8

Mysterious Works

I didn’t want to go to Bible Study tonight. I really didn’t and, to be honest, I almost didn’t go. I drove to Sheetz first to get myself some coffee. (Gas was $2.29!) I was going to just drive straight home when I left Sheetz. I really was. I didn’t want to listen to the political banter. I didn’t want to deal with a few people who drive me slightly insane. I have had a very full week (and it is only Wednesday) and I just wanted some silent me time. With coffee.

But I got that nagging feeling. That I should go. Despite being six days from the election and the fact that I would likely have to bite my tongue. Off. So, I drove to the church. I parked. I went in. I sat. I talked with the friends I have made over the past three years. And the Bible Study started.

Somehow, in talking about Romans 12 and loving people, someone brought up a young lady (age deleted on purpose but go with young) who is now pregnant with her third child. The fact was mentioned with the usual judgment reserved especially for young, unwed mothers. A voice laced with disgust. I was about to shut down emotionally when the man leading our Bible Study (not Pastor D this week) began to tell a story.

Long story short: his wife? Is a birth mother.

This is a woman who I have gone to church with for almost three years. This is a woman whom was mentioned to me in my first month or so in the church as she has a similar kidney disorder. This is a woman whom I have spent time with in various church related activities, held conversations with regarding parenting and regarded as a pretty awesome woman in general.

And she’s a birth mother.

This? Is the first birth mother I have met in my area. By chance. I mean, sure, I’ve met Brenda, Breanna, Leah and others face-to-face. But this is the first time that I have learned that someone in my everyday real life shares this lifestory similarity. I shed a few tears while pretending to read my Bible.

Afterward, I approached the man, the birth mother’s husband, and told him that I, too, was a birth mother. He shared that his wife was just becoming comfortable with sharing her story with others and/or letting him share her story. He thanked me for letting him know.

And then I left. On some strange cloud 9.

I am not alone. In my own city.

Who knew?

2

He Doesn’t Forget Her

Can someone tell me how my oldest son is somehow almost three years old? As November lurks just around the corner, I am awash with memories. I can’t believe it. I’m sure I’ll have posts of dedication to his awesomeness over on the family blog throughout the month along with posts of awesomeness about my youngest son who will be (OMG!) one just a week later. But right now, I need to talk about some things.

Anyway, I’ve mentioned it before that we do a normal everyone-knows-it kind of prayer every night after we read books. Then he does a series of “thank yous” for whatever he happened to be thankful for that day. We used to prompt him on what to say (mommy, daddy) but rarely do we have to give him anything to say anymore. In fact, he would go on for hours if we let him. He names everyone in the family. He names everything he did that day. He names all of his friends. He sometimes starts naming all of his trains. Seriously. It’s adorable until his younger brother decides that, OMG! It’s bedtime! Right! Now! And then I have to push the “Amen” out a littl more quickly than the older would really like.

All the same, sometimes he forgets people. Or things. And after he says Amen, he remembers! And he says “OH OH OH!” Sometimes this is a reason to stall. Sometimes he legitimately forgot someone because he is beyond exhausted and is running on fumes. All the same, it makes me smile.

The other night it was his sister. “OH OH OH! Thank you for my sister. Amen.”

OH OH OH. Thank you for my family.

2

Screw All This Introspective Gender Talk

I’ve never posted a link to a giveaway on this blog. But, oh, gosh. I have to. Because if I won this for the Munchkin? Heck yeah! Just look!

Seriously! Those who know what the Munchkin looks like know that she would look absolutely stunning in it. I know a lot of people suggested imagination play and dress up as gift ideas. This would be just on the chance of not fitting as it says it fits up to 5T but I think I’ll chance it. Who cares if it is a little short on the tall Munchkin? IT IS STUNNING!

I should mention that you could win, too. But I won’t. Shh.