It’s time once again for a Thing Post, which simply means I feature a whole bunch of topics
that don’t make up a post by themselves but are still worth sharing.
I was so touched by the many comments left on last week’s blog post about my obliterative bronchiolitis diagnosis. In addition, I have received texts, emails, phone calls, and FB messages which have encouraged and steadied me in the midst of a trying week.
And speaking of comments, my Mom wrote something on last week’s post that had a few of us feeling weepy.
Dear Becky,
Think of how much you love Sarah. I love you that much. And at a time like this, I love you even more.
Think of how Sarah’s illness turned out–we will believe God will do a miracle for you.
Much, much love always,
Mom
P.S. I love to hear about how everybody is standing by you. And Steve being your rock as always.
Is that not the sweetest comment?
And speaking of moms, Steve’s mom, Vernie, is having hip replacement surgery this Thursday so he will be going to Charlotte for a few days to be with his family.
Since last week’s post was so serious, I thought this week would be a good time to talk about the subject of poop. Yep. I said poop.
When Sarah came down to the kitchen last Thursday, this is the sight that greeted her.
What would YOU have thought of such a sight?
Actually, there was a good reason for this semi-alarming display. Sarah was taking Summer to the vet for her annual physical and the confirmation email said to bring along some, well, you know . . . poop. (Except they couched it in more dignified terms.) Sarah’s assignment was to be the poop collector and also the pooch collector, ferrying both to the vet. (The empty pill bottle was a great collection container.)
Those grandkids of ours just can’t seem to stop growing. Not only is Noah going to school, but now Madi has joined him.
When you look through these pictures, be sure to pay extra attention to the first one. Madi was a little apprehensive the night before school started, so she climbed into bed with Noah and held his hand while going to sleep. So sweet.
By the way, the newest Smith could arrive any day now. Meagan’s due date is September 11, but all of her babies have come 2-3 weeks early.
Speaking of Meagan, her mom wrote a very sweet blog post last week about my recent diagnosis. Be sure to drop by Sheri’s blog and read it.
When Steve and I were at Duke last week for Grey’s surgery, we stayed at a hotel near the hospital. I rarely go down to breakfast at a hotel; Steve always just brings me up some oatmeal or yogurt. At this particular hotel, our room overlooked the eating/lobby area so I thought I would sneak out to the landing to snatch a surreptitious snapshot of Steve as he ate. However, just as I got ready to take the (formerly sneaky) photo, he looked right up at me.
I asked him later why he happened to glance up at that exact moment and he said, “It must have been that I sensed the aura of your loveliness hovering over me.”
He’s a keeper, that one.
One of my favorite parts of my day is the time I spend in this chair. About 5:30 a.m. each day, Summer and I settle in for our morning devotional. Doesn’t get much better than starting the day with a Bible passage and a Yorkie.
I rode my bike up to the north bridge last week and discovered a new addition.
People are encouraged to take out the notebook and write something positive or encouraging for others to read.
Such a beautiful idea for a beautiful place.
Sarah will turn twenty-four on August 23. For those of you who have been reading Smithellaneous since she was six or seven years old, it’s probably a bit of a shock to think that she’s almost a quarter-century old.
Sarah has decided that for her birthday she is going to take herself off on a miniature road trip. She will drive to a town near Charlotte and spend the night in a hotel, which she has never done before on her own.
And what are her plans besides her first solo hotel stay? She is also going to attend a concert.
But not any ol’ concert, mind you. Sarah will be attending a hammered dulcimer concert to be hosted at a public library.
I had to laugh when she told me that. No pop/rock/boy band concerts for this gal; just a dulcimerist named Joshua Messick.
Sarah first heard Messick play when she and her Great Aunt Yvonne went to a C.S. Lewis retreat at Montreat. When she heard he would be in concert on the eve of her birthday, she figured it would be a good reason to take off on a birthday adventure.
She will leave for her internship in Ahoskie, NC on August 28. This is the first time she’ll be leaving our nest for a place other than school so it’s a big moment for her and for us.
Yesterday after church, she spent some time working with a couple of young ladies on a photo/video editing project, just one of the many creative things she will do in Ahoskie.
let me just say thanks once more time for your concern and prayers. I have had a few teary, breakdown moments over the past few weeks as I have no idea where the next days, months and years will take me. However, wherever it turns out to be, I will continue to write the story of my journey here in this place where I am surrounded by so many wonderful fellow travelers.
It’s been a busy week for me, but as always, I LOVE your “things” posts. As I scroll through a find myself commenting in my head about pretty much everything you post. Hope you’ve had a good week.
Sue Ellen,
It’s amazing how many “things” can crop up when it’s time for a Thing Post. So glad to know you enjoyed it.
Well, first of all, reading all the comments from your announcement – whew – lots of tears and yet, uplifting words for you. I also want to add, Isaiah 43:1 – . . . I have called you by name . . . He knows all about you and your struggles. Hi.s mercies are new every morning – great is His faithfulness. (Insert air hug). Becky, your entire family are so special to all of us who respond to your blogs. Know each of us are continuing to pray for you. Was wonderful to see you riding your bike – and even though it might hurt to do it some days – keep on biking on. How wonderful to see that notebook and such an encouraging idea. Up here, at least in some places there is a book nook – small enclosure on a pole. You take a book, read it, and bring it back. You can also donate a book if you wish. Great idea. How wonderful that Sarah is passing on her wisdom on media to those two young ladies. Couldn’t have a better teacher. Well, am assuming Summer has had a few lessons regarding that notice on the floor. Sarah, you are so creative!! You are definitely a morning person – there have been times I have awakened at 4:00 and couldn’t get back to sleep – wide awake – but getting up at 5:30 every morning – no thanks. Am not a morning person, but SALUTE’ to you in having your quiet time at that time. Those precious grandchildren – what great pictures. God’s best to you the rest of this week.
