We often think of joy and sorrow as opposites – their definitions far apart from each other. But when you’ve lived a “few” years you come to realize that they’re actually connected.  Joy and sorrow walk hand in hand together throughout our lives. Even in the most joyous times there are twinges of sorrow present; and as I’ve learned in this past month, when experiencing great, overwhelming sorrow, joy is also right there in the midst of it all.

My grandson, Sutton has been in the Nationwide Children’s Hospital for a little over two months now.  His life and ours, have changed. With that, comes the darkness of grief. But friends, I’m here to tell you that joy lights the way through it!

“Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning.”
Psalm 30:5b (NLT)

Share Four Somethings

~Something Loved~

As Sutton was life-flighted to Columbus at the end of June, my husband and I were packing to make the four hour trip to be with our two older grandsons. Time passed with little talk and lots of prayer. Upon arrival we immediately went into caregiver mode. For two weeks, together we tried to put our fears and grief aside to meet all their needs. After that, my husband had to return to work and I began caring for them on my own.  I’ve been here ever since.

There’ve been days I was sure I couldn’t go on, times the boys were so upset I didn’t know what to do, moments when I had to ignore my MiMi heart to discipline, and nights when we all cried ourselves to sleep. But woven through it all has been the realization that we are making memories that we never would have under “normal” circumstances.  The funny thing is, before all this happened, I’d find myself lying awake praying that nothing would happen to me before I’d spent enough time with the boys for them to remember me. And now….here we are together! I’ve loved spending time with my grandsons; from doing simple things like playing office, to celebrating the first day of kindergarten, visiting Sutton every weekend, touring a museum together, reading bedtime stories, singing songs, and laughing…a lot. In the middle of the pain: Joy!

 

~Something Read~

Living in an unfamiliar town, driving a van, having a much more active schedule, etc…. For this “comfort zone addict” gal, being away from home has been hard at times. There may even have been a bit of whining. It’s amazing though, that when I’ve had an especially challenging day, I’ll go to the mailbox and find a card from a friend or my phone will beep with a text from a loved one. Reading inspiring Bible verses, encouraging words, even old fashioned newsy letters, have brightened my days and improved my mood…a lot. In the midst of change: Joy!

 

~Something Treasured~

As parents, we hope and pray that our children, no matter their age, have friends who’ll always be there for them, a community that embraces them, and a church family to uplift them. I’ve worried about this (I know shocking, right?) But there’ve been times when these things were missing from my kid’s lives.

Thankfully, my worry was unwarranted as usual, as both our children now have a wonderful support system! Never was it more evident though, than in this last month! The outpouring of care and concern for our family through this health crisis with Sutton has been beyond amazing! It’s impossible to find the words to express the gratitude we feel. There have been T-shirt Fundraisers, a Benefit Golf Tournament, an Auction of a one-of-a-kind clock made by the Blind Clockmaker (if you’ve never seen his inspiring story, I’ll link it below), cards, gifts, meals, donations to the Ronald McDonald House, and so much more. And oh my goodness, the outpouring of prayers lifted for Sutton. It’s been miraculous really, how such a little boy has brought so many people together!

Do you remember what the Bible says happened after the Shepherds had visited Jesus in the stable then left to spread the message the Angels had given them? Yes, Mary thought about all that had happened and she kept it in her heart. That’s how I feel too. I will treasure all I’ve seen, heard, and felt this past month, keeping it close at heart, knowing there are others who’ve got this support thing down pat, and I will ponder on that…a lot! At the center of great need: Joy!

 

~Something Ahead~

Home. That is what’s ahead!
We’re rejoicing! If everything keeps going as well as it has been, Sutton will be home in a very short time. And while it will be different, and scary, and hard, and yes, sad sometimes, it is an answer to all our prayers and a gift we’ve been given that many do not receive. In time, these months will be behind us and a new normal will develop. Doing a happy dance just thinking about it!

Having Sutton home means that I’ll go home, too. I’ll return to my normal, my hubs won’t have to live the bachelor life anymore, my schedule will be my own. These are happy things. And yet..  I’ll be leaving the boys. No more tucking them in, fixing their breakfast, watching Bluey together while eating popcorn. Mother-daughter time will be less, too. The pull of home means leaving a part of me here and I’m going to miss them…a lot! At the heart of joyously moving on: sorrow.

August for me, has been a month of ups and downs, highs and lows, and many joys and sorrow. But really, that’s life, isn’t it? As Solomon reminds us:

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:”
Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NLT)

But no matter how long the season or the night, we can take comfort in knowing that “Joy comes with the morning!”

I’m once again linking up at http://www.heathergerwing.com to Share Four Somethings. Click over to read what others are reflecting on this month.  I’d love to know what you’d share! Let me know in the comments. I  want to remind you that I am so blessed by your presence here! Thank you for stopping in! And don’t forget to watch Jim Morgan’s story below.  You will be glad you did!