but I'm looking forward to the book you will write about this entire experience not to mention your fabulous interview with Oprah. No doubt about it, it will be a New York Times Bestseller. You have an important work you are doing right now, and God has given you a beautiful gift for writing so that you can share your family's story with the world. Thank you for sharing.
I sit here... bleary-eyed and blogging every night... and when I happen upon cjane (your thoughts and experiences and insights) I cry and I weep and I laugh. I want to thank you for filling up my soul with warmth and hope and conviction in something greater and grander than us all. A plan that we call "happiness". You are doing a great job playing your part in the plan and I have truly enjoyed glimpsing into your life.
I just had my 2nd son in June and can relate with your feelings and musings of being and new mommy and being smitten and completely in love with your little man. At the same time I cannot fathom what you are feeling and really living through as you agonizingly wait for news everyday from AZ about your sister and her man. YOU are her ROCK right now and she is so lucky to have you.... and so are those kids. Your unexplained fertility is now explained through your little Chief and through Claire, but also because you not only have 1 child now but a whole house-full. I am certain you might not have appreciated these children in your home so much had your soul and heart not longed for your own child for so long. You are better equipped now to be the person NieNie needs you to be because of your refining trial.
Thank you, thank you for YOU...and for sharing your tender mercies.
-Holly (Mesa, AZ)
1
Thank you for sharing your stores... they inspire me to give more of myself to my children, friends, sweet husband and friends I haven't even met yet....
praying...
Ooh... the tears!! I'm anxious to pick up a copy of the book and read it through. Thanks for sharing so much of yourself and your family with all of us strangers in cyber space!! My testimony is strengthened through the things you share.
I haven't even read "The Mother in Me" and I'm already crying...
Isn't it wonderful when life comes full circle and everything that used to seem SO sad and unfair suddenly makes sense and seems SO right.
You are a star.
There really is just something about the way your and Steph post things on here. I love your choice of words. You truly are a beautiful family and I really feel like I'm a stalker to this blog. ;)
I'm crying at the end of this post, for your beautiful and tender insight into God's plan for your family. His timing really IS always right, I suppose! I'm praying daily for you all.
Thankyou for this post. The Lord truly has a plan for each of us.
I can't wait to go get my book tomorrow and read your essay (which I will relate to).
*I saw this (below) tonight on a blog I read, I felt you might find some reasurrance through these words.
"The challenges you face, the growth experiences you encounter, are intended to be temporary scenes played out on the stage of a life of continuing peace and happiness. Sadness, heartache, and disappointment are events in life. It is not intended that they be the substance of life. I do not minimize how hard some of these events can be. When the lesson you are to learn is very important, trials can extend over a long period of time, but they should not be allowed to become the confining focus of everything you do. Your life can and should be wondrously rewarding. It is your understanding and application of the laws of God that will give your life glorious purpose as you ascend and conquer the difficulties of life. That perspective keeps challenges confined to their proper place—stepping-stones to further growth and attainment."
-Richard G. Scott
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The girl wrote this:
It hit me pretty hard because this has been on my mind for quite some time now. Not the quote, but the contents of the quote. I have been trying to put into words these feelings and then this quote came along and it described very beautifully how I feel.
These words apply to everyone no matter what challenges they are facing. This just happens to be the most challenging trial I hope to ever have to face.
It is MY choice to be happy. It is MY choice to seek out the JOY in life and accept that there IS indeed good along with the bad. There IS joy right along with the sorrow... and it IS okay to acknowledge those joys even in tumultuous times. It is MY choice to be grateful that Aaron is and always will be a part of me. That is joyous.
