Week one of our sabbatical is behind us.
The most exciting part of it was Saturday evening when a semi truck came all the way over into our lane without so much as a by-your-leave. Thankfully, there happened to be an empty lane next for us to escape into or I might have been writing this blog post from heaven.
And while I am all for being in heaven, I really prefer not to go right this minute.
In addition to sparring with a semi, our first week involved twelve hours of counseling, staying in lodgings from 1927, enjoying a meander through Amish country, visiting a favorite uncle, ripping tape off Steve’s face, and traveling 23 bazillion miles, some of it through Washington, D.C. (Which for this small town girl, is one shade short of terrifying.)
I will only have a chance to tell a couple of those stories in this post but if you’ll stick around, I’ll get to all of them eventually.
I suppose I shouldn’t leave you hanging too long on the whole tape-ripping scenario so I’ll tell you that one first.
As I mentioned in my last post, we spent four days at Emerge in Akron, OH, doing a sort of mental/spiritual/marital/emotional check up, which is a good thing for everyone to do at various times in life.
Some of our sessions with our fabulous counselor, Jeff, were individual sessions and some of them were together. At one point in a “together” session, I was kidding with Steve about the fact that he was talking so much I couldn’t get a word in. He immediately leapt up from the counseling couch, went over to Jeff’s desk and found his Scotch tape.
The next thing I knew, I was sitting beside a fellow counselee who looked like . . . this.
Well, of course we all got a giggle out of the tape caper and then went right on talking. Well, at least Jeff and I did. Steve was not saying much . . . for obvious reasons. (Although he did pick up a big piece of paper and write a note to Jeff because, as we well know, he can’t stay speechless for long.)
As our conversation continued, I happened to glance over and saw that the bottom piece of tape on Steve’s mouth was just sort of hanging loose in a way that invited one to maybe give it just the teeniest, tiniest yank.
Which I did.
This spontaneous and altogether innocent action ended up removing 98.7 percent of the hair from Steve’s face and elicited an exceedingly loud yowl of pain. It elicited an even louder howl of laughter from Jeff who came very close to falling out of his chair sideways.
After the hullabaloo had finally died down, I told Jeff I was a little worried about what anyone walking by our room might have thought about all that noise. Jeff said, “Oh don’t worry. I’ll just tell them we had a breakthrough.”
Does this man look like he has had a breakthrough to you?
Although many parts of our counseling week were serious, it was nice to have a little bit of levity, too. Jeff was a wise, funny, compassionate counselor and we felt fortunate to get to spend the week with him.
When Steve and I weren’t at Emerge, we were hanging out at the lodgings that I found on Airbnb. (For just $55 a night!)
We rented a studio apartment housed in a building constructed in 1927; it was replete with all manner of interesting things including an ancient elevator.
One thing I didn’t understand about the elevator was the message posted to be considerate of others and close the gate when leaving the elevator. Can anyone please explain why it’s considered to be considerate to close the gate? I would think it would be easier for the next person NOT to have to open it in order to get in. (These are the things I ponder.)
I love old buildings and this was one had interesting oldness everywhere. One of my favorite features was a vintage call box in the kitchen which had been originally used to contact different apartments in the building. I love that they left it intact for those of us in later generations to appreciate.
The first photos are of our apartment and the following photos are of different parts of the building. A few photos have comments below them.
Today is our first full day in our borrowed abode in Edenton, NC. We’ll be here a couple of days before heading back to Manteo to prepare for the arrival of our favorite son and daughter-in-law followed by the college graduation of our amazing Sarah in Virginia Beach. After she graduates, we’ll come back to Manteo for a couple of days to hang out with our kids before Steve and I return to Edenton.
Lots more to come!
What about you?
Do you have a counseling experience you would like to share that may help encourage someone who has been thinking about going?
Are you more of a modern building person or an old building person?
I love old buildings! I grew up in Massachusetts. We did a lot of traveling and touring of the area. Paul Revere’s home, Louisa May Alcott’s home, George Washington’s home, Thomas Jefferson’s home, Mayflower at Plymouth Rock, lighthouses in Maine, the Vanderbilt’s summer homes in Newport, RI. I would love to live in any one of them! Here in Grand Forks, there not too much old history like that. I would love to go back someday.
