Saturday, April 9

In the midst of the crazy

"I need to write a blog post."

I just said those words to my husband. Then I found myself feeling a little foolish for having said them.

Our dogwoods are in full bloom right now, reminding me that it's a normal April in some ways.

You may know that this coming week is going to be full of challenges for me. My husband will have open-heart surgery on Tuesday, April 12, just three days from now. He'll be admitted to the hospital on April 11, just two days from now. So the list of things I need to do right now is a mile long--things I need to do for my husband, for my children, for other people I love, for organizations I care about.

And then, of course, there are some things I need to do for myself. I feel a real sense of urgency to take care of myself right now, because I know that I need to be in good shape to take care of my husband this coming week.

In the midst of all that, I'm thinking that I NEED to write a blog post? What on earth? It's not like thousands of people are clamoring to read my words. I'm not on a schedule. I have no particular obligations to anyone. "Are you crazy?" I asked myself.

Then I realized that I do feel a need to write a blog post--not because I need to produce copy or garner lots of page views or keep things current. What I need to do is to stay connected with my blogging friends. Just as surely as I need connection with the friends and family I can touch and see, I need connection with the friends I've made through blogging.

People who don't read blogs don't understand this kind of connection, do they? They look at us as if they think we're naive or delusional. But these connections are real, even if they get expressed virtually.

I appreciate so much the connection I share with all of you. This is something I've always known. But as I face my husband's surgery, I'm reminded of it afresh.

So what's going on with you? Please let me know! You know I need your prayers right now; perhaps you need mine, too.

I'm so grateful for you!

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52 comments:

  1. Emelia DiCarloApril 9, 2011 at 4:52 PM

    You will be on my prayer list. God be with you all and speedy recovery. Take care Richella, Hugs,Emelia.

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  2. Erin @ Two Story CottageApril 9, 2011 at 5:07 PM

    I was just catching up on your blog. I will definitely be thinking about you these next few days. The neat thing about blogworld is that there will be people praying for your husband (and your family) all over the world. Isn't that amazing?? I know Duke docs are the best so I hope they can fix up your husband for good. I'm so sorry you are going through all of this again!
    Praying!
    Erin
    P.S. "I can do hard things" is something I repeat to myself when I'm having a particularly difficult time.

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  3. DeidreApril 9, 2011 at 5:18 PM

    I have kept your family in my thoughts and prayers for the upcoming week. It will be a difficult one for my family, too. My nana, aged 88, passed away just this morning and her funeral will be on Tuesday. I know that God has all of these things in His hands and that all will be well for both of our families.

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  4. ErinApril 9, 2011 at 5:19 PM

    Dear Richella,

    You know that you, Jack and your sons are always in our prayers. We will lift you up...but please know that you can lean on us, too.

    With love,

    Erin & family

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  5. Melissa MillerApril 9, 2011 at 5:21 PM

    Thanks for keeping us updated Richella. You are such a kind friend to us all. My thoughts and prayers are with your husband for a safe surgery and speedy recovery.

    Stay strong and be blessed.
    Warmly, ~Melissa

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  6. Kathy OlsonApril 9, 2011 at 5:22 PM

    I will be praying!!

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  7. claudia bApril 9, 2011 at 5:29 PM

    You know, the thing is - you do whatever you need to do in order to get through this. If writing a post gives you a bit of joy or strength, then that will help you get through this ordeal.

    I will be praying for you guys!

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  8. southerninspirationApril 9, 2011 at 7:02 PM

    Yes, I understand, my friend. If you haven't done so, read Isa. 41:10 before you head to the hospital. I'll be praying for you and your family......this kind of this does tend to upset the normal routine, that's for sure! I wish I were closer, I'd come sit with you, and bring you a casserole and a cake. But do know that we are indeed here for you and will be glad to keep y'all in prayer!!
    Much love and friendship,
    Suzanne

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  9. LindaApril 9, 2011 at 7:22 PM

    Well Richella i know exactly what you mean about staying connected with our virtual blogging friends! And also about needing prayer. You can rest assured that I will be praying. My husband and I prayed for you just this morning. And for your husband to come through this surgery!

    Rest in the Lord!

    Love, Linda @ Truthful Tidbits

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  10. AnonymousApril 9, 2011 at 7:44 PM

    My dad had open heart surgery when he was about four or five. I know that I was no where near a thought in anyone's mind at that time, but it's still scary to think about. Sometimes I think back on it and think, "My dad seriously went through something that intense at such a young age? Is that real?" But it is. He has a scar down his chest from the incision. I hope your husband gets through it safely and healthily. I will be praying for y'all.

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  11. AnonymousApril 9, 2011 at 7:59 PM

    Will be keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.

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  12. Garbage Guru's WifeApril 9, 2011 at 8:11 PM

    I've been following your blog for a while and enjoy your honest and open tone. All the best this week.

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  13. Shelly WildmanApril 9, 2011 at 8:25 PM

    I woke up thinking about you this morning, and you've been on my mind all day. Praying, praying, praying for you. Sending so much love. . . .

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  14. feedingmypickyeatersApril 9, 2011 at 9:23 PM

    Non blogging folks may not understand, but we do. Praying for you all.