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Gratitude for Tribulations
"Tribulations are frightening. And yet the Lord said: 'Be of good cheer, for I will lead you along. The kingdom is yours and the blessings thereof are yours, and the riches of eternity are yours." 'And he who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious' (D&C 59:7)."The kind of gratitude that receives even tribulations with thanksgiving requires a broken heart and a contrite spirit, humility to accept that which we cannot change, willingness to turn everything over to the Lord--even when we do not understand, thankfulness for hidden opportunities yet to be revealed. Then comes a sense of peace."When was the last time you thanked the Lord for a trial or tribulation? Adversity compels us to go to our knees; does gratitude for adversity do that as well?" President David O. McKay observed, 'We find in the bitter chill of adversity the real test of our gratitude . . . , which . . . goes beneath the surface of life, whether sad or joyous' (Pathways to Happiness, comp. Llewelyn R. McKay [1957], 318)."
Bonnie D. Parkin, "Gratitude: A Path to Happiness," Ensign, May 2007, 35 36
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THANKYOU for showing those children what happiness and joy can be, even in the midst of trial and tribulation.
For that what will help teach them the difference between believing in Chirst and Believing Christ!
All that you share so eloquently is inspiring, uplifting, heart wrenching and peaceful. Continued blessings and prayers are being sent your way!
wow isn't Claire so beautiful? I love that she is smiling with the Chief :)
I have been reading your blog every day since I heard of the accident and I have been so incredibly inspired by your words and insights. Reading Stephanie's blog has touched my life so dramatically and it has also inspired me as a mother, wife and woman. She has brought and continues to bring such light, love and positive energy to this world!
I do not personally know you or Stephanie, but my life has been changed through your thoughts and experiences.
I also experienced infertility and finally had a son after 5 1/2 years- he just turned 3. As I was thinking of you, and all that you have taken on- with such love and grace- I was struck with the same thoughts as you expressed in this post tonight! Perhaps you have received a small measure of peace for all the years of yearning and heartache for a baby!
The Chief is adorable! What a gift he is and what a gift it is that Stephanie has you to be such an incredible interim mother to her precious babies!!
Thank you for your inspirational insights! You and your family are in my prayers!
I am in tears. What an great writer you are. I now want a copy for myself. As one who has experienced the highs and lows of infertility, I know I will love it. Such amazing people you all are, your positive attitude draws us all in. Your whole family will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers.
Beautifully Wonderful! What a profound realization to read! What a delight to see Stephanie in Claire's little face! What a shame your book is indicated as "temporarily out of stock!" Although, what a testament to the words you share each day here online- leaving us wanting more!
De-lurking here.
Now I have to get that book, even if it's just to read yours. It took us 5 years to have a baby, too, so I feel a special connection to anyone who is familiar with the feelings that causes. I'm so happy for you that you have your miracle baby.
Beautiful. I've been re-reading back posts on Nie's blog. I love the bond that she has with you and your other sisters. Both Nie and Christian are lucky to have amazing families.
The Lord works in mysterious ways. Our family dealt with infertility as well and after a long wait we now have two children. I believe that I needed to have that trial so that I could rely on Him completely. I learned that doctors are often wrong when a higher power is involved. Thank you for this post. I was extremely touched by your insight this afternoon. Thank goodness that the Lord can see the big picture.
I've been touched many times watching this all unfold for your family, but tonight takes the cake. When you first mentioned your fertility problems my first thought was the same conclusion you explained in this post. The Lord always has a plan. Thank you for sharing.
Natalie
I am continually amazed by your knack for finding the positive, the meaning, the purpose in everything. It is such an inspiration. You are such an inspiration. If the book is anything like your posts I'll only be able to read one at a time because my eyes will be blurry with tears of every variety.
Positivity, prayers and love to all of you always <3
Mysterious ways, non?
"There's a reason for everything," they say. It's always nice to figure out the reason for things and it looks like you have. These two were meant to be in each others' lives. How very very special. What a bond they'll have forever.
i try not to go to bed before checking to see if you've posted anything. every time i read what you write i have tears in my eyes (and many times on my face). you are a beautiful story teller, a beautiful writer. thank you for sharing your experiences.
a tender mercy indeed. they look adorable together.
With trials comes growth. I myself have recently been blessed with trials. I think that once we can see the beauty the develops through our trials, and how our lives are enriched we can see our trials for the blessings that they are.