The place you are staying is gorgeous! I would love it there!
I’m so glad the week was a good one. And, thank you for explaining the tape story first. I would of thought of it all week!
Have a blessed week!
Krista,
You were sure fortunate to get to see so many interesting, old, history-rich homes. I’m impressed! (And a little jealous.)
Glad you didn’t have to thinking about tape-ripping all week! 🙂
Love older bldgs. too. When we travel, we like to visit restaurants that have character, mom and pop type places. So excited to see pictures of Sarah’s graduation soon. Am amazed how the Lord has brought her through these years. Wonder what else He has in store for her? About Counseling? I will try and make this short. About 5 years ago I was reading on Facebook something my daughter had said that she was kind of depressed. I wrote back that I was sorry to hear that and sorry she hadn’t said something to me. She replied, “I don’t have to share everything with you.” I was taken back at her reply. A little bit later she sent me a message asking me to come to see her and her counselor. Counselor? Why was she going to a counselor and what did I do to her that she needed one. I bawled like a baby – I became depressed at whatever I had done. In the past years she had given me gifts/cards for Mother’s Day, my birthdays, she had called me about various things – what had I done? I know that when I would ask her things through the years, she always replied angrily, which left me puzzled. I would soon find out why she answered me like she did. I went to the meeting and found out that when she was about 10 years old, (I was working at the time), she had gotten sick and I had someone else go and pick her up from school to take her home. Apparently that happened twice. So for all of these 30 some years, apparently she has been angry with me because I was working and I had someone else pick her up. She apparently was upset with me, because even though I would turn my heard, I blew my nose at the table, I sighed a lot, I didn’t like to talk on the phone, I apologize too much. Apparently at Christmas time, I was giving gifts that were not needed or wanted, so I no longer give them gifts. For some reason her counselor thought she needed to air that too, given though those things are me, I didn’t need to ask for forgiveness for them. I asked her forgiveness when she was a child and she said she forgave me and was moving on. We use to go up to their cabin in the summer, we were no longer asked to come up. I finally had to ask if we could go. I no longer get cards or gifts for Mother’s Day or my birthday. (I continued to give her gifts/cards). I did get a text telling me Happy Mother’s Day. Her counselor’s daughter has become her best friend, and at times I felt she took my place as a mother – although she is 5 years younger than my daughter. Things have gotten much better, but they will never be the same. When we are together I try and make sure I don’t do or say any of those things that irritate her. She loves the Lord, which I am forever grateful. But when I thought we had a great relationship and she said, “No, mom, we’ve never had a good relationship” that was a shocker. This was longer than I wanted it to be, but it gladdens my heart to see the relationship you and Sarah have. You are blessed!
Oh Sharyn,
I was so sad to read your story but so thankful you felt comfortable sharing it here, among friends.
Relationships with daughters can be complicated–for that matter, relationships with ANY family member can be complicated. It sounds like your daughter held a lot of things in and then let them all spill out at one time. I can’t imagine how disheartening and hurtful that must have been for you.
I admire the way your have responded to her words and behavior by continuing to love her, stay in touch with her, send her gifts/cards, etc. You are a great example of unconditional love, of loving someone despite the hurt and rejection.
As you continue to do that, you may eventually see the walls start to come down a little more. But whether you do see that or not, you are doing the right thing. You are doing the “mama thing” and I’m proud of you!
And yes, I do feel blessed to have the relationship I do with Sarah. Hearing your story makes me all the more thankful.
Hugs to you today.
That elevator is like the one at our church. If the gate isn’t closed, it will not respond to a call from another floor.
I’m more of a modern building person. Older is OK for the short term but it’s modern and contemporary for the long term.
Keep having fun and I look forward to seeing the graduation pictures!
LeeAnne,
Yeah, old buildings definitely have their drawbacks (like in Akron, a tiny bathroom!) but they have so much CHARM! If I had the money to live anywhere I wanted, I think an old (refurbished) building might be the one I’d choose.
Speaking of old buildings, your church must be on the old side to have an elevator with a gate. How cool is that?
What a cool old building. The elevator made me remember when I was young we’d go to “the big city” occasionally to shop and the store (I think it was Sears or JCPenney) was two story and the elevator had an operator. A lady sat on a stool and pushed the buttons to take you up or down. Thanks for the fun memory.
