Saturday, August 9, 2008
What you do when you can't do much...
HI!
I have had a lot of time on my hands since Wednesday afternoon. My surgery went well, and I am still in the post recovery phase. Monday, my packing will be removed, and I will hopefully be a happy breather and sleeper again. I had visions of this being the first time I have been able to lay around and catch up on a year of no sleep, but that has not exactly happened. I dis-counted that not being able to breathe for a few days would hinder that. I don't mind sharing that I had a severe Deviated Septum repaired. Something I have needed to do for a while. Thankfully, my parents were here to help with the girls, and the house. Thank you Mom & Dad. You probably never thought you would be spending your 55th wedding anniversary doing the mundane around here! You have blessed me, and I am very thankful!!!! Hopefully next summer you can visit and have a real vacation!
Let's start with The Chapman's. I did not think I could respect this family anymore than I already do until I saw them all interviewed. These were real people, dealing with real grief!
But, if you saw it, you know they are dealing with it through faith. How else could you face a new day? I was most impressed with their oldest kids. Emily, Caleb, & Will. They are the types of children I hope my girls will grow up to be. Honest, respectful, loving and bold about their faith. Through it all this family has stuck together. No blame, just real raw sadness. And, lots of questions too. I relate to MaryBeth in so many ways. But, what I love most is that at the heart of it all, she is a Mom who loves her kids, just like I do! I hope they go back to China again! What a blessing that will be!
If you watched Larry King, you will understand my next statement... I was frustrated! He clearly was uncomfortable during the interview. He called Maria, Mary twice, and then he seemed twitchy when they talked about how they have leaned on God to get them through this tragedy. But, I have learned later (see link below) that he was blown away by their faith. He honestly told them, he wishes he could be more like them. And, I smiled when I heard that Steven told him, if Billy Graham is praying for you, watch out!! If you have time, watch this feed from CNN. It is Larry's re-cap of the night. His life was clearly touched by this family... You can read about it and see his live remarks here! (Jim updates Marybeth's site almost daily.)
Next, I went between goosebumps, and tears watching the Opening Ceremonies last night. (Perhaps my pain pills are making me an emotional mess..) What an amazing production of drummers, songs, dancing, & fireworks. It was a bit surreal seeing some of our favorite sites in Beijing, looking at Ruby's delight in watching the dancers, and thinking of what her life could have been. We are so grateful that she is here safely with us! Someday we will have so much to share with her about her birth country!
Ainsley has had an absolutely great week while I have been sitting around. Thanks to all of my friends who have made it so fun for her. As I type, she is out boating, and I am sure having a wonderful day. She found out who her new teacher is yesterday. She has a great class, and we anticipate a very special 2nd grade year. She already starts school on the 25th....
OK - I have rambled beyond any Ruby Tuesday rambling..... Way too much time on my hands!
Blessings,
Diana
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14 comments:
Di,
I'm so glad surgery went well and you are recuperating. I have awesome parents like you do, such a blessing to have in life!! I also echo your sentiments about the Chapmans, I just kept saying during the interview, "You Go, Chapmans, share the WORD" :-))
Karen
I'm glad you are feeling better. You poor thing! Youch!!
That picture is adorable. :)
My oldest is heading to second grade too. Where did first grade go to??
Snick
dd Sunshine 7 Viet Nam
dd Brilliance 2 China
I had my deviated septum repaired three years ago and have never regretted it. There was basically no airflow through the left side and little through the right. It's amazing the difference it makes...especially at night. Even something like an allergy attack does not affect my nasal breathing as bad as it did before surgery. When the packing is removed, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised and wonder how in the world you breathed before.
I watched the interview with the Chapmans,too, and was struck by their strength, honesty, and the depth of their faith. I wanted to just reach out and hug them, especially Will.
Wow! So hope you are feeling better!
We had the amazing honor to watch the opening of the Olympics with our travel group from China, as we had all met for a reunion.
I came home tonight and watched the "Larry King Show" that I had taped while we were gone, and you are right. That family is sincerely AMAZING. I too was very upset that he kept calling Maria Mary Sue, but just kept trying to focus on the whole story.......
I hope you'll continue to feel better! I was unable to watch LKL with the Chapmans but a dear friend sent it to me! What an awesome family!!!
Love and best wishes,
Michelle
Illinois
I agree with you about all of it! I loved watching the Chapmans and also was very frustrated with Larry King. I couldn't believe Mary Beth was talking about twins!! How exciting!
So glad you are doing well since your surgery. I know that's not fun. I hope you continue to heal quickly.
Love the picture of Ruby. Too cute!!
I am glad your surgery went well and I wish you a speedy recovery!
I just watched the Larry King interview today. The Chapmans are an amazing family. However, I completely agree with you about Larry. He did a terrible job during the interview.
Glad to hear that you are recuperating -- any surgery can be tricky to recover from, so get lots of rest and lots of TLC from the family! Take it easy.
Janet
Hoping that you are feeling much better! How nice to have your parents there.
I watched the interview as well and Mark and I were both in tears several times, such an amazing family. I am glad to hear your remarks about Larry King, I thought he came off kind of harsh and insensitive, good to know that he is a softie.
The opening ceremony was just breathtaking, I was so proud of the Chinese, Myah was glued to the screen as well. She even saluted the Chinese flag ;).
Feel better sweetie!
Diana,
I had the same surgery when I was 16. By now I am sure you have the packing out. That was the worst part. I am praying for a quick recovery.
Lauren
Hi Di,
I am glad you are feeling better. I LOVED seeing the Chapmans on Larry King. I am awed by their human emtion and love for God.
I could totally tell that there was something going on with him (Larry). I was not offended by it at all though. He is Jewish and it must have seemed amazing and overwhelming to him to see such love for Jesus. I actually felt a little sorry for him because I cannot imagine how anyone could be in the room with so much raw grief and emotion. As seasoned as he is, I think he was nervous. What does one say? how does one broach these subjects. I need to go read the links you posted now.
Love,
Kim
Hi Di - So glad the surgery went well and you are feeling pretty much up to snuff (pardon the pun!)
Thank goodness for wonderful parents - I have a set of my own that I thank God for every single day.
Oh, the Chapmans...as if they did not move my heart int he best of circumstances, they move it more in the worst...just love them. They are heavy on my heart and forever in my soul for the beautiful testimony their life represents.
Have a super week.
Love,
Heather
Just love that pic of Ruby...it's such a real moment. I was frustrated with Larry King when I watched the Chapman interview. I saw the re-cap and was thrilled. This family and their faith touched him.
I agree with you about the Chapmans. AMAZING family!! LK - not so amazing in the interview, but I like what he had to say post-interview. Thanks for posting that link!
Glad to hear you are recovering well.