It sure doesn't make them easier to endure at the time though.
Prayers for your family!
They say Angels walk among us. I think you must be one of them.
God bless you Jane! I think we should all just have a big group hug right now....:)
Okay, I am going to by the book. I was already convinced as your writing talent is quite evident, but your perspective gets me every time. Tears, lump in the throat, and the desire to see life through new eyes. I love the picture, he is so sweet and she looks so much like her mom. I also like the new picture of you on the side bar. Thank you for taking the time to share.
Nie will love this post.
Oh, I hope there is a light at the end of my sister's tunnel of infertility, too! It never ceases to amaze me how unpredictable, and yet how beautiful the "plan" all comes together for each of us....
That was such a beautiful thing to say. It brought tears to my eyes.
oh look at Chief's little face. he is so beautifully cute i'm waking my husband up RIGHT NOW to make another baby.
I have been following your blog for a bit now, but this post touched me so much I couldn't keep reading without posting. I will admit after reading your "about me" section where you mentioned your infertility I was drawn to your story even more. My husband and I struggled with infertility for years also, and were finally blessed with a beautiful baby boy just over a year ago through adoption.
I am going to have to go out and get your book, prepared with a package of tissues. I love your beautiful explanation for Claire about why you needed to wait, and it touched me even more when you said that you will tell the Chief the same thing when he is older. Truly beautiful!
I know that there is a reason that we go through struggles, and I am thankful that you have been blessed with the knowledge that Heavenly Father is watching over you.
We continue to keep your family in our prayers!
I too am moved to tears. Your ability to portray such feeling and emotion in your writing is a gift. I am reading your archive posts as I am a new reader to your blog in the last few weeks and I read a post just last night that you wrote sometime in 2006 about gifts, spritual gifts and you were wondering what yours was...you were blogging about those who have such obvious gifts and speculating that at one time you thought writing was your gift but then you said - "but anyone can write". I am here to tell you (and I am one of those English majors you talked about in another post)your writing is a gift from God - without a doubt. I read today's post with a smile on my face and then tears flowing down my face. Your writing is beautiful, your mothering is beautiful. Keep on keepin on and I will keep on praying.
Yesterday I told you, you make my day. Today, you blew me away. I too struggled with 5 years of infertility before I received my beautiful son. When he arrived I knew why I had to wait, and boy was he worth the wait. I tell him everyday. I really beleive that evrything happens for a reason, as you have so wonderfully pointed out. Thank you for sharing.
Beautifully spoken! I love the way that you focus on the positive, and find that ray of light.
I too struggled for 5 years to have my fist baby. I am reticent to say it out loud, but I see now the workings of a loving father's hand at that time and his plan for me and my future family. I still hate that I had the trial, but I know that I garnerered lots of good (some of my favorite, if I do say so my self!) qulalities during that time. My marriage is what it is because of our iability to conceive on our time line. Sheet Clair. I know this sounds weird Kourtney, but I just know we'd be friends. Your sister and her Mr, remail in our fervrent prayers, as does that mother you posted about, When I get so bogged dowm about how sad that woeld is, I keep thinking of what you aid the other day "There is really no such thing ss a tragedy."
I love when things in life click like that.
Candy--thanks for the words. That's been exactly what I needed to hear.
Good grief, there really are gifts for us sometimes in unanswered prayers. I would never wish for infertility to visit anyone, especially knowing firsthand what it can mean, but I am very thankful that God saved you and Chief to be there for Nie's kids-
Go Courtney, go! (And Chup too)
this probably isn't much comfort to someone who struggled with infertility for so long. But I really believe that each of my 3 children came a long just 'in the nick of time'... tender mercies, each of them. they have saved a part of me with each entrance they made in our family. teaching me the things I needed to learn, and helping me to hold on when things other wise seemed grim. Gods greatest gift, indeed.
It was a little while before I got pregnant with my little one, but I just knew the Lord gave her to me at the right time. I never thought about why (I can be a little slow sometimes)you help me think about why, and now I can see, Thank you. Thanks for sharing everything with us, it's a gift.
