The After

Although I have many more pictures and stories to share about our recent time with Nathan, today is Sarah’s day.

Today marks Sarah’s ninth anniversary of being a survivor of Stage IV Neuroblastoma, the cancer with one of the lowest survival rates of all pediatric cancers. I’ve posted a photo retrospective over on her site today, so be sure to stop by there to help her celebrate.

Sarah is a young lady who has gone through some truly horrific experiences in her young life. One which comes quickly to mind is the preparation process for her bone marrow transplant when she was given doses of chemo strong enough to have killed an adult. (Her doctor said that children’s bodies can handle more chemo than adults can.)

When the (miraculous, poisonous) chemo killed off her immune system, she developed horrible open sores-from her mouth all the way down through her entire digestive system. She went for several weeks without being able to take anything by mouth because the pain was so intense.

But she endured with grace.

She found a core of strength inside that frail seven year old body that surprised us all.

And she lived to become the “after” in this before and after photo.

We are so very, very thankful that our child survived, so grateful that she has been given the chance to blossom into loveliness--loveliness of face and loveliness of heart.

Happy anniversary, baby girl.

Of Endings and Beginnings

Oh dear oh dear oh dear oh dear. Those were the first words to visit my brain when I woke up this morning.

And just why was I “oh dear-ing?”

Well, mainly because I’ve just been through a crazy busy two weeks and I have innumerable crazy busy-related stories and pictures to post. However, since the last two weeks have been so (aforementionedly) crazy busy, I’m way behind on all the other areas of my life (in a major sort of crazy busy way) and so therefore I can’t spend the time I would like on blogging about all the previously mentioned crazy busyness.

Hence the oh dear-ing.

So for this morning, I will just share a few miscellaneous pictures and then post much more in the coming days. (Should the crazy busyness happen to abate.)

Here is a Monday Morning Picture Synopsis . . .

Friday we had a total of twenty people at our home for Steve’s birthday dinner.

I used the same simple chocolate cake recipe I’ve been using for the past century or two, topped by our favorite frosting. 1. two small boxes of vanilla pudding 2. mix with two cups of milk instead of four cups 3. add a small container of Cool Whip 4. stir together 5. spread on cake. 6. garnish 7. remove calories 8. eat

Here’s The Birthday Guy and Son, listening to a song on a guest’s iPod.

It might seem strange to wear name tags in one’s own house, but since we had invited several new people over from the church, we asked everyone to wear a tag stating their name and the first job they ever had. We’ve found that putting extra info on a name tag gives people who don’t know each other something to start a conversation with. (You could also ask, What was your first car? or What is the cheapest you ever remember seeing gas? etc.)

And just so you know: Nathan’s tag said, “Chick Fil A,” mine said, “Cleaned hotel rooms” and Steve’s said, “Foreign car mechanic.”

Another Activity of the Week was dance class. Since Nathan and I are slated to do a mother/groom dance at his wedding reception, we figured we’d better practice a little.

Since I am the non-danciest person you have ever seen, I’m sure my efforts to dance with my son will be the humorous highlight of the wedding.

Before going to a movie on Thursday evening, the four of us climbed Jockey’s Ridge.

I last climbed this particular mountain of sand when I was seventeen years old so it brought back some happy memories. (Note: This is NOT a picture of me as a seventeen year old. Just in case you were wondering. Which you probably weren’t. So. Never mind.)

It was a perfect evening for it; the smoke from the forest fire was blowing the other way and it was a bit cool with low humidity--perfect climbing conditions for someone whose lungs aren’t always at their best.

Of course, Steve and Nathan (being all male and macho) had to show off for the women folk and run (yes, I said run) up part of the dune. It make my whole body hurt just to watch them.

It was such a happy evening; one of those halcyon moments in life that you know you will remember forever.

I will always remember the laughter. And I will always remember the tears.

As we all stood together in that beautiful place, looking out over the sea, enjoying the last golden glints of daylight, I knew we were close to the end of a precious era of life that would never be repeated.

And as much as our whole family adores Meagan, and as excited as we are about her and Nathan’s upcoming wedding, their happy beginning represents a a bittersweet ending for the four of us. And you know what moms do when precious chapters come to an end?

Yep. We cry. Even when we’re not pretty criers. We just cry.

And then we feel better.

