on the lookout
June 4, 2008
Calling all miracles. You are needed front and center immediately.
There’s so much going on right now that I’ve been quiet about here. But I think I finally need to open it up and just ask for some good vibes, if you have any to spare…
The thing is: During May’s blog break, we sold our house here in South Carolina. It was truly a miracle because it sold one week after we told our realtor that we were hoping to move. We never even had a FOR SALE sign in the yard! And in this market? That’s amazing.
The plan is to move in with my brother and Alison for a while because she hasn’t been doing well since their move back to Indiana. I know I haven’t talked about her much here lately because she’d been doing so well. But now she’s not. Lots of pain. Radiation. Chemo. Throwing up. Losing weight. You name it. So we want to be there to help as much as we can… Get her to doctors appointments, cook some healthy meals, have some healing heart to hearts, etc. Just be a support and maybe help take some pressure off.
Everything was going according to plan (if not better) until last week…
Since then we’ve been hit with a bad inspection. (I don’t even want to talk about it.) And a bad appraisal. (Don’t want to talk about that either…)
It seems like roadblocks are going up one after the other. And it’s damn frustrating.
My husband said today that from way up above, we must look like tiny ants ringing our hands over grains of rice. Just ridiculous, really. But here, smack dab in it, it feels gross and unfair.
I am trying to live by the mantra: “This too shall pass.” Because it’s true. In five years none of this will matter much. And that does actually help me step back and gain some perspective. The home sale and stress and major repairs and all this crap do not matter… What matters is getting up to help family and be there with them.
But while we schlep along through this time, would you mind sending any good thoughts and prayers for Alison, and for us to get through this move quickly and as painlessly as possible? Just the tiniest little prayer would help and be much appreciated.
I’ll let you know what happens next…
thank you, friends!
June 4th, 2008 at 11:33 am
i will keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers. sometimes people forget how stressful moving can be. so many variables… and that added to everything else you’re dealing with is a huge big deal.
June 4th, 2008 at 11:33 am
OK, much good vibes and prayers coming your way…..
June 4th, 2008 at 11:41 am
Lots of good thoughts and prayers being sent your way. I just recently moved, so the horrors are fresh in my mind. Here to hoping yours gets smoother.
June 4th, 2008 at 11:43 am
[...] penelope Share [...]
June 4th, 2008 at 11:56 am
There are lots of good thoughts and little rays of positive energy flowing to you. As you said, this too shall pass. Moving is tiring and troublesome and full of bureaucratic things but that´s it, it´s just “things”. They´ll go and we learn to do it better next time.
As for Allison, there are even greater amounts of positive energy flowing to her and to the close ones who must be suffering a great deal as well.
Cancer is #*=(&% illness. I don´t believe that there´s a single person on earth who can say that he or she knows no one who has suffered or is suffering from it. So all my best wishes are with you! Hold on!
June 4th, 2008 at 12:04 pm
Hi Penelope,
I have been reading your blog more than 3 years now. Not everyday though, but like visiting an old friend, when I needed comfort and positive thoughts mostly. And after a long gap again, last night (a sleeples, difficult night) I thought about you and Alison. I used to read her blog too but not as long as yours. I was wondering how she was getting on. And today I visited your site and here we are… I just wanted to you know, there is somebody out here, thinking of you and Alison. My all good/positive thoughts and prayers with you and Alison. I think you both deserve it. What a kind and thoughtful sister in law and sister you are!
Take care and never lose your hope!
FD
June 4th, 2008 at 12:18 pm
my youngest child and i still say bedtime prayers together.
we will remember your sister..
hugs
June 4th, 2008 at 12:26 pm
Big positive thoughts from Philly to Indiana for your loved one (and her hubby). My friend is also going through chemo and radiation, and I can see what she is battling. I hope that you can figure out your house situation and get over to help take care of Alison. Of course the house situation sucks, but you’re right–the people are what matters. The rest is just stuff that will have to work it’s way out somehow or the other.
Anyway, I’ll be thinking of you guys :) Hang in there.
June 4th, 2008 at 1:30 pm
I don’t post often here but I read this and had to say I will hold you in thought, everyone of your family. I too personally have been going through some similar pains, the economy certainly doesn’t help the heart pains, the real pains. Hope you get there soon. Life is really changing, and I think it should be for the better.
June 4th, 2008 at 1:38 pm
Penelope-
My family and I were in your shoes a year ago trying to sell our house. Long story short, we had two offers fall through — first couple decided NOT to get married, second lady decided a condo would be better — before the third offer went through without a hitch. But I have never had nine more stressful weeks in my life — yep, only nine weeks. I don’t know how people do it for six months to a year. I had to schlep the kids and dog around for showings, keep the house perfect with two kids and a dog (yeah, right) and try to pack. So yeah, it sucks! I don’t know if it helps to know others have been there and commiserate fully with you, but I think I would have liked the assurance that it would all work out — eventually — last year.
Finally, peace, prayers and well wishes to your sister-in-law, you and your family. You will all be in my thoughts.
June 4th, 2008 at 2:37 pm
i am sending many warm, miraculous wishes your way- i too was once hit with a bad inspection and appraisal and in the middle of it- it is horrible and insane- and bleck, but i can tell you from the other side of it- that it will work out. but in the meantime- the wonderful, miraculous wishes are all yours…. and then some.
June 4th, 2008 at 3:23 pm
Thinking of all of you and sending prayers!
June 4th, 2008 at 3:29 pm
I think it is amazing that you and your husband are moving to go help your brother and sister-in-law. My family and I will definitely keep you all in our prayers.
Your mantra “This too shall pass” reminds me of an African Proverb: “No matter how long the night, the dawn will always break.”