Your tape story had me giggling out loud.I bet you and Steve would be quite fun to hang out with. I can’t wait to hear more stories. And how exciting that Sarah’s graduation is almost here!! What a special, special time.
Sue Ellen,
Wow. I don’t think there are many people that can remember having an actual elevator operator run their elevator! I wonder if those people got bored on their jobs. I guess they wouldn’t if they were interested in people-watching and talking with people. Glad I brought a fun memory to mind!
The place you stayed looks awesome. And what does “as a by-your-leave” mean?
thanks!
Nicole,
By-your-leave is an oldish term that basically means “with your permission.” I almost didn’t use the phrase because I didn’t know how many would know it but then I thought, “Why not? It’s fun to see an unusual phrase occasionally.” 🙂 Glad you asked about it.
Old buildings are pretty to look at but I prefer a newer home as the upkeep can be quite costly. It would be different if I had unlimited funds. 🙂
The look on Steve’s face is priceless.
I have never been in counseling; however, my nephew has.
Congratulations to Sarah on her graduation. My oldest niece just finished her second year of college. Younger one is finishing her first year, getting married May 23rd and leaving the next day for California where her fiancée is stationed with the Air Force. She’s only 19!
Phyllis,
Your younger niece has a whirlwind of adventures ahead of her! Good for her for being brave and in love enough to take off on a totally new road in life.
Steve’s mom (at about the same age) got married one day and left Pennsylvania for Texas next day; that’s where Steve’s dad was stationed. I admire the pluck of these ladies!
I can’t believe that it’s already graduation. It just seems like yesterday that Sarah created. Her car & colige (maybe it two L’s) fund. How amazing is Sarah? I just know she’s destined for amazing things! Enjoy every minute! If it wouldn’t be too much could you try and snap a pic? I know your not a big fan of photography so just a quick pic? ??? Congrats, Sarah (Mom & Dad too)! ?
Jodi,
Sigh. Well, it IS asking a lot but I will do my best to get a picture or two on the big day. 🙂
Only if it wouldn’t be too much, of course.
I enjoy old buildings but Jim has to have a walk-in or roll-in shower now so the regular ? in out. Also steps are out for us due to the upright walker and braces. Glad you have a few days to rest and relax before being on the go again. Thankful for God’s protection for the vehicle as well as you and Steve. Prayers for continued safety. Enjoy your week and graduation. Glad the brother and “sister-in-love” will be sharing the event. Poor Steve with the tape. Did not know you had that little mischievous streak.
Ann,
We are so excited about graduation and getting to see Nathan and Meagan–all in the same few days. PLUS, we have Mother’s Day and Steve’s birthday mixed in there. Fun times!
Becky,
Hope your sabbatical ends up awesome — filled with fun memories, renewed strength and more laughs. Love your tape stories! P.S. One possibility for your gate mystery: we once visited a home with an elevator that would not change floors if the gate wasn’t closed.
Hello, friend!
I’d never considered the elevator not changing floors if the gate wasn’t closed but I guess that makes sense. Thanks for solving the mystery!
Glad you enjoyed the tape story. Sometimes laughter truly IS the best medicine.
Can’t stop chuckling at the tape scenario! Closing the gate most likely is so the elevator will work. If left open, it may not respond to a request from another floor!
Guerrina,
A good chuckle is a great way to begin the week. 🙂 Glad I could provide it for you.
Smithellaneous just gets better and better! This one was brilliant on so many levels! You and Pastor Steve… were MEANT TO BE… always put a smile on my face… and the photos were off the chart. Pastor Steve’s facial expressions always leave me ROFL! <3 Thank you so much for sharing your life with us. Fred & Lucy
Fred,
If you thought his expression was great in the picture, you should have seen it in person! 🙂 Steve is definitely blessed with an expressive face.
So glad you got a bang out of the post.
And I thought I was the only one who loves old glass door knobs! My husband laughs at me for taking the same pictures!
Sam,
I don’t usually even notice glass door knobs but this was just so pretty, I had to take a picture so that it could be fully appreciated.
Glad you enjoy their beauty, too! Sometimes husbands just don’t “get it.” 🙂