Thursday, October 20, 2011

Revisit: Words

Everyone once in a while, I like to revisit some of my writings from the Caringbridge site and today just happens to be a revisiting day. 

WORDS
Originally posted on November 27, 2009


At our Thanksgiving meal yesterday, Steve went around the table and said something that he appreciated about each person who was present. He started with me and among other things, referred to my love for words; he then smoothly transitioned that same thought into what he had to say about Sarah.

He continued around the table to his parents and to Nathan, prayed over the meal and we all started to eat—well we all started to eat, that is, except for Nathan.  He suddenly got up from the table and disappeared into the kitchen.  When he returned, he went over to Steve and handed him a Post-It note that said, "Dad, when you went around the table, you forgot to say anything about Sarah."   (Nathan hadn't understood that Steve had moved on from me to Sarah when he was talking about the love for words we both have.)

Steve quietly explained to Nathan what he had done and Nathan, looking a little sheepish and a lot relieved, sat down and enthusiastically started into his Thanksgiving feast. Neither of them realized that Sarah had overheard their conversation.

When dinner was over, I saw Sarah searching all over the kitchen and the dining room for something.  When I asked her what she was doing, she said she really wanted to find the Post-It note that Nathan had written.  She eventually gave up her search and went and asked Nathan where it was; he told her he had crumpled it up and put it in his pocket. She got quiet for a moment and then looked up at him--her brother and her hero--and said, "Nathan, those words were special to me. I want to save that piece of paper."

And so he handed his little sister the rumpled piece of paper from his pocket filled with written words and unspoken love. As she took it and tucked it away in a place reserved for precious things, my mama heart rejoiced as I saw several things to treasure on that sweet Thanksgiving evening:

  • I saw a husband and father speak words that affirmed his family.
  • I saw a son write words to make sure his sister hadn't been overlooked.
  • I saw the same son use words to point out his dad’s perceived oversight in a respectful, low key manner instead of blurting it out in front of everyone.
  • I saw a daughter use words to let her brother know that she treasured the words he had written about her.

I was reminded again of why I love words so much.

Profound.  Affirming.  Powerful.  Simple.   Words.

And to close, a few pictures worth many thousand words.

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7 Had Something To Say (Just click here!):

Love Being A Nonny said...

Sibling love is priceless.

Jessica Kramasz said...

Beautiful!

Anonymous said...

And they will always have YOUR words, on the CB site and on this blog, to remember you and your lives together by. Please make sure you print them out; make blog books periodically. I know they aren't cheap, but those books will be priceless family heirlooms.

Angela said...

Hi Becky,

It is amazing how positive words can make a family. I am a Baha'i, which is a world religion, and I have seen how children in my religion grow up with an amazing outlook. Much like your family has grown up with Christianity. Over the past three years, I have been privileged to help with Children's Classes in my community. I mean moral and spiritual classes. We have had children from all religions attend and I see how Spiritual words help transform them. It doesn't matter from which religion we read the children understand they are the same. Words are powerful, the can tear down and they can build up... thank-you for your words for they are very uplifting.

LizW said...

I'm guessing that Sarah misses Nathan very much, no matter how happy she is for him. Thanks for sharing that family moment with us again.

Sam said...

I just watched a video with your husband at the Baptism of the guys at
Dare Challenge! And I thought how awesome it is that he takes time from his schedule and do that! My brother-in-law graduated from there in 2000 and My husband graduated from Teen Challenge in GSO the same year also! It means a lot to know that there are people out there willing to help these men! God Bless you guys!

In Christ
Sandra Gleason

MaryH said...

Wonderful re-post - thank you for doing that! Also, that newly married couple are just magnificent and their kindness and recognition of everyone they meet is a blessing to this world. Keep those wedding photos coming, please.