This last year has been eventful to say the least. I feel the need to write down the major events of the last 15 months. It's almost hard to believe the changes that have occurred in our lives.
It began August 5, 2008 when Edd's doctor's appointment revealed colon cancer. We were in a daze as we considered all the implications of this news. At this time we weren't even living in the same city together. We knew that needed to change quickly. Soon after that life-altering news I was laid off from my job. There were months of radiation, chemotherapy, major surgeries, infections, long hospital stays. After surgery more chemo for six months. In the midst of all this we sold a house in San Antonio, bought a home in Austin, and moved to Austin. Sold a condo in Lakeway where Edd lived before we married. We even went to Hawaii for the first time in our lives during a relatively peaceful time. Both daughters were engaged, one of Edd's sons graduated from college and another graduated from high school and began college. My life consisted of feathering our nest and striving to be a consistent source of encouragement and stability as life's changes occurred. This was no small task. The more I think about it, the more I see the deep value in working to make our house a home and being a source of consistency during an emotionally charged time.
I really hope our lives will begin to be less worrisome and more fun. In spite of all the ups and downs of the past 15 months, the buying and selling and moving, the health scares, months of recovery and healing, big life changes.... I still have a heart of contentment most of the time. There are just too many things to be thankful for. So many things... people mostly... family ... who bring me joy.
It began August 5, 2008 when Edd's doctor's appointment revealed colon cancer. We were in a daze as we considered all the implications of this news. At this time we weren't even living in the same city together. We knew that needed to change quickly. Soon after that life-altering news I was laid off from my job. There were months of radiation, chemotherapy, major surgeries, infections, long hospital stays. After surgery more chemo for six months. In the midst of all this we sold a house in San Antonio, bought a home in Austin, and moved to Austin. Sold a condo in Lakeway where Edd lived before we married. We even went to Hawaii for the first time in our lives during a relatively peaceful time. Both daughters were engaged, one of Edd's sons graduated from college and another graduated from high school and began college. My life consisted of feathering our nest and striving to be a consistent source of encouragement and stability as life's changes occurred. This was no small task. The more I think about it, the more I see the deep value in working to make our house a home and being a source of consistency during an emotionally charged time.
I really hope our lives will begin to be less worrisome and more fun. In spite of all the ups and downs of the past 15 months, the buying and selling and moving, the health scares, months of recovery and healing, big life changes.... I still have a heart of contentment most of the time. There are just too many things to be thankful for. So many things... people mostly... family ... who bring me joy.
Wow Kathi - that's ALOT to go on in such a short amount of time. I never knew about Edds bout with cancer - I hope he's clear from everything now?
ReplyDeleteI love your desire to "make your house a home and be a source of consistency."
From someone who grew up in chaos and inconsistency, that is one of my deepest longings and desires for our household too. That home can be a constant - of course life will bring about change - but for home to be something that doesn't change, is so so important.
I love this post, and the picture made me laugh. You and Edd sure have been through a lot. We all have. That book The Giver that I recently read really changed my outlook on life's trials and pains... if you haven't read it or haven't read it in a long time, you should really read it again. It's "young adult literature" but aplies to everyone. People always say that pain is an important part of life, but this book shows you why. Love you!
ReplyDeleteI would love to read that book again Jenni! I remember reading it, but sometimes books are even more meaningful at different stages in our lives... maybe there are times we are more receptive. I will get it.
ReplyDeleteThis essay shows me what a beautiful person you are, in ways that shine through. It's so easy to see how much love is in you and is part of you. I'm so proud of you. I know you think you're not strong, but you rock. More than most of us, both you and Edd have earned a happy life and a bright future.
ReplyDeleteMom
Yes, what a year....but how beautifully you have written it in a way to inspire hope and courage in us your readers.
ReplyDeleteBeckie
Well, if your goal is to be a source of inspiration and consistancy in the lives of your family and loved ones then you have certainly achieved this goal in my book. If there were a book about my life you would be a constant encouragement and someone to look up to on every page. I love you.
ReplyDeleteThank you Kristen.... nothing is dearer to my heart than you ... and family. I love you. I'm proud of you.
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