Well said -- I had been thinking similar thoughts about this the past few days...as in the Lord knowing that you'd be a 'mother' in a different way down the road. Again beautiful writing.
This is a beautiful post. You are amazing!
Okay, now do you have to make me cry every day? I love reading how you apply God's love, timing and grace to what you are going through, have gone through and have yet to endure. Even though our belief's are different, I know that our all knowing God is still working on His time schedule for each and every one of us. May God continue to give you the insight to share with your niece and with your blog friends (okay, stalkers).
I love the conversation you had with Claire. A moment in time! You have lots of those lately.
So sweet! Thanks for posting.. It means a lot to hear your sweet stories. Have a happy day!
This is the first picture I have seen closeup of The Chief...he is so beautiful. I didn't have fertililty issues but we waited 11 years to have kids. I have two - one born when I was 39 (Mooey Boo) and the other when I was a week shy of 43 (Little Lady). I am so sorry that I won't have more but know that the waiting allowed me to could care for my mother when she was dying.
Continuing to Pray and Share your family's story.
That was beautiful and had me in tears. I truly believe there are promises we all made to one another in the pre-existence that we are carrying out today. I can just imagine The Chief and Claire talking about this time here and how they would be there for each other.
Thank you again for your updates and peek into your lives. We are all still praying here in Florida (the whole state isn't that bad)
This was so tender and touching. I am so impressed with your courage and faith. Keep looking up, as Pres Monson would say. I think of your family often and pray for you as well.
This made me cry. I'm excited to get a copy of that book!
Oh how do you do it? You made me cry again. I need to find this book. They will be great friends forever!
Like many I was drawn by your family's story, but have stuck around to enjoy your writing, which never fails to surprise and inspire.
Also, as a politically liberal East-coast person with some preconceived notions about Mormonism, I've found that you, Stephanie, and the family and friends supporting you are doing some fantastic (incidental) PR for your faith and way of life.
Don't you hate it when your nose stings when your eyes tear up?
I do too.
I had a dream about you last night.
A really long, fun dream in which we spent the whole day together.
Thanks, I needed that.
Courtney, what an extraordinary post. I'm so grateful that after all of that waiting for The Chief, the tender mercy is that you 'get' it and that Claire gets it too. Thanks, as usual, for sharing.
So, I am totally crying now! First of all the Chief is sooooo cute! And Claire looks so much like her mama. Those freckles! Darling! Thank you for sharing this sweet moment with us. The Lord does work in mysterious ways...
I don't know which is more beautiful--you, or your family, or your writing, or your gorgeous son (that FACE! I'm gonna die!), or your gorgeous niece (she looks exactly like Lucy!)
Oh, wait! I know what's the most beautiful!
Tender mercy.
Again - I must stop reading at work!! I'm crying again!! What an awesome story and you are so right - God gives us what (or who) we need when He knows we need them, not when we think we need them!!
You are such an inspiration!!! Thinking and praying for Christian and Nie and your entire family!!
I got it down today. Read CJane first thing in the morning. Have a good cry. Shower. Apply make-up.
No running mascara!
I give myself a pat on the back for finally getting it right.
Thank you for sharing such a tender moment.
Annie
p.s.
The book is in stock here:
http://deseretbook.com/store/product?sku=5008956
What a beautiful post. You and your family have inspired me to be a better mother, sister, daughter, friend, wife, etc. You have touched countless lives and we are all better because of it. I am praying for your family. Thank you for sharing your story.
I've been through the infertility battle (which describes it perfectly) and have come away from the experiences with four lovely, very much wanted children. But they came when Heavenly Father knew I was ready for them....and I firmly believe (although it isn't doctrine) that my two miscarriages were the twins wanting to come together, not separately.
His ways are not our ways...and His ways are the right way. Hard to remember, sometimes, in the middle of the fight, but certainly a tender mercy to recall in the middle of your family's crisis right now.
