I Have Survived ...

Well, it's 10:25 p.m. and I have made it through the day.

It was rough.

I cannot lie.

It was very rough indeed.

The morning started off very badly, with Son #3 and I not seeing eye-to-eye on anything.

He was grieving the loss of his dad on this day, but instead of verbalizing that he could only be belligerent.  And I could only get angry and overwhelmed with the loss of Jim.

Not a good way to start the day.

I cried through most of the service.

And I cried very hard during the Confirmation event itself .... when the girls and Son #3 and I went forward to be with Son #3 for his Confirmation blessing.

It was very, very difficult.

He cried.

I cried.

Many people in the congregation cried.

But ..... I survived.

He survived.

And we had a party after church for him.  A friend hosted it at her house ..... two other friends help put it together.

I am blessed with so many wonderful friends who are here for me.

And for my children.

And so ...... it was a good day .... in spite of the pain.

And the loss.

And the huge, empty hole.

The girls and Son #1 left for school after the party.  Son #3 came home to clean up his dump room.

I stayed behind at my friends' house, with another couple and we had a wonderful time .... just hanging out and relaxing.  I did not want to, could not, go home to a quiet house.

So we enjoyed each other's company, grilled steaks, drank wine ..... and just enjoyed each other's company.

So, my last child has been confirmed.

Confirmation is the process of a young person (8th grade in our church) learning what it is to be a Christian, as well as a member of our church, and making the decision to commit to a life of following God and being accountable for his/her spiritual life.

Another "first" ..... as well as a "last".

An emotional day.

I have been sad ..... and yet blessed.

I miss him so much ...... and yet I know he's with us ..... and he's proud ..... and joyful for Son #3.

Tomorrow I go with my friend to the medical center for  her son's surgery on his finger.

And then I have my last "Grief Share" for this group.

A big day.

A long day.

And hopefully .... a good day.

Thanks for your prayers.  I have no doubt that they helped me.

Here are some pictures from the day:

          

                          This is our pastor/my adopted older brother, Son #1, my adopted nephew, Son #3, me, Daughter #3, my mom, Daughter #2, my adopted big sister, and my step-dad:

                              This is Daughter #2, Son #1, Son #3, me and Daughter #3.  I look like a                                             midget. 

                                   This is Son #3 and me:

                 This is Son #3, at his party, with his wonderful-tasting cake:

      So ..... I am done with this day.

It was difficult ..... but I made it.  As did Son #3.

We have survived.

And that is good.