
I decided to take advantage of the Indian Summer we are having in the Seattle area today and finally pull some of the weeds in the yard. As I squatted in the dirt, my beloved hori hori (Japanese weeding miracle pictured above) in one hand and an enormous pile of dandelions and chickweed piling up next to me, the neighbor’s toddler began to scream. Great, gulping wails of sadness punctured every few sobs by a blood curdling shriek. My sequence of thoughts went a little like this:
"I decided that, instead, we are often faced with more than we can handle and maybe this is by design." I agree. I'm sure you can compassionately communicate to your neighbor that you really struggled when your kids were that age, then see if she wants/needs to talk.
I love this Kari. It resonates with me right now in a way that astounds me. The isolation that you speak of (no, I'm not a parent) from trying to get through difficult times by oneself rings very true. Thank you for this. Consider the myth debunked.
Dear Kari, this reflective posting touched me deeply and made me think of all the times I've needed to ask for help. And of how when life was so terrifying because of Meniere's it took a friend's straight forwardness to help me realize I needed to ask for help and to accept that I wasn't in control. And that made all the difference.
I wonder sometimes if you've ever thought of publishing a book of reflections. You are such a thoughtful/thought-filled person who lives the examined life with grace and fortitude. Your words so often are a clarion call to me to consider the way I live. Thank you. Peace.
Love.
another wonderful and insightful post. i always go on a healing journey when I read your essays. Im so inspired by you!
Genius. Seriously. Thank you.
I love this. I love the reflection and sentiment. Wow, can I relate, too. I'm a SAHM of a 6 month old and 2.5 year old and when my kids scream, I always second guess myself.
It's also really nice to hear that those are your thoughts when you hear a crying toddler. I always worry that I'm being judged by my neighbors when my son has a temper tantrum.
As a believer, I would like to mention that the "God doesn't give you more than you can handle" quote is actually a misquote of "if God brings you to it, he'll bring you through it" which is paraphrased from 1 Corinthians 10:13. I believe God uses others to get us through things, but we still have to ask and I agree with you that it's by design.
Thank you for this post. It's what I needed to read today 🙂
Yes. Just yes to all of this.
I have such a hard time asking for help, but when I do it, I find that I am blessed. It is a lesson I'm still learning.
What a beautiful reflection.