Monday, June 8, 2009

Effortlessly .....






I appear,appear being the operative word,to be picking up the pieces and reclaiming our lives, with such ease that it scares me a bit.Everyone who knows me, knows that feeling comfortable and capable usually sets me up for ... something.What?Who knows.But each and every other time we have passed through a dark time with Zoey,I rally back only to be blindsided.That light at the end of the tunnel was really a train and there I am wondering what the heck just hit me.As for people,many well meaning, very loving people, who say,"What else could there be?You have had your share,Zoey has had her share" ... to that I say ... SHHHH!!DO NOT SAY THAT...EVER.Life does not work that way.God does not work that way We do not get our allotted portions and suddenly the powers that be say,your done.Unfortunately I have seen too much that blows that theory right out of the water.Actually,Miss Zoey blows that theory right out of the water.Instead of dwelling on the possibilities,the what if's,we intend to live the possibilities.We are a family brimming with possibilities and God has seen fit to bless us with the opportunity to do just that.Live the possible.I am not saying that I might not need some good old pharmaceuticals to bring those possibilities to fruition but we are surely living,fully and completely, here in the Needham household.Our busy household doesn't leave much time for anything else but aren't we so lucky to be living.Cherishing our moments.Planning and for the first time in 7 months ... doing.Sunday Mark,Zoey,the boys and I went to the park.No mask for the little love.Just the beautiful sunshine on her unobstructed face.A little family at the park,seemingly regular from outward appearances but I wanted to shout "Hey everybody ... you know,my little miracle here hasn't been outside for 7months."That is huge.Hugely fortunate that is and there is not a day that goes by that I do not get that.My mission is to see to it that everyone "gets it".Not that they have to experience things so heavily and so helplessly as we have but instead, through Zoey and our journey alongside her,that we teach about living and not FEARING.Again SOUNDS good and this is where the pharmaceuticals may kick in but,for today, this is where my head and heart are.Zoey is doing SO good.Mischievous and attitude filled and I am loving it.She is arching her back when I am putting her in the carseat after being outside.She is grunting and growling at me when I am going upstairs to put her to bed.She is pushing me away when she WANTS me away and she is rolling all over the house finding things to get into.She is happy and smiley and she is looking and feeling better than I have seen her look in a long time.The week is busy.Last week of school.High School graduation for Taylor.Fundraising begins,right here,on this blog,for my marathon and oh yeah,I need to squeeze in my running 4 times a week somewhere as well.That just scratches the surface of life around here.But at least we are home.Only for 6 days so far but funny,that 7 months of living the way we lived.Surviving the way we did.Watching Zoey endure what she needed to endure.That difficult time is already fading but my gratefulness and appreciation for all that had to happen to get here,is crystal clear.Well,time to wind this up.Could go on and on but I have baking for preschool teachers to finish up.Maybe bed will come by midnight.See,some things never change.

26 comments:

Victoria Strong said...

Beautiful little sweetness! I love seeing her play, play, play and then pooped!

Junior said...

Lovely pictures of Zoey, you can tell she is feeling better.
Heather you have such a gift for writing, beautiful post

Kele said...

What appears 'effortless' is Zoey's ability to get around and into everything, I love it!! But the last pic is my favorite, priceless!
Happy to hear your home baking cookies, not so happy to hear your still getting in bed at midnight, jeez woman, I get tired just reading about your late nights!

Stephanie said...

Oh, you are going to have the sweetest summer.We are all so happy for you, ALL of you in the park, that must have been incredible. Love the picture of a happy, tired out from playing, Zoey, That's the best!

Danyele Easterhaus said...

a nice maskless face outside just enjoying sounds perfect!!! and i love seeing her getting into everything! she's precious.

blogzilly said...

You have a great gift for analogy. And a lot of insight and strength. Just tossing that out there. :)

Anonymous said...

I love this post! I love that Zoey is getting into things and being 2! I am thrilled you went to the park. The world needs to enjoy these simple pleasures.It's just easier said than done too many times. Hopefully we can talk soon. Lisa

Lacey said...

Its our last week of school here and things are crazy as well.
I hear you, never say what else could there be, there is always something, we've seen that first hand. I'm sure she's loving the freedom, the park. I think its time for us to come back and have that BBQ. Ray never passes up an opportunity to grill,never.

