Saturday, March 29, 2008

Emotions on the Edge



There are times when my tear ducts work overtime. This week-end has been one of those times. Nothing horrible has happened to us. The tears aren't of frustration or sadness for things happening in my own life. Except for this morning when I was talking to DC about the precious little grandkids and how much joy they bring, along with the exhaustion! All of them, not just the twins. I plan a "Day in the Life of Grandma Dawn" sometime this week. But the tears are on the surface, and flow easily this week-end for some reason.

Let me explain. Last evening I watched Dateline from 8-10. I had seen the promos and wanted to see it. It was about the two families whose worlds were rocked when one daughter died and the other survived a horrible crash two years ago in April. It was in the news, but I hadn't heard any updates until now. Both girls came from Christian families, and were attending Taylor University, a non-denominational, Christian college in Indiana. One family sat in vigil by the bedside of the daughter they thought was theirs, while the other family buried and mourned their daughter. It was five weeks, five rather inexplicable weeks, before Whitney awakened enough to let the family know she wasn't their Laura.

It wasn't even the story line that made me bawl, though it was incredibly touching. It was the incredible strength, love, bonding, forgiveness, joy in sadness, sadness in joy that these two wonderful Christian families demonstrated. It was the testimony they gave the world in this amazing documentary hosted by Matt Lauer. Go here for a bit of the content, if you missed it.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/23848130#23848130

As is my custom, I either read a few pages of a book or comment on a few of my blog friends during commercials. In this case, I happened upon Bev's post from a couple of days ago about the miracle of their lasting marriage, in honor of their anniversary. Bev is a gifted writer, but this particular post really touched me to the core of my soul. I was already on the edge emotionally, watching the story of the two families, and this post made me cry some more.

Today I was looking for something in my Favorites when I came upon Amy Wilhoite's site. I hadn't checked there for awhile, so I decided to see if her husband, Brian, had been back to update recently. He had - just a week or so ago. There went the tears again, as I read of the 6-month anniversary of her going home to Jesus, of how he is working on the book about her struggles and triumphs of this journey with leukemia. I was doing pretty well until I clicked on the song title, Where You Are, which somebody wrote and recorded, apparently, the day she died. If you kept up with and prayed for Amy through her journey, you must go over and read Brian's comments and listen to this song. But be prepared with some tissues!

So - there you have it. If the old song, "He washed my eyes with tears that I might see," is true,then I should be seeing things much more clearly this week-end.

Don't forget to sign up for my little giveaway here. Have a blessed week-end!


18 comments:

Michelle-ozark crafter said...

I am a crier too so there is not a thing wrong with that. huggles!

Fresh Girl said...

Sometimes you just need a good cry! I so wish I'd known about that Dateline so I could watch it. I heard about that accident and then later the incredible discovery that the two girls had been mixed up, and about that point I started following the blog that the family of the girl who was actually killed started. They turned the blog over to the family of the surviving girl. It was incredibly moving and inspirational to witness the faith of these families.

I also used to read Amy's blog, and was glad to get an update from Brian on he and the baby are doing.

Barb said...

Believe me, I understand your emotional state right now and how you're probably always just a moment away from tears. We have to believe it will get better, with a little time. The exhaustion alone is enough to do anyone in. The past three weeks brought me to my knees....you've been caring for these little ones for so long, I don't know how you do it.

Susan said...

Seeing people walk bravely with the peace of God through very difficult times always brings tears to me, too, Dawn. It is amazing what some people have dealt with and live with such grace and ease.
Susan

Diane@Diane's Place said...

I wanted to see that Dateline but forgot all about it! Maybe they'll run it again soon...

Occasionally my emotions are really close to the surface and the tears flow with the slightest provocation. Not so much as they did before my hysterectomy, but I still cry easily.

I had already read Amy's blog and saw Brian's update. Hard to believe it's already been 6 months since Amy went Home....

Hope you're having a good weekend, and have a good "me" day next week. ;o)

Love and hugs,

Diane

Sharon Lynne said...

I clicked on your link and watched--and also read the article. It was very moving.

I feel for the pain that both families had to go through.

After that...I can't read anything else sad for awhile...so I'll check out those blogs later.

I wonder, at times, why God allows humans to pass through such hard things. But I know what the Bible teaches...

So we can become a comfort for others. To build our character. To shine a light that draws others to him. And for his own mysterious purposes...which we will come to understand fully one day.

Rachel said...

Sorry to hear that you're having one of those weeks! but i definitely know how that feels. in response to your comment, i'm still loving my job, but i think there's just something in my genetic makeup that makes me want to roam :)

Diane Viere said...

That's the downside of a compassionate heart my friend!

There are so many sad things happening...it is just, sometimes, overwhelming. And yet, these are the times that I perceive the Holy Spirit is prompting me to pray....to pray for those I may not even know...but to pray--He is gathering his children to use the power of prayer to bless unknown others.

So pray through the tears my friend. You are being used by God.

Diane

P.S. Love the ticker count down to your last day of week! Perfect!

Nadine said...

I remember the story when it came out. My heart went out to these families. It was horrible what happened and the emotions they must have gone through. I'm thankful that the Lord has helped them through this tragedy.

Unknown said...

take care of yourself, Dawn. :)

Needled Mom said...

There are times when one just needs a good crying spell. Seems like you have been so strong for so long that it is only natural to let it all out at one point. Allow yourself to just cry and you'll feel tons better next week.

Sorry that I missed the story as I had read all about it. It was an amazing story for both families.

nancygrayce said...

I saw that dateline too! I remember when it happened and to hear the parents and sister talk was so sad and joyful.....it made me cry too. It seems that these are hard times for many! Take a little rest!

Andrea said...

Hi Dawn, I would like to add you and Kristen to my blog list for when I go private. Can you send me both of your email addresses to lesan@mts.net if you're interested? Thanks.

groovyoldlady said...

Here Dawn,

I bought you some high quality tissues and a cool pack to lay over your eyes and a glass of filtered water so you don't get dehydrated from all that crying.

Susie said...

Tears can be very healing. I can certainly speak to that after the last few months! I am amazed at your strength caring for four grands..It has to be exhausting, but as you say rewarding.
I love the potty training reward book, but feel very fortunate that those days are long behind me (even for grands!!)
xo

Unknown said...

The Dateline story sounds like one I would like to see. I will definitely need tissues, for I am a crier, too.

To answer your question, we have not started building a house yet, but hope to soon. I figure if I talk about it like it's happening or soon to happen, then it will!

Chris said...

I understand. Sometimes it is just good to let the tears flow, believe me I know.

Unknown said...

I saw the same Dateline Show and if affected me profoundly. I believe these families are going to be on Oprah. No matter what you think of O I think they will be a wonderful testimony on her show.