You have a way with words....
Thank you for this reminder about the Lord's timetable. I am in tears.
Your family is truly extraordinary. My thoughts and prayers are with you!
This post is almost as beautiful as that picture. And that is a BEAUTIFUL picture.
this story has touched all our lives deeply
we read it every day and hug our "Claires" and our "The Cheifs" a little tighter
I love what you feel. It is most inspiring...
Claire looks so much like your sister Lucy. All the girls in your family are so beautiful!! Thanks for binging sunshine into my life every single day!
that picture of The Chief makes me baby hungry.
Okay, I have been able to keep most of my emotions in check until this. What a beautiful revelation. I'm just about to the point of sobbing. Someday, when this is over and everyone is fine, your blog is going to make a beautiful book.
Claire is a mini Stephanie!
oh gosh, Courtney, this was beautiful ... thanks for sharing the beautiful moments with the rest of us ... you are an exceptional woman!
Courney - I have been reading your words over the last few weeks and praying for your sister, her husband and your entire family.
I haven't commented before but have to tell you that the last 2 posts have moved me to tears. Literally tears streaming down my face from your writing. You really have a gift to tell your story and the story of your family.
Thinking and praying for you.
There may be some Clark in that baby after all.
This is so sweet and touching you are all in my thoughts and prayers through out the day...Thanks for sharing~
beautiful. absolutely.
you should be a freelance writer; you write so well and your writing emotes.
thank you for being so honest, raw, pure, heartfelt, warm.
sending prayers your way.
i need a claire (interested in cloning?!). oooh. and a chief! :) he is adorable!!
Beautiful story. You have such an amazing way with words. I have you and your family continually in my thoughts and prayers. It makes me hug my own sweet children tighter to me.
beautiful!
I count my blessing each day for the little gifts in my life....my children. Thanks for the reminder to be grateful in all things and finding the reasoining for the challenges in our lives. The Lord loves us! We are His children living in His University....I could just squeeze those little cheeks.
Wow. You have me in tears. I don't personally "know" your family, I worked with Christian briefly a few years back and came across your blog when I heard of the accident. Now I can't stop reading your blogs! Your family is incredible, your faith is inspiring. You are just adorable.
Reading your blog today really hit home. We never know why things happen the way they do, or what God has planned for us, do we? Having battled infertility myself, I completely understand your pain, sorrow and joy. I was never able to conceive but instead was blessed with a 1 & 2 year old, which I feel was what was God's plan all along.
My thoughts and prayers are with Stephanie, Christian and your entire family.
i know first-hand the bond that can form between a first grade girl and her baby cousin. i was six-years-old when clairie beth was born, and she was in every way mine. it didn't matter that i had two little sisters of my own. something about my relationship with my precious cousin was indeterminably special.
i hope the chief and claire can give each other lots of love the next few months.
my prayers are with your beautiful family and of course, stephanie and christian.
I love when the bigger picture comes into view...remember how I had to leave you in St. Leonard and head for the states? There was a reason, a big reason. I love your story, this story and can't thank you enough for sharing and inspiring all of us!
BTW, the chief is deliciously divine!
I'm going to by my copy of your book today!
Big lurker totally de-lurking after this beautiful post. I have been praying for your family. You are such a strong and loving sister. Thank you for sharing that love with all of us.
This is a lovely post. There is a reason for everything, right? Even adversity. I just wanted you to know that your blog is the first thing I read each morning. You have such a wonderful perspective on life.
cjane - our Heavenly Father is never late. Thank you for sharing your insights. I needed a reminder to trust in the Lord's will AND timing.
I love how you are able to see Heavenly Father's plan even through such trials. Thank you for your wonderful example. And thank you for directing us to the Decker's blog now our families prayers will be doing double duty.
that was very touching.
What a lovely and transparent post, as always. I gasped when I saw the picture at the top; even in the short time I've been reading your and Stephanie's blogs since hearing of the accident, I can see how much of her there is in Claire's face (and heart, I am sure). My prayers are with you all today.
