31 August 2009

And Then Everything Changed

So I wrote most of the wasp story by hand while we were camping. I started typing it here this morning, but had to quit to have school with the girls. About lunch time they were swept away by a friend for an overnight and I went over to GrammaJ's to observe the very exciting (We're talking I don't know if she'll be able to sleep tonight exciting) finishing of the screening in of her back porch.

She has always wanted a screened in porch, but after the hornet incident, screening became an obsession. The poor woman was so traumatized by that one sting that she would only go out back to hang laundry on her porch if she was wearing a hat, gloves, long-sleeved coat and BIG ole sunglasses. In 90ºF weather. And that, after the nest had been destroyed.

Finally, today her dream came true. Halleluiah! However, her dream took up almos 6 hours of my day. You know, lots of ooooing and ahhhing and cleaning and painting and moving of plants and lawn furniture. The builder (a friend from church) did a fabulous job and my mom is ecstatic. So I feel it was time well spent.

I came home around 6 pm fully intending to use the rest of my quiet evening to wax poetic about wasps. Unfortunately, there was a sad message on my phone's answering machine. Some dear friends of ours - who are already going through some hefty trials - just got word that their son was killed in Afghanistan.

Somehow a light-hearted blip about wasps seemed inappropriate.

Somehow, the fact that my own son will be home from Iraq on leave THIS WEEK (God willing) becomes a thousand times more precious.

Somehow, the unexpected e-newsletter I got with an essay and pic of Scout in it seems priceless.

Somehow, Funsocksgirl's 26th birthday (she's our eldest), seems like an extraordinary blessing.

God, have mercy on those who are grieving...

14 comments:

Bear said...

Somehow, this blog becomes all that more poignant.

Rita Loca said...

A reminder to us all to not take qa day for granted. Will pray for your grieving friends.

Carla Gade said...

{{{ hugs }}}

Tammy said...

What terrible, sad news for them...I'll say a prayer for that family. We do need to be thankful for each and every day we have with those we love and not take it for granted.

anno said...

I'm so sorry about the terrible loss to this family & their friends. My heart and prayers are with them, and with you, for Scout's safe return, for a joyous celebration of Funsocksgirl's birthday; news like this does put everything into perspective.

michelle said...

I will be praying for the family. It is so very sad to hear of their loss.

Anonymous said...

I am so terribly sad to hear this. How awful. My heart goes out to his grieving family. I am so sorry.

Sue Guiney said...

How incredibly sad. I just sent my own youngest son off to college and all the time I ket thinking, "If I think this is hard, how much harder must it be to send your son off to war?" Wishing your son a safe journey back....

Lauri said...

I'm so sorry Groovy. I can't imagine the pain that family is in. Praying your son stays safe. You're right, we must really keep things in perspective.

Euri said...

I'm so sorry to hear this. My condolences to the grieving family. I pray your son comes home safely.

Unknown said...

Oh Groovy, please let your friends know I am praying for them during this time of loss. I know you are gonna hug Scout extra tight when he arrives.

Dawn said...

You have me chuckling at the beginning and crying at the end. The gift of writing and compassion all rolled up into one.

Sushiboy said...

I'm sorry about your friends loss :**( that is very sad. I'm glad Scout will have some leave coming up.

Anonymous said...

News like that does tend to put things into perspective. How very sad.