Empty House, Full Heart
They're gone. The last of our guests, our new family, left this morning and I am beside myself with sadness.
These women, these children, have imprinted on my life in a way I had not expected. And as each family departed, they ripped a piece of my heart from my chest and took it with them.
I knew we'd have fun. I think that was a given. How can you put 8 women and 9 children in 1 house and not have fun? But something else happened here in the last week. We made connections - with each other and with the children; connections that will last a lifetime. I'm sure of it.
I am in awe of these women. In the face of chaos and meltdowns and exhaustion, they found strength and sanity. They managed to hold it together for so many days, through so many things that would test the patience of a saint. And they did it with smiles that lit the night sky.
I saw in these women's relationships with each other what we all hope for in our own...respect and sincerity, friendship and warmth, love and compassion. And in their interactions with their children I saw amazing things...tender, caring moms who kiss scraped knees and who soothed hurt feelings. Moms who disciplined tenderly in defense of another child, with warmth and understanding, knowing just how difficult it is to be 3 or 4 years old. I saw women who, without hesitation, grabbed another's child and wiped away tears and changed dirty diapers and rocked babies to sleep. I saw women who are the examples of what we ought to strive to be in our finest hours. I saw women who I felt proud and blessed to call my friends, my family. They are my kindred spirits.
It's difficult to describe the feelings these days together have born. I am so in love with these women, as if they were my sisters, and with these children, as if they were my own.
I leave you with with some of my favorite pix, though there are so many.
And here's a montage of the entire week. My heart smiles and breaks every time I look at it.
15 comments:
You my friend put it down PERFECTLY ! I've been writting in my head what I've wanted to say over and over...and I think I will just direct people here. You said it the best.
LOVE the pictures. You put the booh-bah on there :)
OK, look at the picture of the birth moms.....That is going to be our girls in 30-schmmnna years.
Oh and our wives. I LOVE that picture of them. almost more than the one of the kids :) (I said almost)
Miss and love you all.
(Is it next year yet??)
*wiping my tears off* I need towel to clean myself out. Mikaela said whats matter? haha
Love how you post. Its all true! Love those pictures!
Do we have to wait - next year - it seems so long... but we will get together again real soon ;o)
Miss and love you all!
Thanks..
I'm at a loss for words.
Beautiful!
I am so jealous of the new family you guys have found and created. You all seem like such loving and wonderful people. And your children are adorable!
Ok E you made me cry. Amazing is right.
BTW- Great story! I knew how emotional the week made K- I am so glad you all can get together and allow your children to know their siblings. That really is a great and wonderful thing!
OMG! So beautiful.. You couldn't have picked a better song to go with those pictures.. LOVE IT!
What an amazing story..
kj and the kids sent me here. wow, sounds like such an amazing visit, and you described, and illustrated it, so eloquently.
E - Again, tears of joy. Your written expressions of love are so vivid and endearing, you are truly talented. Thank you for sharing your wonderful moments and pics of all the children. The video was fantastic!
Such beautiful and loving words to tell about the family visit and the pics are arranged so artistically. Beautiful pictures!!
Beautiful Family!!
I have been following all of your blogs - what beautiful families you all have! So cool. I have a question that has been eating at me for a while, though - how did you all find one another? Donor sibling registry?
What a great story - thanks for sharing it. The pictures are great.
What a wonderful post! What an amazing time!
It sounds like you all clicked so perfectly and all of these children couldn't be more blessed!!!!
It's just wonderful.
Did I say that already?
Wow, I believe that is one of the most beautiful groups of children, and mommies I have ever seen. Thanks for sharing!! I must go and get a tissue now!!
Wow, that's really amazing. What a great experience for everyone!
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