June 4th, 2008 at 4:04 pm
Prayers coming to you and Alison and your whole family. I’ve become fond of all of you; I hope the next weeks smooth out.
June 4th, 2008 at 4:16 pm
Sending good thoughts and positive vibes. Here’s to miracles!
June 4th, 2008 at 5:13 pm
What an amazing sister you are! You really are making those good, healing vibes. My thoughts are with you and your family as you pass through these speedbumps of life.
June 4th, 2008 at 9:16 pm
Sent! You’ll get through this, you will.
:)
June 5th, 2008 at 5:06 am
Sending you and your family love and prayers. ♥
June 5th, 2008 at 5:32 am
Bugger.
All the best to you guys and to your family from Europe.
June 5th, 2008 at 5:44 am
Hi Penelope - I am sending you all kinds of positive thoughts and energy that your house will sell. I went through chemo and radiation at a young age, much like your siser-in-law and with a two year old. The love and comfort I got from my friends and family at that time still floats me many years later. Love is such a powerful healing force and she is so so lucky to have you and your husband in her life.
June 5th, 2008 at 5:44 am
I’ll certainly be thinking positive thoughts and prayers for you and Alison! Good luck with the home repairs. If you haven’t already read it, I recommend the book Radical Acceptance by Tara Brach - I find it helpful when I am trying to maintain a “this too shall pass” outlook.
June 5th, 2008 at 6:15 am
oh miss penelope - alison has been deepin my thoughts. along with your whole family, especiall your brother. tom stahls wife had posted about alison fight with some links. i wish i could trade you houses at the moment so you didn’t have to deal with all of this!
hang in there….k
June 5th, 2008 at 7:16 am
May things soon turn out so much better than they look now!
Miracles, yes, lovely surprises, help and healing, sighs of relief to you and Alison ( and I´ll pray for that)
June 5th, 2008 at 7:53 am
May you be safe and protected.
May you be peaceful and happy.
May you be healthy and strong.
May you have ease of well being.
A little Metta prayer for you and your family.
June 5th, 2008 at 8:50 am
oh penelope… as someone who has called for miracles many times, I will tell you that they do come, and they come in different ways, from different directions :)
i’m a long time lurker and want you to know that I am thinking of you and wishing you and your family the very best. *big hug*
June 5th, 2008 at 9:05 am
Okay dokey, prayers and good vibes dispatched now.
Don’t forget, in all the hustle and bustle, to take care of yourself. That is vital. Then, you’ll be in a great place to take care of your sister-in-law.
Good luck!
June 5th, 2008 at 9:06 am
thinking of you and your family penny. hope things start to look up again soon.
June 5th, 2008 at 9:16 am
Sending your SIL lots of healing thoughts right now. A slight diversion won’t stop the right thing from happening. Wishing you and your family lots of luck…
June 5th, 2008 at 9:47 am
thinking lots of loving thoughts your way and sending many good vibes. i hope you all take really sweet care!
June 5th, 2008 at 10:39 am
Sending the best mojo I can muster your way…hang in there
June 5th, 2008 at 2:54 pm
I will light a candle for you when I get home. Wishing you and Alison the best.
June 5th, 2008 at 3:50 pm
Absolutely — prayers coming your way!
June 5th, 2008 at 4:50 pm
you’re very much in my thoughts. For something like this to happen while attempting to do so much good, there must be some hidden jewels in there somewhere.
June 6th, 2008 at 4:49 am
Penny — I have been reading your blog obsessively for quite some time now. I feel like I know you and your family! And I love love love your work.
Anyway, I do work with an organization called Gilda’s Club — maybe you guys already know about this? http://www.gildasclub.org
It is a … community for people dealing with cancer. See if there is a club near you - I’m in Toronto so I’m not sure if there is one. It was founded by Gene Wilder for his wife Gilda Radner (my favourite comedian) when she lost her battle with ovarian cancer, and was originally a place for comedy! Keep fighting the good fight and all that stuff. And well, moving is a huge pain in the ass. Always is! Good luck.
June 6th, 2008 at 6:57 am
…life isn’t fair, but God is always faithful…
June 6th, 2008 at 9:45 am
Sending you a big HUG and I will add a prayer that everything gets better with the house. And I will keep Allison in my prayers! xo
June 7th, 2008 at 1:10 am
consider my prayers sent!
June 8th, 2008 at 11:36 am
My thoughts and prayers are with you all, especially Allison as she moves through this phase with the strength that runs in your family and hers.
June 9th, 2008 at 7:47 pm
Hang in there! If everything was so easy it wouldn’t be so sweet getting to the end of the road. Take your time and chew it. Little pieces. Lastly, don’t look at where you wish you were. You might be missing the journey right under your nose.
I tell Ali all the time. I pray,”God give me patience.” I must say it is a major character flaw of mine. You think he gives me patience? NO! He gives me the opportunity to practice it. The more I pray the more these opportunities present themseleves. Someday I hope to master it.
You know I will be praying for you! Many, many blessings are all around you with more headed your way!
Kimberly
June 9th, 2008 at 8:42 pm
sending you and your family good thoughts!!!!!!
June 25th, 2008 at 9:28 am
U know, I was sitting here thinking - this move seemed to be so stressful on Allison, worried that more stress could continue this current situation…then I wondered….is there anyone who could help settle them in…, take care of the homestead for a while, help her to be able to focus on herself….getting her strength back…. AND BOOM, I wander thru the threads…and see that you’re already in the works for doing this!! PRAISE GOD!! I love it when He already does have things in the works and I am led to see how glorious He already is, doesn’t need my help! Hahahaha…. Good luck with you’re move!!
June 26th, 2008 at 8:22 am
My prayers are with you and your family…..always