Northbynorthwoodz: Showering With Strangers

Things really aren't as radical as they appear. Sorry if that disappoints. And if it does, just maybe some self evaluation might be in order.

We arrived home from Athens-New York- Chicago on Friday night. Which means a long trip home became even longer. Thank you New York...which will never be a connection point for me again in my life, not if I can help it. Home at last.

Saturday we emptied the suitcases. Forty four pounds worth. I would have been just as happy to burn them and their contents after living, lugging and seeing the same clothes over and over again for the last three weeks but I washed it all and then dug through the tower of mail.

I repacked a bag and left at 7am on Sunday for Caroline's bridal shower in Minneapolis. And that was waiting a few hours since I had been awake since three am. I kept saying to myself, "am I really doing this?" followed by " is driving with 3 hours of sleep a bad idea?" I never answered myself, which is good because that may be my fast pass ticket to the special "home."

I realized that I don't want to miss any event that is part of the preparations and anticipation of the wedding. I really wanted to go. Not wanting to miss anything is definitely a running theme in my life. And probably why my house is in the condition it is in. Well, that and the perpetual artsy crafty messy issues among other things but I digress. Somedays I miss having the kids around to blame for this type of thing.

The pastor's wives of Bethlehem Baptist church presented Caroline with a beautiful luncheon, sharing of memories, games, recipes, a thoughtful devotional and an abundance of gifts. It was really overwhelming for me to see these wonderful women share so much for a young bride that they don't even know. It was apparent how much they love Michael and his family. No one could say enough nice things about both. It was clear how precious the relationships were among the church family that was at the shower to celebrate. Several of the women who lived close to the church even offered their home kitchens for me to use for wedding food preparation. I left the shower rather overwhelmed by the tender love that was exhibited and no longer were any of these ladies strangers. Now they were "friends." What a lucky girl Caroline is to be welcomed into such an amazing and loving family with such special, supportive and generous friends.

I am sure glad I made the drive :)