day 262: juxtaposed

I was moved by everyone's comments on my last post and wanted to say thank you for participating.  It was a revitalizing experience for me, and I hope it was for you too.

A funeral, a field trip, the temple, and a flute recital.  Each thing filled a different part of me today.

I started this day attending a funeral for the friend I mentioned earlier in the week.  Minus a few of the details, the life sketch that was read from the pulpit could have very easily been of my husband.  It was very emotional and ended up feeling even closer to home than I might have thought going in.  And his wife blogged today.  This is a strong woman, full of faith and surrounded by love.

Next came a field trip, where I went straight from the funeral to meet my kiddos at a pond where they were feeding ducks.  After the duck adventure, and a few kids tripping on exposed tree roots and skinning their knees, we headed to a park for a picnic and a 30-minute adventure at a new playground.  They are adorable and served as good salve for my soul today.  I love these guys.

Third, the temple, where I slept through more than I should, but still absorbed the feeling and the purpose.  I was emotionally spent, but glad to go and be reminded of things pertaining to eternity.  I needed it.  Afterward, my husband and I spent a good half hour talking about the kids and what we can do to bring together certain parenting philosophies that we seem to feel differently about.  Different backgrounds, and all that.  It was good.

Last, a flute recital that knocked my socks off.  Maybe 40 of us there.  I seriously was blown away to hear the power of this pair of flutes, when playing a capella and not competing with other instruments.  Maybe without lots of background sound we each can stand out if given the chance.  Big hugs to the musician friend, and then home to see my boys.

A day filled with crying and laughing and the Spirit and good music.  A mix.  Healthy and juxtaposed.

14 comments

LisAway | May 8, 2010 at 12:24 AM

That is what I would call a FULL day. Wow. Awesome. Every emotion in the book, almost.

And exactly how much "should" one sleep through in the temple? :) I know a little about that since out temple trips mean 3 or four sessions a day for 3 or 4 days in a row (the day starting around 6 am). We can just do our best, eh? And the spirit and purpose is felt, as you said. (I used to always try/want to stay as awake and alert as my first time through, since every time is a first time for the person you're working for, but when you attend the temple as often as you probably should that is just a VERY hard if not impossible goal to achieve. And sorry, I know the post wasn't about sleeping in the temple, but I just started thinking about it. . . :)

Robin | May 8, 2010 at 12:55 AM

Sounds like today was a good workout. I'm sure you're stronger for it.

CiCi | May 8, 2010 at 6:05 AM

There was so much in the post to read and think about. One thing that stands out right away is when you mention you and your husband talking. And it was good. Talking about parenting usually erupts in anger or discord. The funeral sounds wonderful, bringing out emotion and feelings. The field trip sounds like enough adventure for the kids and no major mishaps for you. The flute recital is a perfect ending to a full and wonderful day. I love your last sentence.

Rachel Cotterill | May 8, 2010 at 6:36 AM

That sounds like a full - and emotional - day.

Marianne | May 8, 2010 at 7:55 AM

I can't BELIEVE you came after all that you had going on yesterday!! I'm so grateful you did. Thank you.

Kimberly Vanderhorst | May 8, 2010 at 8:11 AM

What a beautiful, heart filling, heart rending sort of day. You must have been so exhausted by the end of it, and yet how amazing to be a part of so much joy (yes, even the bittersweetness of farewelling a friend on their journey home).

Charlotte | May 8, 2010 at 9:02 AM

Wow. What an emotional roller coaster of a day. I'm glad you were able to mix some tender and beautiful parts in with the very sad.

Unknown | May 8, 2010 at 1:12 PM

I'll be honest: It sounds like a wonderful day to me. I know that the hardest part may have been attending a funeral for someone you cared about and whose life reminded you so much of your husband. But there is an element of "gosh, these men really are special, and we are so blessed to be their partners" in something even as difficult as that.

Then off for an innocent springtime afternoon, uncomplicated and perfect for mentally filing and sorting the last few hours.

The temple is one of the best places to remember why you chose each other as parenting partners.

And my daughter is a flautist. She played in a flute choir at BYU-I, and it was absolutely sublime.

An emotionally exhausting day? Certainly. A day with the potential to be reminded of all the ways your Heavenly Father shows His love and tender mercies for you?

Absolutely.

Love you, Kaz.

Dedee | May 8, 2010 at 2:20 PM

Awesome! I love days like that. Draining and yet so beautiful and filling.

gigi | May 8, 2010 at 8:00 PM

Very full day of LIFE! Love every minute of being busy and not sad and lonely.
Happy Mother's Day!

Bossy Betty | May 8, 2010 at 9:15 PM

Oh yeah. This was a gift-basket day full of emotions!

Lola Sharp | May 8, 2010 at 9:19 PM

Juxtaposition, indeed. Powerfully so.

Thanks for sharing your day and thoughts with us.

Love,
Lola

Jenny | May 10, 2010 at 3:27 PM

Emotional work out, how did you do it? I love the flute. I played for 12 years. Until baby #3 was on her sweet way. Time seemed to evaporate.

charrette | May 11, 2010 at 10:21 AM

Sounds like you had a perfect day.