Sharyn,
How sweet of you to take the time to leave such a wonderfully long and encouraging comment! I appreciate that your words come straight from the heart.
I have also seen those little book nooks here and there. As an avid reader, I LOVE that idea. In a world that is increasingly ugly and chaotic, things like book nooks and encouragement notebooks remind us all that there is still much goodness and beauty remaining.
Thank you so much for your prayers and hope-filled words.
I just love your Thing posts.
I can’t remember the order, but I have some comments about a few.
Those grandbabies of yours are so cute! And I have no idea how and why they are getting so big. I told my 4 year old, Matthew that he can’t grow anymore and he said “Sorry, Mommy, Jesus will make me bigger!” Ah, Ok…since Jesus said and all…but not so fast!
I love the Hope mail box. I would love to sit and read and write in it on a nice sunny day. Did you write in it?
I do hope that Summer passed her poop test. =)
And I love that Sarah is taking a little me getaway. It sounds absolutely perfect. It is my kind of outing.
I continue to include you in my prayers. Be blessed!
Krista,
I loved Matthew’s comment, especially that he was so quick with his comeback. 🙂 It is incredible how many times our children can make us smile!
Sarah texted me last night and said the concert was fabulous. Can’t wait to hear all of her stories from her little road adventure. It’s nice that you understand the appeal of a solitary road trip.
Blessings!
I enjoyed your Thing post as always.
I was wondering–did you write something in the Hope notebook? What a great idea that is!
Much love to you all,
Deb
Deb,
I am going to have to go back soon to write something; I had limited time that morning.
It was so cool to see it, though. I love the whole concept.
What a wonderful blog post!! I did read your mom’s sweet comment last week and loved it. Prayers for a safe surgery and recovery for Mrs. Vernie and safe travels for Steve. What precious pictures of the grandbabies – I can’t believe Madi is already going to school! The poo story was quite amusing – fortunately I haven’t had to do that (yet). That Hope Notes mailbox is such a quaint idea. Good for Sarah planning a little get-a-way to celebrate her birthday.I love that it is uniquely her! Hope you have a wonderful week and I look forward to “meeting” the newest little Smith soon!
Sue Ellen,
Thanks for your thoughts for Vernie’s surgery yesterday; it went very well and Steve is settled in to care for his dad for a few days.
And yes, we are also excited to meet grandbaby number 4. Any day now!
I am a long time reader of your blog. I am always praying for you, Sarah and all of your family for whatever challenge has come your way. I’m praying extra hard now. I love your mom’s comment. So sweet!
Becky,
Thanks so much for your comment and your prayers. And yes, I agree that my mom’s comment was extra, extra dear. 🙂 Thankful for her!
Noah looks so big with his backpack. Is he in kindergarten and Madison in K-4?
My mom had one hip replacement a little over 9 years ago. I wished she had gotten the other one done but she never did. I think she would get around much better if she had had the second one done.
It seems like I have read a book that had a mailbox like that in it. It might have been a Nicholas Sparks book. Most of his books are set in the Carolinas.
Phyllis,
Yes, I believe that’s right as far as the grades the kids are in.
I think I have heard of Sparks’ books having those mailboxes in them. It’s such a cool idea.
It’s amazing to me that it’s even possible to replace an entire hip! So thankful for great doctors and surgeons who make such a difference in peoples’ lives.
Prayers for Vernie that surgery goes well.Those sweet grand kids of yours are just too cute! Noah looks so grown up and I just love Madi’s curls!! They all three melt me. A very happy (early) birthday to Sarah. Wishing her safe travels and lots of fun too. A note of hope….did you leave one? Happy Monday! 🙂
Lee Anne,
I do love Madi’s curls, too. Mine were very similar to hers when I was young so it’s fun to see that trait has been passed along. And I love your phrase that the kids “melt you.” So sweet.
Haven’t commented since I read your post about your diagnosis, but have been keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Will keep all the Smith ladies in thoughts and prayers: Those ladies include your mama, Becky. And, the one getting the new hip, the pregnant one, the one that has great taste in dulcimer music, and YOU one who continues to remind us all of the important things in life, especially strength gained from faith and family.
Ann,
It was fun to be reminded by your comment about the variety of ladies I have in my life: my mama, the one getting the new hip, the pregnant one, and the one who has great taste in dulcimer music. 🙂 Quite the variety!
And your words of encouragement to me were very sweet and . . . well, encouraging!
What a loving, thoughtful comment from your mother! I have had you in my prayers for such a long time, but this last diagnosis seems so unfair. I echo the hopes for a miracle. You amaze me!
Liz,
Echo the hopes. I love the whole idea of hope having an echo.
I certainly can hear many of those echoes in the comments of my wonderful readers. Thank you for that thought!
Wonderful comments from your Mom. Such pretty pictures in this message. Waiting to hear about the new grandchild in the coming days. Prayers for Sarah that she enjoys her birthday adventures. May the position in Ahoskie be one of growth and friendship. Prayers daily for you my friend and Pink Sister. Love and hugs. Prayers for Steve’s Mom as she faces hip surgery.
Ann,
I just happened to glance at the statistics that come up with each comment and it says that you have left 446 comments! Thank you for your gift of sharing uplifting words on this blog; I appreciate you.
Thanks so much for the prayers. They are being returned to you,as well.
A wonderful message from mom to you–she prays in faith always, and that prayer is going forth for you. Yes!
Thanks for sharing it. Ruth
Ruth,
Yes, that was such a dear comment. I will treasure it.