An attempt to declare the Glory of God for what He has chosen to do with our lives. A legacy to leave to my children in the telling of it.

Sunday, January 8, 2012

Ice Skating

Ice skating ~ it's one of the highlights of a Wisconsin winter. And 40 degree January days only make ice skating sweeter. The kids dug through the bin of garage-sale skates that we have had for years and years and claimed a fitting pair to own for the season. Rob checked and gave the "okay" for the ice safety, and off they went~ twirling and swirling, whooping and chasing.

I joined them today to take the obligatory 200 pictures of every newly created memory that none of us will ever want to forget. The "martha" that I am, I also picked up the shovel and helped clear the snow off the ice. And I cheered everybody on, and I watched the greatest ice-skating tricks that I've seen since last winter, and laughed and hugged and smiled and enjoyed my kiddos.

And missed Trent. And thought of last year. And tried to live now.

Life is tainted when a child dies. No matter what you do, it's always with you. The pain sneaks in along with the memories; the hope of heaven sneaks in, too. There is no more contentment with today, but always looking back or looking forward. Maybe because the today is too painful. Or maybe the pain goes away eventually: but then do the memories go away, too? How can a mother want to enjoy the rest of her life without her child? I don't know . . . just rambling; thinking out loud; working my way through this process.

And then I watched Micah slide down the dock, thought "what a crazy, wild kid!" And then I asked him for a turn on the sled and went down the dock myself, off the jump, and slid all the way across the pond into the cat-tails ~ screaming for joy all the way ~ because life is short and I'm still here.
Oh, yes I did!

6 comments:

Anne said...

Yep, I think we can all agree....you are the world's greatest, most fun mom! And your children are SO blessed to have you!

Love ya,
Anne

OurCrazyFarm said...

I'll see if I can talk Micah into borrowing you the sled if you guys come over, Anne, and then we can share the title:))

I'll even make sure to charge the camera batteries first!!!

"The louder you scream, the funner it is."

Love you too, Terri

Dicky Bird said...

Looks like you all had fun! Here is another "Only in Wisconsin..., Only in Wisconsin, can you ice skate in January outside with a tshirt on.... We must just be a "toughter breed" up here.
I actually saw a guy at the gas station wearing shorts and a light coat filling his tank....only in Wisconsin. Blessings from Ringle.

Ardith said...

Love your pics and how they show the fun! I read this and thought of you and wanted to share it:
"Perhaps they are not stars in the sky, but rather openings where our loved ones shine down to let us know they are happy!" Hang in there, you are doing a great job!
Love you,
(Teri) Ardith

TheLazyJ said...

Ya know, you can say anything you want to, on your blog, and most people will believe you. Your sister, however, wants proof, pictures of you flying down that dock!!!

Looks like a blast! Are you still moving the day after??? lol!

OurCrazyFarm said...

Would you believe, dear sister . . . probably not, but it's worth a try . . . that just as it was my turn the memory card was full on the camera???

I'll see if Micah will borrow you the sled, too . . . and I'll take pictures:))