~From the Chicago Tribune of my childhood
“If by my life or death I can protect you, I will. ”
~Tolkien
In searching for a perfect 'light' quote,
I found the above Tolkien quote.
Tears sprang to my eyes.
I have felt that much stronger than ever before.
My girl is vulnerable.
I want to move into her apartment and
sleep in her bed and touch her face in the night.
But, we are being brave.
Her friends are watching out for her.
God bless them.
Nonetheless, my heart aches.
I want to be there.
But my place is here.
Here I hope.
Here I wait.
Here I count the days.
It will get easier.
With every day that passes and every brave step she takes.
It will get easier.
It has to be.
XOXO
Donna
She knows you are with her, no matter where you are.
ReplyDeleteLove and prayers from Bridget in Minnesota
Donna,
ReplyDeleteI so relate to your worried mother's heart. My son is going to be deployed soon to the Middle East....Hold fast to your love for Emma. It is what you can offer her. It is enough.
hmbalison
My cousin gave birth to a baby boy yesterday. We were texting each other last night and she said she can't get over how much she loves him. I said it's a love like no other and your 'mama bear' instincts are going to be on overdrive for a while. I think though no matter what age your child is if they are hurt or in trouble that 'mama bear' instinct is so strong. You just want your baby to be ok. And you'll do anything to make sure of that.
ReplyDeleteBeing brave is a hard choice to make, Donna. I pray for peace of mind and courage for you. And Emma is in my daily prayers. Let the prayers lift you up through this time.
Love,
Sarah P. from Iowa
“Go to sleep in peace. God is awake.”
ReplyDelete― Victor Hugo
Prayers continue for Emma - and for her worried mama. Love you. Mean it.
Mary Z
Aw Donna, this is sweet and wonderful. Trust me, I know what it's like to want to be in two places at once.
ReplyDeleteBeing a mom means being brave.
To quote Lucy Maude Montgomery ... "The apple doesn't fall very far from the tree, Marilla". Dear Emma takes after her wonderful Mom.
(P.S. I love Mary's post ^^ - prayers continuing over here, too)
No matter how old our babies are, they are still our babies.... Emma is stronger because of having a mother like you!
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ReplyDeleteThe day Thou gavest, Lord, is ended,
ReplyDeleteThe darkness falls at Thy behest;
To Thee our morning hymns ascended,
Thy praise shall sanctify our rest.
We thank Thee that Thy church, unsleeping,
While earth rolls onward into light,
Through all the world her watch is keeping,
And rests not now by day or night.
As o’er each continent and island
The dawn leads on another day,
The voice of prayer is never silent,
Nor dies the strain of praise away.
The sun that bids us rest is waking
Our brethren ’neath the western sky,
And hour by hour fresh lips are making
Thy wondrous doings heard on high.
So be it, Lord; Thy throne shall never,
Like earth’s proud empires, pass away:
Thy kingdom stands, and grows forever,
Till all Thy creatures own Thy sway.
That second and third paragraph get me every single time.
Delete{{{LIKE}}}
Delete(((LIKE)))
DeleteDebbie Z.
Good morning, saying a morning prayer right now for the lovely people of the QLCS, especially for Donna and Emma
DeleteDear Donna
ReplyDeleteA few years ago I faced a challenging season in my life--change, transitions--all good and beautiful, but still hard and I felt rather delicate. Your blog--with its sense of beauty, comfort, tranquility and peaceful joy was the daily balm my soul needed. Your thankfulness in the beautiful things of life reminded me of the truth of God's nearness, beauty and love for me in the midst of the challenge.
I have wanted to write to you many times, but have been unable to really capture my intent...and even now I am not sure of my communication...but you are hurting and in a difficult place and I simply couldn't not write to you.
And so here, as you find yourself in this challenge, please know it will be my honor and my pleasure to pray for you and Emma...asking God to meet you and comfort you and provide a soothing balm to your soul..as you (unknowingly) provided to me.
"joy is a kind of courage and a smile slays all kinds of dragons".
"the eternal God is your dwelling place and underneath are the everlasting arms..."
To your courage.
For your girl.
With many prayers,
westcoastmom
What a beautiful post. A smile can slay a dragon...I'm smiling more. :)
DeleteI echo Carol S.....what a beautiful post. Thank you, westcoastmom, for so eloquently stating what so many of us are feeling for Donna and dear Emma.
DeleteDebbie Z.
Beautiful expressed.
ReplyDeleteOh Donna. So hard. This. is . so . hard.
ReplyDeletePrayers for you all. Im here if you need anything!
Donna,
ReplyDeleteI have tears welling up in my eyes as I read your words, and as I read the beautiful encouragement that your vulnerability has unleased. Your commenters are gems, Donna. I am grateful to be reminded of what they are sharing with you -- our love really matters and makes a difference. The world is richer, kinder, more meaningful because we choose to love, even though it means our hearts feel torn and stretched and fear is a choice away.
It will get easier, I am certain. But know that, as you adjust to this new world, we are carrying you in our prayers each and every day. And lifting Emma to the throne of grace.
Hugs to you, dear friend,
Di
Dear Friend, My heart hurts for you...being away from a child that you want to protect with all of your self...it is hard. But here you have the QLCS lifting you and Emma and your whole family up to God's all powerful grace. This is your place to come and be supported and encouraged and loved as you have been here for us. Praying that you will find comfort knowing we are holding you close in prayer. Prayer works, God does not fail us. We see the future dimly, but He knows all that is to come and He is at work in Emma's life and in your life. Lean into Him and find His peace. love and prayers, jep
ReplyDeleteMy family is along with you on this journey…praying and traversing until we have answers and then some more praying until she's healed. Love you!
ReplyDeletePraying for you both sweet Donna and Emma. Brave ladies both.
ReplyDeleteAnd for just a touch of levity...I was happy with the DWTS send home, you? I'm afraid that might have you down, too. :)
ReplyDeleteI always loved it when the Tribune would publish that!
ReplyDeleteI am praying for Emma and for you!
Thank you all for the wonderful comments!
ReplyDeleteYour comments and prayers and stories mean so much to me and Emma.
Thank you. Love you.
I understand how much it hurts. How useless it all feels. I am so sorry you are all going through this. I still come by from time to time and have just caught up on recent posts. xoxo
ReplyDeleteI am praying for you, Miz B., and for Emma. She IS brave, and so are you. Our courage manifests itself in different ways - for some it's a smile of bravery, and for others it's tears releasing the pain and anxiety. One thing I know for sure: Emma doesn't walk alone - guided by Him, and by the immense love she has from her family. Nonetheless, I pray for peace. Especially in those nighttime hours when life seems so much more fragile...
ReplyDeleteSending hugs, Donna.....
Praying for your family!
ReplyDelete