And we go back to enjoying the wondrous, simple moments that that make life’s journey joyful and beautiful. . .

. . . and full of precious endings. And beginnings.

Both Ends of His Journey

I dropped Nathan off at Norfolk International about three hours ago; he should be landing in Orlando in about five minutes where he will be greeted by his ecstatic (not to mention happy) fiancee. I told him that he was a blessed fella to have women who loved him on both ends of his journey.

We've had a really wonderful week with him and I am happy to say that I have taken approximately 93,000 pictures--give or take a few hundred thousand. However, at this point in my life, my immediate focus does not have to do with photos; it has to do with tucking myself into bed (very early) for a short book and a long sleep. This has been an incredibly busy and emotional week and while I have ever so much to share, I think it will all make quite a bit more sense when I am rested.

Unfortunately, the nearby forest fire that I mentioned in Friday's post is having more of an impact here than it had been; the wind has shifted and Manteo is filled with smoke. For people with COPD, that's not such a great thing. I've been hacking a lot, and using my rescue inhaler and trying to keep my activity level down so that I don't get quite so breathless.

And what better way to keep one's activity level down than to go to sleep early?

Sounds like a plan!

He Cooks! He Eats!

Wednesday night, Nathan took over the kitchen and whipped up some spaghetti for The Fam. A man who’s cute? And who also cooks? Quite a prize!

Deftly donning his Super Man Cooking Pose.

Preparing the side dishes.

Smiling. Son. Sitting.

Smiling Son Showing Off for Smith Sibling Sister

A Smith Sib Merry Moment followed; more pictures of that particular scene to come later.

We have just two days left before Nathan goes back to Florida and we’re packing in the memories. Today’s memorable activity will consist of celebrating the fact that Steve turns 54 today. (Or as he puts it, “Next year, I’ll qualify for the senior citizen’s discount at McDonalds!”)

His request for a birthday meal was (get this) a hot dog buffet. Yes, you heard it here first. We are grilling hot dogs and then will provide about fifteen different toppings to choose from so that people can make a Chicago hotdog, or a Carolina hotdog or, in my case, a plain ol’ hotdog with ketchup and onion. (I’m so adventurous.)

And may I just say right here that in all the annals of the known world, there has never been a husband any better than this man I have been blessed with. Happy birthday, favorite person!

Comments

Ann Martin said, “ Love the pictures and especially the one of the "happy couple" with many more happy ones to follow within the next few months. Glad you had a safe trip. Are the fires near you? Any affect on you or the church? Been thinking about you and praying for safety with all that's happening.”

(Before I answer her question, let me just explain to the rest of you that there has been a fire burning for several days about 10-15 miles from us. It’s burned at least 20,000 acres and is not yet fully contained. One of the women in our church is a firefighter; in fact, I saw her in the grocery store yesterday buying huge quantities of fruit for all the firefighters. We have been in contact with her during the week letting her know that we’re praying for her and her colleagues.)

Ann, we can see the billows of smoke occasionally when we’re out on the beach road but really haven’t smelled much smoke at all. I guess it’s all blowing the other way since I’ve heard that people are smelling the smoke as far away as Raleigh.

Catherine said, “Congratulations Smithies! I know it was a great trip, great accomplishment. How fast it has gone by. Where will Nathan be working on his Master's? Any colleges in your area? Have a friend whose daughter is at a college on the Outer Banks. Will he be living with in laws or you after marriage? Do he and Megan have jobs lined up? We have 2 former College Dudes who are now Working Stiffs but it took a while to get them there. So much to do, so much excitement here. And, I swear, Megan look more and more like you, Becky, each time I see her pictures. You must go to the same hair dressers!”

1. Nathan’s not sure where he’ll be working on his Master’s; he only knows for sure that he’ll have to do it part-time so that he can work full time. The next couple years are going to be busy ones for him!

2. Yes, there are a number of great colleges near here but since the majority of Nathan and Meagan’s lives as a couple is Florida-based, it makes the most sense for them to look at the options there.

3. At this point, he and Meagan plan on staying with her sister and brother-in-law for a short while after they get married; thankfully, John and Joy have a large house! (Not to mention a cute baby.)

