interlocking circles

It has been a smorgasbord of feelings this month as our family has been in recovery, and then, at almost whiplash speed, in celebration mode.


Thursday our son came home from Mexico, where he had served a mission for two years for our church.  He is handsome and obedient and humble, and all-around a joy.  We are complete again, at least for awhile, and it feels dang good to have us all in one place.

Our family, my in-laws, and the couple that baptized me 29 years ago (to the right)

Gideon, Adam, and me

In front of our home

Benny Knudsen, Gideon, Adam, me, and Willa Knudsen

Tomorrow is my birthday and I find myself thinking about my own personal progress.

What are some spiritual goals I have accomplished, and what do I still want to get done?  
What are some physical goals I have met, and what do I still need to do?
And so on, and so on...

I was watching a show last night where a couple had to go into the witness protection.  The husband was fine with it, but the wife about lost her mind at the prospect.  Starting over, with no opportunity to maintain past relationships.  Can you imagine?  My friends spent a lot time during this past month building an incredibly strong safety net for me to fall into.  Eyes closed and swollen with crying.  Arms folded in prayer.  Throat seized up with stress.  Now I am coming out of the net, but I certainly would not want to leave these people, whether in my physical neighborhood or my virtual one.  Ever.

Now we look forward with faith, and we are ready to move ahead.  Life is a collection of little circles.  Concentric and interlocking.

13 comments

Lara Neves | April 25, 2012 at 2:01 PM

I can't imagine going through life without my support system! That's the worst part of moving, and why I have told my husband that I will not move again for a looong time!

Congratulations on having your son home! I can't even believe he's already back!

And you look fabulous. :)

Doran & Jody | April 25, 2012 at 2:07 PM

I too would have a hard time leaving my "history" and friends behind. Your past is what has made you who you are now. Some mouldings are good and some not so good.

It was hard enough to have our ward boundaries change and be changed to another ward. I can't image being cut off from all the you have known. You are leaving your friends and ward family. THEY are the ones that know the trials and joys you have been through. THEY are the ones that know how to bouy you up and strengthen you without judgement because they know the past.

I have a friend that just had her father-in-law's viewing yesterday (funeral today) and she had also just finished her finals yesterday. She told me of the struggle she was having with her emotions at being sad for the loss yet happy for graduating nursing school. She was wondering how can you do both at the same time.

Anonymous | April 25, 2012 at 5:12 PM

Rebuilding that net? I don't know if I could! Finding a safe place to fall has been so hard for me and to leave that behind would feel like a type of death.

I'm so happy to see happy in your world right now. Homecomings. Reunions. Gathering. Succoring. Just happy in your life.

Ann Marie | April 25, 2012 at 5:31 PM

You always express yourself so beautifully.

I am grateful for the "net" you have had.. and I am grateful for the happiness you have had welcoming your son back!

Happy Birthday week. ♥

All Our Fun | April 25, 2012 at 6:49 PM

What a perfect birthday present! Your nest is back to being complete! (As for me, I get to look forward for my first Mothers' Day Missionary call in 17 more days!) Happy Everything to you, this week!

wendy | April 25, 2012 at 7:33 PM

How wonderful to have your son home now after his honorably served mission.
It is certianly interesting about life that you can be so swallowed up by grief and lonliness, and then, in a turn, there is JOY abundant that you feel like your heart could burst.
I marvel over that sometimes.

Jenny Lynn | April 25, 2012 at 9:10 PM

It is a great month to celebrate a Birthday. Mine is Sunday. Happy Birthday!!!

It has taken a few years to build up what I consider to be a my own support. I hold back from those who surround me in an effort to protect my heart from hurt. Funny thing is, I have an easier time sharing with fellow bloggers than I do with other women in person.

Glad that your son is home from his mission.

Connie | April 26, 2012 at 3:42 PM

Happy Birthday!

Support of family and friends is the blessing that gets us through this life!
Love the pictures of your blessings!

Joanie | April 26, 2012 at 6:18 PM

Happy Birthday Karen,
You all look great. So happy for you to have Adam back home with all of you. I wish you the best in the upcoming year.

lesa | April 27, 2012 at 9:32 AM

I love the picture of your boys. What a sweet moment for you.

Mrs4444 | April 27, 2012 at 9:22 PM

I don't think you could look more content than you do in these photos; I'm happy for you.

Happy Birthday, Birthday Buddy! :)

Heidi | April 28, 2012 at 2:18 PM

Love you! Can't wait to see you!

Welcome to the Garden of Egan | April 28, 2012 at 9:39 PM

Happy Birthday (late....sorry)

So wonderful to have that boy back. I remember those feelings.

It has been a roller coaster ride of a month or two hasn't it?