| | shocked. i feel as shocked now as when i checked my email yesterday afternoon and read on the prayer alert that things might not be alright. i have hardly even had a conversation with Christian (or Liz for that matter). however, in a situation like this familiarity is not needed to weep with those who are weeping. i am only writing about this now because that is exactly what is happening - my emotions are stirred to sorrow more than they have been in quite some time. and i can think of little else.
as a newcomer to CFC, i "snuck in the backdoor" of their wedding and was completely blessed and honored to be there. wow - the majesty and grandness of the occasion alone was enough to take my breath away. then, "getting to know them" as the evening went on, i was struck by the dignity and virtue of the couple themselves and especially how it is they came together. in addition to Liz, my heart is really breaking for Jon. he was so pleased with the role that he had played in bringing Christian and Liz together, and rightfully so. this truly was a family affair - what a blessing.
the truth is there is some familiarity here. Dr. Nordberg and Margaret really opened up their lives to Ann and me in the past year. as we were planning our wedding they had us over what seemed weekly for meals and would take the time to see how things were going, give ideas and, countless times, provide wonderful counsel. with Ann's mom 150 miles away and mine having passed away, she really took us under her wing and helped us through the planning process. as a matter of fact, most of the decorations at our wedding belonged to the Nordbergs and our special day was due in large part to Margaret's efforts, planning and organization. so often during our visits we heard about what was happening with Liz and Christian (and the dogs), and the boys (and the dogs) as well. i actually feel like i know them all pretty well, at this point, although in actuality it's all through the eyes of their mom. but, that is a pretty good vantage point.
with all the Ann and i have received from the Nordbergs, it wasn't until the last couple days that i realized one thing that Margaret had given to me in the past year. as i stood in the Nordberg kitchen Thursday afternoon and Margaret spoke with Jon on the phone, i heard something so familiar to me. familiar, yet some sort of a memory. i heard a mother really being a friend to her grown son, and it so reminded me of my mother. you see, i think that my mom could have been considered an expert at being a mother to her grown children. she seemed to know the perfect balance between giving us the space that we needed to grow as adults and also being there to lean on when we needed her. i think we (me and siblings) all felt like our mom was our best friend. and over the past year, and especially yesterday afternoon, i saw Margaret doing the very same thing for her children.
as i have thought about this the past couple days, i realized that's what Margaret was doing for my wife-to-be and me. she was so respectful of all involved not step on toes or overstep any boundaries. yet, every time we needed her she came through in astounding ways - far beyond expectations. in the past year Margaret's was such a familiar influence to me that i guess i didn't even see it. i am only saying it now because i just realized it and, well, that's just what i do.
i am really writing this to somehow express the sadness my heart is carrying. i had to let it get out of me a little. you can only talk just so much. i usually exhaust whoever i happen to be talking to. and since Ann has long since gone to bed, my chosen outlet is xanga.
i really want to email them or comment on a blog. but, i know what i have to say has nothing to do with what they truly want. i know that nothing i say will ease anything and not being able to fix things frustrates me. so i will let my wife do the emailing. one scripture is rolling around in my head. maybe because a sadness like this is the epitome of our struggles in this world, of which we are foreigners. and there is only one remedy.....
"He who testifies to these things says, 'Yes, I am coming soon.' Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God's people. Amen."
|
| | Posted 11/10/2007 12:54 AM - 52 Views - 6 eProps - 3 comments
- recommend
  - recs0
- share
- email
 - sent0
|
