This is Jim with Son #1 when he was 2 (1992). I love it. Totally. I thought I'd share something that a couple of dear people shared with me. I was talking with my friend/pastor/boss on Tuesday. Tuesday was a big crying day.
He told me that when he had talked to me at our meeting Sunday night he got a mental picture of a sailboat. I'm in that sailboat. My sails are limp and there is no wind. I'm in the "doldrums" and sometimes there's no wind for days. And there's nothing I can do about it because I have no control over the wind. Sometimes my boat sails up to another boat and I spend some time next to a friend in that boat. But sometimes I spend only a minute or two and then my boat sails away. Each one of my friends wishes they could reach over and take control of the rudder for me. But they can't. Even though I also want them to. My boat just sails, sometimes under a lot of wind, many times not.
I thought this was a wonderful description of my life at the moment. I shared this with M and she agreed. Then she sent me an addition to that description:
"I’ve been thinking about the sail boat analogy you told me yesterday. I really liked that. I know so many of us wish there is more we could do. I started thinking about the America’s Cup sailing competition. Each yacht has a support team of vessels that sail with it each with a different purpose. The utility boat caries spare supplies, the chase boat takes things back and forth as needed, the weather boat tries to foresee rough waters, and a tender stands by in case a tow is needed. I wish I could find a picture of that to send you. And, of course, there are always a ton of people on land cheering! There are so many people around you that love you and are sailing along beside you each with a different talent and ability to help you. And above it all is a God that will watch over us. So when you’re down visualize all those boats around you."
So thank you to all of you in my many, many support boats. And thank you to the rest of you who are cheering me on -- whether you know me or not.
I would have sunk without you.
10 comments:
Beutiful analogy.
Cheryl
I'm sure that sometimes it even feel a bit more like the Titanic, having hit the iceberg and taking on water. That sucks.
I look forward to the times when your little sailboat comes alongside mine. I miss you and I feel like we have so much to catch up on..and so much to discover. I'll keep sailing along beside you as long as you need me to:)
I absolutely love the picture of Jim and #1! How cute is that?!!! What a great daddy:)
Love you Sis,
Lis
What a great pic! I'm SO glad you have all these pictures that you share. They are amazing & wonderful. Also, the sailboat thing was really fantastic. It describes you and what you are going through perfectly. You are fortunate to have him as a friend and mentor. I'm praying that the good days will outnumber the bad. I love you very much.
What a great pic! I'm SO glad you have all these pictures that you share. They are amazing & wonderful. Also, the sailboat thing was really fantastic. It describes you and what you are going through perfectly. You are fortunate to have him as a friend and mentor. I'm praying that the good days will outnumber the bad. I love you very much.
this brought tears to my eyes, what a beautiful picture and analogy. we are all cheering you on through the doldrums, and you will find wind in your sails once again! xoxo lots of love
Interesting analogy! When I went through grief counseling classes, required for all school district administrators, the process of grieving was likened to riding in a small dinghy on huge ocean waves. The constant up & down of the waves started with unbelievable pain of hopelessness & helplessness. More large waves come with feelings of anger: anger with God, questioning why He didn't intervene & how could He let this happen & then feeling guilty for having these thoughts. Fears:
getting through each day, of being alone & of suddenly becoming a single parent, periods of confusion, inability to concentrate, disorganization & disorientation & loss of future dreams.
Physical exhaustion, anxiety & health problems: Poor eating & sleeping habits affect the immune system & the body's ability to maintain a healthy balance.
In between the waves comes the feeling of melancholy & the awareness of the love of family &
friends (which you certainly have a LOT of!) & a determination to take care of yourself & your children.
We NEVER get over a loss, but we learn to live with the loss experience in the journey of physical, behavioral, cognitive, emotional & spiritual aspects.
As you continue to heal, may your waves eventually become less turbulent & your sailing more smooth.
Here's to fair winds & following seas...
Love,
Evelyn
What a beautiful analogy....
love ya, Gina
If I could, I would install an engine in your boat for you so you could just haul butt and get to where you need to be!!!!
Little Bro
LOL! I love Little Bro's idea:)Can we make it a really BIG engine??? How's about some rocket power even?
Hmmm...I think I know Evelyn:)
Love you J!
Lis
I loved the picture...you have so many great pictures and they have so many lovely memories for you. What a geat memory to remember.....our son was a great helper too....you have such a lovely family. Blessings on you as you heal.
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