Wednesday, January 21, 2009

A web - perhaps somewhat like Charolette's

How can I explain the events of the last couple of days? I probably can't, at least not well. My first thought was to describe my life as a web, a tangled up mess, but if you look closer, you may see some wonderful pattern, or beauty like in Charolette's Web.
Monday, in the wee small hours of the morning, Ben departed for a week long TDY (tour of duty) in California. I can't complain much, because it is only a week, but I certainly would have liked to go with him! Before he left I reminded him that, although I didn't want to seem pessimistic, something always goes wrong when he is away. Sure enough Monday evening Grace bit a piece of cork off of a toy and it lodged in her throat. I tried not to react or panic because I saw she could still breathe, however she was wincing and crying, gagging and drooling terribly. I called the Air Force nurse line, which called me back 45 MINUTES LATER, then told me to take her to the ER. So here I am in freezing North Dakota with 6 little kids and no husband available. The web feels tangled but this is where if I look closely I see a beautiful design. A friend had just stopped in to deliver something, and he offered to stay with the boys while I took Grace to the hospital. (His daughter just happened to trip and cut herself so badly he had the ambulance come check on her while I was gone. Crazy! But she is okay.) After a lengthy stay at the ER, Grace having worked that cork farther down and feeling happy and cheering up everyone else at the ER, we were told that they couldn't do an xray to see if it went in her lungs because wood doesn't show up. So, after much ado, they listened and made sure she was breathing well and sent us home. Thankfully Grace seems just fine. So, I went to the van to get home, but lo and behold, my van is stuck in the hospital parking lot! A man comes out soon after and has a truck. I asked him if he had a tow rope or anything to help. He replied in the negative and then left! After several more attempts to get out on my own, including digging and kicking snow away from my tires, I gave up and climbed back in the van and said a prayer. Again, beauty. Three large men happened to walk out. I asked for help and they hoisted up my huge van and freed me. I got home safely, although I did get stuck in my driveway halfway up. But I still got home safely. Things were a bit crazy and I can honestly say I laughed at all the misfortunes. But amidst it all I knew that "God was in the very details" of my life, as Neal A. Maxwell would say. A friend came at just the right time. A prayer was answered immediately. I think among all trials we can see a beautiful pattern if we are willing to look more closely at what we think may be a tangled web. A loving Heavenly Father lets me have further developmental experiences to learn and grow from, but He never leaves me alone. I miss my husband, who is my best friend and the most handsome man alive (sorry to the rest of you, but it's true), but I at least I know that however long he is gone, I can have peace knowing that I am watched over. I am a lucky Wilbur with a Charlotte's Web.

7 comments:

Hale House said...

Wow!! That is quite the experience!! You are so positive about everything!! That is what I love about you!! What is Ben doing in Cali?

Sharlee said...

Oh, thank you for that reminder. I am not good at seeing the pattern until AFTER--a long time after sometimes--the craziness. You are a good example. What a strong lady you are!

T-licious D-zire and C-hillins said...

I'm with Sharlee...it takes me too long to see my web. So help me see it sooner....what did I get out of pushing my laudry baskets around on my knees and sweeping the floor while moving a chair along side me so I wouldn't fall over while my poor left leg cramped up? I'm such a whinney butt. This "brake" is seriously the last straw on my back......oh so heavy! Ok yeah it's obvious I can't see my web. But I love that you can see yours and I love how beautiful you are!

Alison said...

I think I would have been complaining and cursing the whole time! You are very positive. I am so glad you had help. I was imagining you in the E.R. with all your kids in the freezing cold and I was thinking Oh I really hope she did not have to do that, so I was glad to hear that your friend showed up! I hope your hubby gets home quick and safe and that you do not have any more trials while he is gone!!!! Take Care!!

Kelli said...

You are so amazing! Such an inspiration! I am glad Grace is ok!

The Schooley's said...

I am so glad Grace is ok & that you are smiling through the web. Thank you for your reminder. YOu are amazing!! Miss you

Anonymous said...

OMG KRISTIN! I am just now realizing you have a blog, and laboriously poring over all of your entries, pictures, and more. I can't BELIEVE this happened! It is almost comical, but I would have been a big, blubbering mess, bemoaning my misfortunes and loneliness, despairing about the rest of the week that loomed ahead! You are a truly amazing, incredible woman--your patriarchal blessing must have simply stated, "you have the gift of endless patience, endurance, and love." Please tell me you'll call me if anything like this ever happens again!