Thursday is Sarah’s 10th Bone Marrow Transplant Anniversary so I’m going to spend the days leading up to Thursday featuring lots of Sarah Stuff. I’ll get started with a Sarah Story that took place a couple of weeks ago.
A few days before Christmas, our church had a candlelight communion service .
We’ve done this service every year since we’ve been here; it’s sort of a gift from our family to the church members as Steve and I lead in Christmas carols and he reads a specially chosen story to the congregation before we have communion.
We try to do almost all of this particular service ourselves in order to give our workers a break, although our faithful sound man is usually there to run sound for us. This year however, he was out of town and so we asked Sarah (who had already planned to run projection) if she thought she could possibly manage to handle running the sound and lights, too.
Although she’s not had a lot of training with the sound and lights, she knew the basics and said that she would give it a whirl.
Here she is, getting things set up and organized.
Steve came back to show her a few things. . . .
. . . and give her an encouraging “dad hug.”
The service went well . . .
. . . with our intrepid tech gal at the helm.
However, when it was all over and I walked from the piano bench to the tech booth, I found the aforementioned intrepid gal in a little corner of the room with tears in her eyes, looking overwhelmed.
As I hugged her for a quick moment, I realized anew the stress she had been under that whole day. Not only had she just run three tech systems (usually handled by three different people), she had also been up since 4 am working on a school project and hadn’t slowed down the whole day.
And to add to her stress level, she had just gotten word before church that a special person in her life had committed suicide–a leader of a girl’s group she’d been a part of at our former church. She had cried and cried over that news over dinner and was still a little emotionally wobbly when we left for church.
As she and I were talking quietly in the tech room, I could hear the happy voices of our congregation filling the lobby; I knew Sarah wouldn’t want to have to walk through the crowd with a tear streaked face so I told her that she and I could make our pastor’s daughter/pastor’s wife secret getaway through a rarely used side door.
After we had sneaked out and were crossing the parking lot to the van, I was still concerned about her and wondering how long it would take her to get her emotional equilibrium back. Imagine my surprise when she suddenly turned to me and said through her tears, “You sang beautifully tonight, Mom.”
It was at that moment that I knew beyond any doubt that my little girl was becoming a grown up woman. Anyone who can look beyond their own angst and exhaustion long enough to speak a word of encouragement to someone else has a level of maturity that I admire.
And I told her so.
And then we drove home for hugs . . . a snack . . . and an early bedtime for my weary, grown up girl.
She truly is a remarkable young woman, wise beyond her years, and just full of kindness and concern for others, even when she is going through a rough time….both Nathan and Sarah are shining examples of their parents’ love and commitment to each other, their family and others….congratulations on 10 years!!!!
Becky, what a wonderful story about a grown up sweet young lady. So proud of her – I can’t imagine how proud you are. I have not been able to comment earlier this week as I was getting two attorneys read for a jury trial. They are on their way out of town for the trial and I can now focus on a few other things, including Smithellaneous! One of my favorite things to do.
Mary, sounds like those attorneys keep you busy! I’m glad they’ve left town so you have time to hang out with the Smithellaneous family! 🙂
She is so very precious and dear. You know she has had a wonderful example of agape love in her life through you, Steve, Nathan and all the various family and church family that have prayed for and loved her. Isn’t it nice that we get glimpses of the relationship we have developed with our children in the midst of the child-rearing? I’m so happy for Sarah’s Anniversary and I’m celebrating her victory from south Georgia!
Lisa, thanks for celebrating with us. Nice to know we have a Sarah friend in south Georgia!
What an awesome young lady! With skills to boot! Running lights, sound and projecton equipment requires a lot of focus and attention to detail. And, her putting others first, before her own feelings. She is indeed old beyond her years. You indeed have a daughter to be proud of. Celebrating her in cyberspace with you as this monumental anniversary date of transplant rolls around this week. God is SO good!
Praying for the family of that special person and for Sarah, that peace would be found in the midst of the anguish.
Janet, that is so sweet of you to pray for the family who lost their mom/wife to suicide. Such incredible sadness for them all.
Our AMAZING Sarah! No other way to say it!! Rejoicing with you guys this week! Ten years on the 10th – makes it your “Golden Transplant Birthday” right?! Love you guys!
Sheri, I never even thought about “ten years on the 10th.” A golden day for sure.
Hi Bec, It is good to hear how Sara got through her hard day with God’s grace sustaining her, and also that she knows enough to rely on Him for all her needs and all her strength; that is beautiful and like a pearl of great price that she has sought after and held to. As a young lady she has learned this and I believe her life ahead will benefit much by her practicing this now, so young. I am sure you delight in her and the gift that she truly is to your life…right from the Lord’s hand. Ruth p.s. I have tried to post here before, so I hope it works now.
Ruth, I’m so glad you got it to work; it came through perfectly. And always wonderful to hear from one of my sisters! 🙂
Sarah is a remarkable young woman, with wonderful parents who encourage her grow in all possible ways. I so look forward to seeing where she concentrates her talents and what choices she makes in the future. She really is an unusual young lady. She reminds me a lot of her mamma.
Lesley, you are so sweet. I take it as the highest compliment for anyone to say that Sarah reminds them of me. Blessings to you today!
Sarah, from the time I read about your cancer and how you coped until now – as you have grown physically, I know, that I know, the Lord has been with you – through storms and sunshine. You have a tender heart and loving spirit. Your parents have raised you well in spiritual things and it has shown – in word and deed. God’s best for you!
COMMENT FROM JODI (I’m posting it for her since her computer won’t let her comment.)
Sarah, you never cease to amaze me! You’re kind, caring, considerate, brilliant, beautiful, mature and so very wise beyond your years. Your accomplishments are far too many too list and your zest for life is awe inspiring. You face everyday w/renewed hope and vigor and your love for your family and others is something you rarely see in someone your age. This is the “me, me and I age,” but not you! You put others first, always and I just can’t help but marvel in all you’ve accomplished in your short life. You’ve dealt w/more than many adults do in their lifetime and you don’t throw a pity party. Sure, you might be sad, or shed a tear now and again but who doesn’t, people who say they never cry, “lie like a rug!” I am a better person for knowing you and I can’t wait to watch you continue to grow, mature and soak in all that life has to offer. I know you are a survivor but I like to think your are really a THRIVOR! Much love, Jodi
My reply to Jodi can be read here: http://cupfulofeathers.wordpress.com/2012/09/01/my-tea-party-playlist/#comment-195
🙂