patience.
point defiance park . august 2009 (photo by jon)
On June 3, we began our journey toward a new normal with a new member of our family, and just as we were finding our footing, another path appeared to add an entirely new layer to this "normal."
And here we are.
Patience is our new mantra.
Yes.
On Monday, when we met with Ellie's cardiologist, Dr. S, the above quote from the Buddha floated through my mind. For the first two years of this blog, this quote appeared in my banner. Dr. S is very "be present, be here" as she pushes us to stay in this moment instead of moving our minds ahead toward the "what ifs." We have a pact; when she looks me in the eye and says "and now I am concerned," I can then start to really worry. Until then, we are waiting and breathing. Even though on paper, things are...well...somewhat scary, all of us are waiting and breathing. Ellie's medication is working, which means her heart isn't working quite so hard (which is good). We will be visiting Dr. S every couple of days for a bit to make sure Ellie's heart finds its way to the rhythm we want. (There is of course a story that tells the details of what we are experiencing, but just like my experience with my pregnancy and Ellie's birth, I am just not quite ready to go into all those details yet. Time...time...)
So here is the scoop I want to share: As we find our way in this new normal, I am finding that when I let my mama brain rest sometimes and allow my creative brain to take over, I feel more myself and can be a lot more present. So even though I will still share updates of how Ellie is doing and we will be spending time in doctors' offices and all that fun stuff, I am going to keep the creative juices flowing in this space as it feels right.
So stay tuned for:
More about my experience writing Inner Excavation
A sneak peek of the amazing contributors who are in my book
A new necklace series in the shop
A new design to the shop
A few new collaborations
More about upcoming Be Present Retreats
...and a few other things
Thank you again for all of your kind words, prayers, emails, phone calls...we continue to feel so surrounded in love and hope. Even though we know we have no control over what is to come, each day, Jon and I look into Ellie Jane's eyes and believe that all will be okay. Thank you for believing along side us.
Blessings and light,
Liz
what is real in breathe.
Reader Comments (15)
I love you my friend. xoxoxo
I'm so glad to hear you are all back home and in such good hands, and looking forward to hearing about the retreats! Xo
i'm so glad to hear ellie is back home and doing better. i'm sure trips to the hospital can be very exhausting mentally and physically. still praying and thinking of you and your family.
i'm so excited about your book. i LOVE, love, love the cover.
all my love,
m
loving you...always, always...loving you...
dearest liz...
i have been gone for 4 weeks now and my heart hurt as i caught up on your latest posts.
you, john and ellie are in my prayers.
you gave me such a great gift with "unearth"...i will never be able to repay you.
please feel my arms around you at this time in a great big hug!
much love,
chrissy
"Rest like a giant tree." I love that part of the quote. May you all find some peace and rest as you find your way in the "new normal." I'll keep you all in my thoughts. I can't wait to hear about all of the great things you have in store with the shop, the book and the retreats. I hope all of these items feed your creative spirit in a way that helps to keep you strong XOXO
OKay so go to itunes and download "Everything'll Be Alright" by Catheren McLellan. It's one of my go-to sings when I need cheering up.
Hang in there. All will be well. xox
yes... believing along side you. and sending tons and tons of juicy good vibes and love. Vx
thinking of you through all of what you are going through and inspired by your strength...blessings on all of your new creations.
i'm so glad you have a doctor who is an ally ... that is wonderful. good for you for seeking the balance. i love that picture of you! love to you, jon, and ellie. xx, deb
saying prayers for your sweet little ellie jane, your husband and you, for good health, peace of mind and much happiness together always.
kathy
Wow, Liz. Just catching up on things after having been gone. Holding you close as you go through this difficult time. Both the quote and the picture are so perfect. Much love to you and your little family.
Oh, Liz! I am just now checking in since Ellie's stay in the NICU. I just want to give you a big ol' hug, mama to mama, woman to woman. I know how hard it is to see your baby in a scary place like the NICU...though thank God for them, because they mean life to our children. So happy she's home, and well, and just keep centering your heart and thoughts on her wellness...I will pray for all of you as you deal with this uncertainty. Can't wait to see what you have in store for us...
"Everything will be alright in the end
If it is not alright,
It is not the end"
With love and prayers for you both and Ellie
i send you all love. and gentle blessings, my friend.
xo