Friday, March 12, 2010

Favorite {Photo} Friday--Lightness

{Photo taken in Northern Italy, about a mile from our house.}

Whoa.

I'm still overwhelmed by the amazing--and I mean amazing--response to my last post.

After I posted it, Jason whisked me off to dinner. Out of the house, away from the computer, so I couldn't sit here and obsessively check for comments. Talking about other things, eating spicy Thai food and drinking amazing wine, so that I was too distracted and enjoying myself too much to wonder if anyone was commenting, what they were saying.

I shouldn't have worried. :)

(But the dinner was nice.) :)

The most amazing thing to me is how everyone keeps telling me how strong I was/am to write it down, put it out there. And the whole reason I wrote it is because I felt so weak that I couldn't go on anymore carrying the burden alone! So that was a very real gift that I received, the chance to see myself through other peoples' eyes for a moment. Very real and very unexpected and so very, very needed. Thank you.

The second most amazing thing is all the personal e-mails I've received. Women who have gone through this. Who are going though this. Who never told anyone how long it took them to get their baby, and how painful and expensive it was. Who swore me to secrecy because people still don't know. Who thanked me for putting what is in their heads and in their hearts into words.

Wow. Amazing.

I feel incredibly honored that people have shared with me, and I'm overwhelmed by people who've thanked me. I want to say, "You're thanking me? No no no, you have that backwards, I'm thanking you!"

I've been so overwhelmed, actually, that I'm still processing it all; I haven't responded to everyone's e-mails, I haven't called everyone back. I will try.

But it's hard to want to sit in front of the computer or talk on the phone, because finally, finally, finally... I actually feel like getting up off the couch. And doing stuff. Cleaning. Tackling my To Do list. Running errands, which I did all morning with Jason.

Today I actually, out of the blue, thought of a new jewelry design.

After three months of barely touching my workstation, this is a major victory; I'd actually even considered closing my Etsy shop altogether.

I feel lighter. I feel free-er. :) I feel like a normal person again, a person approximating myself.

And you all gave--are giving!--me this. Lightness.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

16 comments:

Erin said...

I would punch you if you closed your Etsy shop. The End.

Tammy_Skipper said...

seriously, a revolt would occur. In fact, I keep hoping you'll be inspired to do a new design every day for a month, or a week at least ;)

Aimee said...

lightness always comes when you open your heart and let yourself be vulnerable. what a wonderful and gracious human being you are.

Katie @ makingthishome.com said...

Aimee's response is so much of exactly how I feel. Jason is an awesome husband - he knows just when to distract you from yourself!
Katie

Becca Juhasz said...

I've really enjoyed reading your posts! Both on here and on Facebook. So one more... THANK YOU!

Traci said...

I wondered over here from Plays With Mud and because I also am into photography, so your "favorite Friday photo" title caught my eye...I'm so glad I came.
I've walked in your shoes and even though I don't know you, I will be praying for you.
Hugs to you.
P.S. Love your new piece "three little birds"!!

Love said...

just thinking of/praying for you!!

Unknown said...

Hi Cameron,
Just wondering if you're okay since you haven't posted in awhile. I've been thinking about you. Got a compliment on my 3 birds necklace yesterday. A woman said "Tell me about your necklace" instead of just "I like it" which is so intriguing to me. Long story short - there I was in tears at Macys. Anyway, thinking of you.
Carri

Kerri said...

beautiful picture-

and i'm glad you got such a big response to your very open and honest blog post- it WAS very brave of you to share that, and it looks as tho many people felt connected to you...

:)

Unknown said...

This picture is just gorgeous!! Wow. I guess I should go and read the post as I am not sure what you are referring to.

paige said...

Your Etsy shop is FABULOUS! Don't close it:). Hang in there~Paige

PS~It was the easiest "Bedazzle" job ever ... Plaid makes a line of iron-on bling! Super easy! All I did was iron it on. I am intrigued by Silhouette. I don't really scrapbook very often, so I haven't really looked into it. Now I think I must!!! Please share what you make:)

L. A. Howard said...

Hey. I'm here from Stuff Christians Like. Just wanted to let you know that -none- of us, Jon Acuff included, take the whole scooting thing seriously. Like someone said, usually the only -truly- serious posts are on Wednesdays, but most of the rest of them are intended as light-hearted, laugh-at-ourselves peeks into the average Christian life.

Hope to see you around SCL again! ^_^

~Lady Tam~

jacqueline said...

It's good to feel lighter and free. :) Oh and how wonderful to know this has inspired you with new jewelry design!! Your work is truely beautiful and i just have to heart it. :) Loove to you!

Anonymous said...

Just came across this blog. Want to say that from what I read, you and your husband are awesome! Have a Merry Christmas and know that you are in many people's thoughts and prayers.

Unknown said...

I love this picture. It is just beautiful. wow.

Unknown said...

Every time I see that picture I smile. LOVE it!