Friday, June 6, 2008

Unspeakable Joy

A close friend from France wrote this...he and his wife were two of the first to learn of Tricia's pregnancy in September.

Unspeakable joy
A lifetime of pain and joy
In 10 months.
Waiting, knowing, not knowing
Wondering, "How far?" "How long?"
Walking by death's door
Life ebbing, so another can live
So your other can live.
Giving yourself away.
Never loosening your hold
On all that is true and dear.
Agonizing breaths
Life could not be denied.
Breaking through.
Unspeakable joy.
Then rest
Gaining strength
To walk by death's door again.
Another walked through
And this time you received
Unspeakable joy.
I can say the months
September, October
November, December
January, February
March, April
May, June
A lifetime of pain and joy compressed into 10 months
I can see the phases
The surprise
The slow build up
The vise tightens
The crisis
Relief
The crisis
Relief
The denouement
Each phase navigated with divine grace
I see the emotions
Joy
Uncertainty
Fear
Pain
Pain
Pain
Joy
Anxiety
Pain
Pain
Joy
Joy
Joy
Unspeakable joy

Nate

28 comments:

Toria said...

That is truly beautiful, and sums it all up SO well. Your friend is very talented.

SO glad you guys are home. I know you all know the drill by now, but be kind to yourselves and give yourself time and the space to adjust to being home, though it's fantastic and exciting, it can also be scary and overwhelming.

I will be thinking of you all...ENJOY!!!!!!!!!!!

Scott said...

Wow, very nice!

Angela R. said...

That is beautiful. He pretty much said it all. But so happy it ended in Joy!

God Bless!!
-Angela

Shannon said...

Wow, I can't believe you guys are home!!!

Becky in VA said...

Well said!

Love to all.

the Percifuls said...

Thank you for sharing this beautiful poem with us!

Tricia said...

Wow, he said what none of the rest of us are able to. Amazing.
Tricia :)

elizabeth engelhardt creations said...

That is really beautiful. Glad your home with family and away from the the hospital. Blessings.

Mrs. Dan said...

Beautiful!!!!!

Rick Lawrenson said...

He had me until "denouement". Now I have to find a dictionary.

Good job MG!

Chelle' said...

To God be the Glory!

Lee said...

WOW that is truly beautiful..

Blessings From Above said...

Wow, that is so beautiful!

A lifetime of pain and joy in 10 months. I love that line. You really have been from one end of the spectrum to the other. And every step of the way, God was cradling you in the palm of His hand.

Emily said...

Well said

Meagan said...

Hey Nate,

Just thought I'd share a little of my story with you! If you have time, feel free to read it! :)

http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008806010431

Momof2bz said...

It's beautiful to know that someone loves you that much to put it in such words. That is the perfect beginning for Gwyneth's story. Thank you for sharing!

Anonymous said...

An absolutely beautiful poem! Thank you so much for sharing your "unspeakable joy".

Sheryl said...

Wow, that is beautiful. Something I'm sure you'll always treasure.

Christy said...

Absolutely perfect!

CulyQFun said...

Beautifully written!!!

Joy H said...

Amazing! such a perfect dedication.

Violet said...

beautiful

Juliet said...

my daddy wrote this poem :)

Jen in Al said...

Beautiful! tears flowing... jen in al

Beverly said...

That is so beautiful!

Lisa_in_AR said...

Chills! That is beautiful!

Leslie said...

My brother-in-law and sister-in-law live in France and their Pastor is one of you close friends. I'm assuming the one that probably wrote that beautiful poem. My sister-in-law (Jenny) said your friend preached a sermon right after Gwyneth was born and shared about your family. Since our little girl has CF it was pretty powerful to Jenny. She then emailed me about your blog right away. I have been following since Gwyneth was first born. I know I've mentioned this before in other post, but I want to thank you again for sharing your story with so many strangers. I know God has definitely used your family and situations to glorify Him, which is so awesome! Thanks again!!

Amy Lynn said...

That was beautiful and I am also VERY glad it ended in JOY!!! :)

Blessings!
Amy in ORegon