Today Hillary and the girls came for a visit. We didn't do anything outstanding, just visited and I fixed them "Toad in the hole" for dinner. I know, a horrible name and a breakfast food to boot. I loved having them here. They are mine and I am theirs.
When they left I thought, There goes my life. Then I thought, Phil and the other kids and grandkids are my life, too. And then I thought Heavenly father and Jesus are my life too, they were my life first. They are the reason I'm here, with this family that I love so much. They make it all possible.
Standing there in the doorway, waving to them I had the distinct impression--almost words in my mind from Heavenly Father: "Without every one of you my family will be incomplete." It was so strong, this impression, that I told Phil about it. And then I told Hillary, when she called to say she was home. I don't know if either of them understood the significance of what I heard. It IS significant. Each is valuable, wanted and all will be wrong if even one doesn't make it back.
Before my last child was born--she was a late arrival--I was 42--I had no idea she was coming and yet, sometimes, when setting the table I took one too many plates and had to put one back. This happened so often that I deliberately tried to take just the right number but often, there it was, an extra plate. I knew, somehow that the family wasn't complete yet. And now it is. My earthly family.
Take of it what you will. I think "my" thoughts earlier were right. Without every single one of us, there will be a hole in our Heavenly eternal family. And incompleteness. Empty chairs.
Let's have no empty chairs.
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12 comments:
Exquisite piece here dear Lynne, WOW...inspired, I am :)
A POWERFUL AND VERY TRUE POST! I FEEL THAT WAY TOO. I TOO KNEW THERE WAS ONE MORE, SHE WAS IN THE ROOM WHEN HER OLDER SISTER WAS BORN..I KNEW. AND SHE IS SUCH A BLESSING TO OUR FAMILY. COME SAY HI :D
Interesting about your extra plates -- I did the same thing before we knew that Gayle would be joining our family.
This is a great message, Lynne. Let us work hard to have "no empty chairs".
Oh this is sweet and beautiful.
I had my last child at age 40. Just got some pictures together for my kids' family history books, and somehow just realized that my grandmother had the last of her ELEVEN children when she was 53!!eek.
at any rate, our kids came over yesterday for '2nd Christmas'- our get together on the year when the married kids go to their in-laws for Christmas (and school break) . By the end of the day, I was exhausted, but so happy. those kids are the best.
What a great post, my dear----I haven't been around very much lately----my life is ever so busy---and reading blogs is what I have to set aside sometimes....
Miss reading your amazing words!
What a great writer you are! This was just beautiful....
Beautifully said. I'll think of that every time I set the table.
lovely thoughts.
I always find myself wondering if the other baby is awake, then I realize we're all in the same room.
Great post as always. I love you, Lynne.
Lynne, That was beautiful and soulful and I love it. It sums up my thoughts on family - it's everything. When I was little we used to go out "visiting" extended family members. It was our family tradition and I loved it because it meant that I got to play with everyone's dogs and cats for the day outside - where the children were sent while the adults had coffee inside in the "sitting" room. Families - heaven sent. xo Julie
First, I am your favorite still, even if we have to keep all the rest of the bunch, right?
Second, Your garage is FULL of empty chairs. I would like to know just who is expected to birth all those extra bums to fill those chairs?
That's all, the end
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