4. Nathan will continue working on Chick Fil A for a while (he just got a promotion) but is keeping his eyes open for other opportunities. Meagan will be looking for a job in her field of elementary education; however, during the summer (and during all the wedding planning) she is being nanny to two babies—one of which is her darling nephew.

Lisa Burt said, “Hello and congratulations. What subject did Nathan graduate in and what does he hope to do as a career. What an exciting time for you all. Love and prayers.”

Lisa, Nathan’s degree is a Bachelor of Science in Human Services. He’s still considering a couple options for a career but knows that he wants it to be involved in some way with helping/leading people.

In closing, I have enjoyed hearing from so many of you who have mentioned you have a child graduating or getting married this year; it’s so much fun to go through these experiences, not only as the Smith family but also as a part of a larger family.

One of the few things in life that can always be counted on is that new seasons and transitions are always right around any given corner. And how much richer it is to share those special seasons with others.

A Florida Stroll

I am very ashamed (and also sorry) (and also appalled) to admit that I have not taken even one photo since Nathan has been home.

Why? I really don’t know. I think I’m just too busy drinking it all in to even think about picking up the camera.

I do promise, however, that I will get a copious quantity of photos snapped before he flies away on Sunday night. (sniff)

We have been having such a lovely time this week, with lots of laughter and memories shared amidst the fun of conversation and just plain hanging out. I must admit though, that I can’t often think about the fact that this is his last week at home because whenever I do, I immediately tear up. Better to put that knowledge on a back shelf of my heart and just focus fully on the fact that we have these final precious days together.

Even though I have fallen down on the job of taking pictures here at home, I do have a few from Florida to share.

As you can probably imagine, our visit there was packed pretty full. Of course, the main focus was Nathan’s graduation party and his graduation ceremony--all 3 1/2 hours of it. In addition, Sarah and I went with Meagan and her mom, Sheri, so that Sarah could try on her her bridesmaid dress. We also went with Nathan and Meagan to choose tuxes for all the men in the wedding party, and to look at Nathan’s wedding ring. We took a trip to the Actual Famous Gazebo where Nathan proposed and then the five us of took Saturday evening and went to downtown Disney—I will post pictures from those fun events later. Oh yeah, and we also toured the lovely church where they will be married.

One of the most enjoyable parts of the visit for me was getting to take a stroll through Nathan’s old campus.

It is such a beautiful place and I was sharing the stroll with some of my favorite people in the whole world.

I was one happy woman.

The stroll through the campus had just a bit of a melancholy tinge for me though, because this young lady has put Southeastern on her list of Colleges to Strongly Consider.

As I watched her walk around and look at her surroundings through the eyes of a possible future student, I imagined all the emotions that I will feel when she follows her brother and flies from the nest. And then I got all teary eyed over that, as well.

Note to self: Do. Not. Think.

Even though Nathan had moved out of his dorm a few days earlier, his key still worked so he gave us a tour of his old digs.

A few minutes later, as we were walking through a building housing classrooms, Nathan and Meagan went into one of their funny routines that makes no sense to anyone but them. I must say that they are a very entertaining couple.

And very cute, too.

Hard to believe it was just four years ago that Nathan arrived at Southeastern.

And now he’s done. Gone. Left.

He’s off to chase new horizons and follow new dreams.

And we couldn’t be more proud.

Big Day. Big Trip.

We are home!

After driving a total of 1800 miles (capped off by a 13-hour trip home yesterday), we pulled into our driveway in Manteo last night and just sighed a long, happy sigh. Safe trip, (former) College Dude in tow, many happy memories—what more could we ask?

Since I have to leave for work in just a minute and don’t have time for a longer post, I’ll just share a few pictures of Nathan’s graduation. (And for those of you who have asked, he got his Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services and is wanting to go into some field of helping people although he’s not sure yet which direction that will take him. He plans to start on his Master’s degree within the next few months.)

This was taken from a very long distance in a huge auditorium so it’s not real clear but it gives you a little peek at his big moment. (And may I just say that while you look at this photo you also need to imagine a whole row of friends and family screaming, cheering, clapping, hooting and hollering at ear-splitting levels. In fact, when we finally sat back down, Sarah leaned over and said, “I don’t think I’ve yelled that loud in my whole life!”)

Celebrating with his best gal. . .

. . . and his other best gal.

My favorite men.

So proud!

A few more shots . . .