How does WHAT feel?
Are we talking about graduating a second son with his degree and everything that accompanies this season of completion and launching? Are we talking about what it feels like to look at him and contemplate the man he has become? Or are we talking about the suspended time and reality of being in the States for a couple of months instead of being in East Africa? Might we talking about trying to figure out how to celebrate life in the midst of painful realities when my little niece gets pregnant, then married, then has a baby at just barely 17? Are we talking about having a total hysterectomy (ovaries, tubes, uterus and all) when I wasn't expecting one? Perhaps we're talking about that I'm still getting frequent notes from readers about "my little book"? Or are we simply talking about me being home sick for my dusty ramshackle town and the friends I share life with there?
These things have all been happening on top of each other in the last couple of weeks so it's all a jumble to me.
I will say this about surgery... I'm thankful. I've received incredible care and expertise. My doctors and nurses were tender and smart and good. Always the joker, God gave me a West African doctor who spoke with humor and wisdom and called me Sleeping Beauty when he stopped by my hospital bed. While we have to wait 2 weeks for the lab report, he didn't feel anything looked more ominous that benign fibroids and cysts. I can't say I like the waiting, but I trust the gentle God who thought it was funny to take me out of Africa to be treated by an African elder.
Do I feel weird about missing some significant parts of me? No. I'm extremely pleased with the work we did together. Together with God and with Byron, my bits and I made four amazing people and I'm now well retired from all of that. African through and through, Dr. Ajilore asked if I was certain I was done having children. I'm 48 but, hey, thanks for thinking to ask.
Recovery is Madeleine L'Engle to the fragrance of lavender and roses. It's Egyptian Licorice tea and "Say Yes to the Dress" with Heather. It's trying desperately not to laugh when my mom's stories are shaking my sore abdomen with giggles. It's a warm duvet and time to ponder.
And as for graduation, I'm still kind of speechless. This I can say: Trevor Byron Borden, I am astonished by who you are.
Yes, that's how it feels.
(Photo credit: Jasmine Guerrero)
4 comments:
Feelings are funny things, aren't they. Glad you're recovering well. Trevor, congratulations! My limited memory only holds teeny tiny toddler Trevor, but I'm certain that God has brought you far. Well done! Your family is in my prayers often.
This all just brings tears to my eyes! Feeling a little bit like I'm in my own time warp myself. Ironic that I just asked you how you were feeling in the other fb note!
Love you.
<3
Life can be sweet in so many different ways! Congrats and love to all.
Nothing like surgery to stir everything up - I am so pleased that you are recuperating well. My thoughts and prayers continue to be with you, and I look forward to your future posts.
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