Saturday - Baylie had a fever that got up to 101.5. She was a little better by Sunday, but we stayed home from church.
Tuesday - The transracial adoption conference was mostly a bummer, plus I got a migrane that led to nausia.
Thursday - Baylie's birthday. We had a fun day with her. Unfortunately, we also found out that David's sister's estranged husband had been killed the day before. I have wanted to blog about this, but it's not my story to tell and I'm not sure this is the right medium in which to talk about it. Adam was in the military and was preparing for his fourth deployment to the Middle East. We hadn't seen him for a couple of years since they had been separated for a while, but I always liked him and he was always kind to us. As we celebrated Baylie's birthday, I couldn't stop thinking about Adam's mother and the fact that she didn't lose a grown man, father of two (he's the same age as David), but she lost her little boy. She had thrown him a first birthday party, helped him buy school clothes and tried to protect him from harm. She had prepared herself for his death three times as he went to the Middle East only to have him come home safe and then die here in the U.S. I haven't been able to stop thinking about it, about him.
Friday - Last night David and I watched Roots. It was through Netflix, so we only get one CD at a time and I think there are eight total. It's probably good because I'm not sure I can handle more than 1 1/2 hours at a time. It's such an emotional and painful story. It's so hard to understand how human beings can treat each other like animals. I imagine that one day I'll sit and watch this movie with Baylie when she's older. I'd also like her to see Amistad, The Express, Men of Honor and other movies that tell the darker side of prejudice, but also man's ability to overcome in spite of it.
Saturday - Today is Baylie's birthday party. I'm looking forward to celebrating with the family. I love to be around my family. It's my favorite thing about living in Utah. But I can't stop thinking about the fact that next Saturday we'll be at Adam's funeral with David's family.
I was lying on the floor thinking of these things when all of a sudden a little head with bouncy braids and cherubic cheeks was thrust an inch from my face. I said "BOO!" and Baylie squealed with laughter. I'm reminded that regardless of what happens outside the walls of our little home, inside of it I can create an atmosphere of happiness and love. I love Baylie and I'm so glad she's our daughter. I'm sure this week will be better.
5 comments:
Dave and I are speaking in Church tomorrow. The topic I was given was Elder Uchtdorf's last conference address about hope. It is a great talk and I keep thinking of many members of our family as I read it. It is very good.
I'm sorry you had such a crappy week! I wish I read this before church and then I would have let you vent instead of being oblivious! I hope this week is better!
I know I don't know you well, but I have the Kellie Knapp connection working for me hopefully... I think from the little I've seen of your cute little family that your awsome people (and I can't wait until Baylie is in the primary) I think she will be the cutest!!
I know there is a lot of prejudice out there on many topics and levels and at some point I think I've been both an offender and a reciever of prejudice in certain areas, but if theres one thing I know its that we have a bigger impact on people for good than we realize. There is a lot of negative out there, which is why I think making our homes a refuge for our children is so crutial so that they know that hate isn't normal and that the love of Christ can warm their souls even though there are those out there hell bent on tearing it down. Keep fightin woman you are so meant to be Baylie's mother! :)
Jodi, thanks so much for your thoughts. They mean a lot to me.
Dayna - no worries. Being in Sunbeams with you was just what I needed!
Tiff, I'm going to go read the talk.
I'm sorry you had such a bad week. I don't think I have had those same series of events, but I can sympathize.
I hope this week is better for you.
Post a Comment