Sunday, October 19, 2008

Merrily We Roll Along

This has been an interesting week.  I have felt extremely unfocused thanks to some big stuff that happened.

Last week our Bishop called me into his office to ask if I would accept the calling of Relief Society President.  (For those of you who have no idea what I'm talking about, see here.)  For those of you who do know what I mean, you will understand why I immediately burst into tears and cried in his office for about an hour while we talked it over.  I tried explaining to him that I am not even nice, but it didn't seem to change his mind.  So I spent the rest of Sunday close to my tissue box...and a little bit of Monday.  On Tuesday I finally told him yes.

One of my non-LDS friends asked what the heck I was thinking by taking on something so huge.  And while I felt much the same way, I was able to explain that in our church this is what we do.  We accept callings and assignments (after prayer and consideration) that often seem beyond our capabilities.  And then we learn and grow and fall short and slowly get better until we are big enough to fit into them and do them well.   So here's to growing!

Just when I was beginning to wrap my mind around that, we received a call from a case worker letting us know that we would be getting a son for Christmas.  I won't post details about him until he's mine, but he is 16 and delightful.  He is polite and sweet with our little boys and well-mannered and witty with us.  He has a lovely voice and enjoys music, theater, and reading.  I asked his case worker on Friday if I was allowed to be excited yet, because we've been trying to adopt for almost two years and been thwarted at every turn.  But this is all go!  So I have a couple of months to fill out mountains of paper work and get his room ready and think about life with four boys...one of whom is an instant teenager.  (The cleaning thing from last week.  According to the very wise Dee, I am nesting.  And she's totally right.)  

There's a line from "Into the Woods" in which Little Red Riding Hood says she's scared, but then amends it to say, "Well...excited and scared."  And that's how I feel.

I also feel like I haven't really been very present this last week.  As if I'm on the outside watching someone lead me quietly along.  I'm sure one of these days I will snap out of it and freak out, but for now if I appear to be not so lucid, just snap your fingers in my face a few times until I come back.

Thanks for all of you who have put up with my spaciness this week.  I appreciate your friendship, love and support more than I can say.  

11 comments:

Anne Marie said...

Oh, friend, exciting news!!! I'm so excited for you to be adopting. I'll be thinking of you and praying that everything goes well with all the details. That is absolutely fabulous. And, you will do a fantastic job as Relief Society president. I know few people as compassionate as you. Love you lots.

Heather A said...

You don't give yourself enough credit. Honest-yes, fun-yes, not nice-not you. You'll do a great job. I just wish I were still around to see it! Congrats on the adoption. Hope all goes smoothly.

Unknown said...

First of all, I think you will make a WONDERFUL RS pres. Big calling, I know, but you will be great.

I had no idea you guys were trying to adopt. That is so cool! I hope that everything goes well with that. Just think, everyone in our quartet will soon have a new child/ren in their homes!

Marcia Mickelson said...

Wow. Wow. RS President--that is daunting. I think you'll do great. I'd love to have you as my RS President.

Adopting!! That's so exciting. What a wondeful thing to do. Can't wait to hear more

Trish said...

You are going to do so well. Dare I even say the blessings that come from this calling will absolutely help you with your adoption. You have wonderful people to help you and your home will be so blessed. Mine has been.

Amy said...

When's the baby shower?

Emilia said...

You are all so kind. As far as niceness-I'm nice to people I like. It's everyone else I have issues with. ;)

Amy, the shower comment made me laugh. What would one give at a shower for a teenager anyway? It's fun to think about!

TinaG said...

WOW we had no clue you were planning to adopt, but Mike and I have said ever since Becca and Liv came home from Korea that you all would adopt! Congrats on both of your new roles! You will do great!

joan said...

What do you give at a shower for a teenager?
*Tylenol
*Gift card to any shoe store
*Gift card to any pizza place
*Tylenol
That's just off the top of my head.

Emilia said...

I'll bite... What's all the tylenol for? And where have you been lately?! Did Katey scare you off? We promise to keep her and her mad nursing skills away from you if you'll come back to the playground, Joan.

Emilia said...

Oh, and HELLO TINA!!! (I had to shout so you could hear me all the way in Jersey...) Do you have a blog, too?! How are you and Mike and the girls?!