Unknown said...

Oh I know that feeling...taking your princess 'out' for the first time in months...the joy, the fear, the desire to yell out your story...that this is your first adventure, a first of so many. It was a feeling of mixted emotions having Preslie out in public for the 1st time in 8 months...what joy, what splendor to be out, feeling that warmth on your face, feeling the joy of everyone being there, feeling complete. Please let me know what I might do to help with your marathon! Hope you had sweet dreams my friend and hope today is even better then your dreams! xo

datri said...

I love the pics of Zoey, esp the last one!

It's funny, people seem to think that there is some set amount of "crap" in the world which is evenly distributed (NOT!) or worse, if someone else gets "crap" then that lessens their chances of getting "crap" (NOT!).

Good luck with the running! I've just started and then got set back by a moderate case of plantar fasciitis. Must.Remember.To.Stretch.

Unknown said...

Oh she is so darn cute! I'm so happy she is home and happy and able to get outside for the first time in a long time. Yay Zoey!!

Maureen said...

The pharmaceuticals are a good thing :)

I have had something for your family since BEFORE CHRISTMAS! Is there a good time I can drop it by?

Anonymous said...

Yes, I SEE the ATTITUDE in Zoey. ......and I LOVE IT!!! you go attitude girl!

Wonderful the Needhams spent the day at the park. Such good news to hear. Know there is lots on your plate this week Heather, but then, isn't a very full plate normal for the household? I think so, with 5 children aged 22 to 2. A high school graduation, a new baby soon, college gradution and all the various "things' with the boys and of course Miss Zoey. Makes me want to take a nap just thinking about it!! Of course, I am years (no decades) older! Did I actually write that about the age difference, oh well.
It is what it is!

Zoey looks great, you sound great (don't care if it's the 'special meds) It's working and that is AWESOME.....

Love & hugs to everyone

Aunt Bluebelle

Heather said...

Mo ... left you a comment on your, as usual,funny blog.And Bluebelle,we love and miss you and thank you for all your support and loving comments and by the way ... 5 children??Did I lose one along the way?Could happen ... life is that crazy around here!!!!

Rachel Dominguez said...

What a perfect post! You are an amazing family with one amazing and beatiful little fighter!

I am so glad you are home and enjoying the life! You all deserve it so much. I am so glad that Zoey is doing so well and being a normal little girl getting into things and enjoying life.
What a miracle that OUR GOD has provided, again!!!

Have a great time with your kids, and soon to be grandbaby and enjoy this summer!!!

My heart and Prayers are with you always!

Rachel (lees summit, mo)
lovefor9.blogspot.com
luvfor9@gmail.com

Reagan Leigh said...

So that's how she was sleeping sitting up! Too funny! All this exploring her new home surroundings is really wearing her out!

Anonymous said...

oops! See what I mean! Must be the age thing..can't even count properly - 6, yes 6 wonderful little Needhams.

Time for my nap (he he)


Bluebelle

Cheri said...

I love her little "sassiness"!!! :)

Shelly Turpin said...

I am so grateful that y'all are living - just living. How wonderful!

Scrappy quilter said...

What sweet pictures....I love how she is putting the paper in the cupboard. She looks so good. It was so good to read you were all out to the park...God is awesome!!

Denise said...

It's all been said above but I just have to say how happy it makes me to see Zoey getting into things!!! It brings absolute joy to my heart!! Love and miss you guys.

Anonymous said...

You can see the mischief and attitude via the adorable pictures. What a doll, what a love. Reading your post reminds me about living one day at a time, thank you. Sounds like a thriving household and I can't wait to see all of you. It seems like ages, yet not really. Love and prayers to all. Let's all make the effort to stay in the moment as you are. xo Christi Harman

Anonymous said...

Great post... I love your spirit!

Peter Olson said...

Thank you for your post.
I pray that your burden becomes easy and that you get well rested when you finally put your heads on the pillows.

Anna said...

Just brings tears to my eyes Heather. THe pictures capture it all..... I wish you didnt have to have gone through it all to get to this point. But whatever He is doing in and through your family ...

Olivia said...

cutest zoey ever!