amen

Lemons keep falling on my head, but I think I'm finally learning how to make lemonade again. This is thanks in large part to the loving support of family and friends, many of whom read this blog. I have been bombarded with emails and phone calls from many of you offering your shoulders. For this I thank you most sincerely.

I am pleased to report that I am handling the news of OSU well. Other things happened in the subsequent days to downplay the significance of the refusal. My best friend, The Nurse and her fiance SHLM came to visit me from D.C for the weekend. We ate. We laughed. We conquered C-bus. It was a great comfort to me to have The Nurse there, but more to see her so happy. The light in her eyes when SHLM looks at her is intoxicating.

Sunday through Monday night nearly killed me physically and emotionally as a couple of lemon trees landed soundly on my head. Staggering under the weight of the trees, I limped through the days with the persona of a zombie. Calls came in, calls went out. I felt little and what I did feel just hurt.

I've found myself on knees often, pleading and wailing with my Father in Heaven in search of answers to all that has unfolded. Answers were lost in transit as I hardened my heart against it all. I was hurt, but more than that, I was mad. I didn't want to feel the peace my Father was willing to offer because that meant I couldn't be mad anymore. And the anger made sense when nothing else did.

Late last night I got a call from my Liver, a dear friend of mine from days gone by. I cried. He listened. Then he spoke. My Liver talked to me about the wonders of the atonement and the necessity of affliction. As I listened, a wonderful thing happened. I began to feel. Peace soothed my soul and the anger dissipated. Then we shared in what has very quickly become one of my favorite activities: long-distance group prayer.

I've done this several times recently and am extremely grateful for it. Praying together with a friend, loved one, or family member miles away while on the phone together. These prayers have offered me great strength as I not only confer with my Father, but feel the strength of those I love and share in their humble pleas. I have learned more from these simple conferences than I can even begin to express.

With a heart softened and thoroughly beaten after praying with my Liver, I embarked on today. And get this...I laughed! I smiled. I served. Made a new friend. Fostered old friendships. Talked. Prayed. Painted. Lived.

The trucks have definitely left a deep scar, but I think the wounds will heal nicely. Plus, who doesn't love hearing a good scar story?

Thank you again to you all for your love, prayers, and continual support. It is thanks to you that I am on the mend.