He is very like his Daddy.
Best wishes to all of you.
You really must stop making me cry. Everyone at works thinks that I am overly emotional now.
Love it.
And wow, does The Chief look like his daddy in that pic!
So true! I actually had the same thought a few days ago when reading your blog. I'm forever searching for the tender mercies in life and trying to figure out why Heavenly Father does things in His own way and in His own timetable. Thank you for this beautiful confirmation and yet another testimony to Lord's Plan.
So glad to hear the preliminary report on Steph's surgery. I've been thinking about them (and you) so much that I am starting to see them in my dreams. I know that sounds a little weird and creepy since I've never met them, but I generally work out all sorts of things in my dreams. However, constant thoughts of Nie and your family have helped me to be more patient and loving with my own family. (I didn't even lose my temper yesterday when my 4-year-old spilled her third glass of milk. I thought of you guys and decided that she must be having a clumsy day. So, I mopped the floor for the third time in as many hours with a positive attitude having been inspired by the amazing mothers of cjane and Nie. Thank you!)
Thank you. I too have struggled with infertility and the why's that come with it. Heavenly Father really does know what he is doing. Smiles for Claire :-) And The Chief looks just like his dad!!!
I am an emotional mess after reading this post. A royal mess. The thought that the chief was sent at this time to help Claire and vice versa is such a powerful thought. It says that Heavenly Father knows us and knows our paths and we must trust in Him. Hallelujah for this knowledge!
That is SO sweet. You probably made Claire's day. How exciting to have a book published. We're unable to have anymore kiddos but I think I might go pick it up. What a touching story.You're a wonderful writer. Thank you.
I picked it up yesterday, and I love it. And it DOES make me cry.
Thank you for sharing this. My husband and I have been struggling with infertility for five years, a million tears have been shed, and the question "why" has been asked a million more. Things do happen for a reason, even if we can't see the reason for a while. I keep praying that someday I'll understand my reason. Thank you for giving me the little bit of hope that I needed today.
I have always thought that was the reason your family was prepared the way you were...and I had no way to articulate it. This made me cry for all of you. What a blessing you are all to each other.
Courtney-
I was in tears just reading your conversation with Claire. Your words were beautiful!!! I am so glad that your little guy found his way to your arms and he waited for the right moment to fill your heart and the days of others!!
Congrats also on your infertility article. I'm sure your article will touch and healmso many hearts!
Hugs...
Well, I am in tears now, so if this is any indication of how your essay and book will affect me, then I'd better go stock up on some tissue!!!
cjane, your posts have continued to enlighten and encourage me and i am happy that you are feeling our prayers and support on your end. we will all keep them coming!! i really want to buy "the mother in me"
book, but it looks like it's out of stock on amazon. bummer!! i'll have to keep checking back. my husband sat down with me and read the ollie post from yesterday and i don't think i've seen him cry like that in so long. he was so touched. sending you ALL much love and many prayers from Texas!
I've been reading all your archives and have come to the conclusion that I want to be like you when I grow up. Also, The Chief is adorable.
we love you here in Florida too. Thanks for the postings. You and your family are in our prayers. What a fabulous way to look at your infertility.
Okay, that picture nearly did me in. Weepy...can't see the keyboard to type...absolutely darling.
And I picked up the book at the pharmacy the other day (go Macey's!) and thumbed through to your essay just so I could read it. Wonderful. (I didn't have time to get to the poetry. Maybe next time I'm at the pharmacy....)
Thank you for sharing your tender thoughts and experiences everyday. If I get to the computer before you have posted I am sad. You start my day off right, reminding me to remember why what I am doing right now in my life is so great and important. Thanks again. And like everyone else has said, you and your whole family are in our prayers.
Thank you for sharing one of your most sacred experiences. They make me so grateful that you have come into my life to touch me in so many ways.
Wiping away the tears this morning. Thank you for the reminder that God's timing is always perfect.
Simply beautiful! Just found