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  15. UnknownApril 9, 2011 at 9:33 PM

    Thanks so much for posting and let us in on thoughts in your heart. My man faces open heart surgery at some point to fix a AAA, my heart hurts for you. I'm praying! ~Heidi

    LORD,
    I ask for your peace and your joy in Richella's journey this week. You are an amazing God and You promise that Your plans for us are for good and not harm. Thank You that we can trust in You and that Your love never fails! Please surround Richella and her family with your love above, below and all around them this week. And, I thank You in advance for all that You will do! In Jesus' name, Amen!

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  16. TinaApril 9, 2011 at 9:44 PM

    I completely understand your need to blog. I say that to my hubby a lot. I've been known to ask him what I should blog about "I don't know. I'm sure you'll think of something". And I always do!
    I will be praying for your husband, the doctors, you and your family. Please keep us posted! Looking forward to hearing all good reports!

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  17. Every Day BlessingsApril 9, 2011 at 9:47 PM

    I will be praying for you on Tuesday! I enjoy your blog and have enjoyed getting to know you. blessings!

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  18. StaceyApril 9, 2011 at 9:56 PM

    I understand. :) Saying a little prayer for your family.

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  19. Leslie {Goodbye, house. Hello, home!}April 9, 2011 at 10:40 PM

    I understand the need to write a blog post. I get you!
    I pray you have the energy and joy to do those things on your mile-long list, but to also impart yourself some grace if not everything gets done.
    HUGS to you....

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  20. Regina from The Queenly AbodeApril 9, 2011 at 10:42 PM

    Dear Richella, I am new to your blog, I think I joined it this week. I will be lifting your husband and you up in prayer. We are also small group leaders and I will have them pray as well.Just remember, we serve a mighty God!
    Be blessed,
    Regina

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  21. Carmen @ Life with Sprinkles on TopApril 9, 2011 at 11:20 PM

    You and your family have been on my mind and in my heart, Richella. I will lift you all up in prayer! (((Hugs)))

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  22. MelissaApril 9, 2011 at 11:20 PM

    So glad you posted...praying you and your boys,for Jack, and for the doctors performing the surgery. Blogging introduced me to *you* and I'm so grateful for the connection! Lots of love~

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  23. LorieApril 10, 2011 at 1:08 AM

    I am so glad you are taking time to take care of yourself! I know it will be hard for the next couple of weeks, but I know you have the prayers of many to help you.

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  24. JemsmomApril 10, 2011 at 1:19 AM

    We bloggers have to stick together and yes, the connections that we make on here are very real! I am praying for a safe surgery and speedy recovery for your husband and strength for you and your boys. Take care..
    Kathryn

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  25. Paula@SweetPeaApril 10, 2011 at 6:52 AM

    I've been thinking about your and your family all weekend. I definitely know how you feel about needing to write a blog post. Writing about something that is on your mind makes you feel better. Take care of yourself and please check in when you can!

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  26. JoyceApril 10, 2011 at 9:01 AM

    Your husband and his caregivers will be in my prayers.

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  27. DebbiedoosApril 10, 2011 at 9:50 AM

    Wishing you husband a very successful surgery and a very speedy recovery.

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  28. TraceyApril 10, 2011 at 11:36 AM

    I came over from Traci's, I'm praying for you and for your husband's surgery.

    Peace be with you, dear one.

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  29. Sharon H. (TX)April 10, 2011 at 12:45 PM

    New to reading your blog - have added your husband (and you!) to my prayer list.

    Challenging week ahead for me here in Texas as our school district will lay off over 500 teachers by Friday. Our entire team at school is anxious as we await the news.

    During his sermon this morning, our pastor said we need to turn our worry into worship. Will be doing that this week!

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  30. CharlotteApril 10, 2011 at 12:51 PM

    Just started reading your blog. So sorry to hear your husband will have surgery but I will pray, along with your other blog friends, that he makes a speedy recovery.I am also sending prayers for you. You will need lots of prayers and love in the next few weeks....God Bless you and your family.

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  31. Marian VischerApril 10, 2011 at 1:27 PM

    Sweet Richella, you and yours will indeed be in my prayers this week. The whole needing to connect thing? I get it. And I'm glad you chose to post. I'm sure you're feeling all sorts of things right now but my prayer for you is that you'll feel the sweet presence of Jesus more than anything. Love you!

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  32. Susan JacquesApril 10, 2011 at 3:11 PM

    I have been praying and will continue to pray. God is good, and he holds you all firmly in the palm of his hand--and tightly in his arms, as he carries you through this!

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  33. RebekahApril 10, 2011 at 4:04 PM

    I am a new follower of "Imparting Grace," and this is actually the first post I have read. I will definitely be praying for your whole family during the days and weeks ahead!
    "Be still, there is a healer
    His love is deeper than the sea
    His mercy, it is unfailing
    His arms are a fortress for the weak" -Chris Tomlin

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  34. The NesterApril 10, 2011 at 5:17 PM

    Thinking of you and Jack my dear friend, you are right, you did need to write.

    love you,
    M

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  35. Southern LadyApril 10, 2011 at 5:21 PM

    I totally understand the need to connect with blogging friends in times of need. Jack will be in my prayers as he undergoes surgery. You and your boys will be in my prayers as you care for him in the coming days. May God keep you all sheltered under His wings during this trying time. Carla

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  36. BARBIEApril 10, 2011 at 5:44 PM

    I will be praying for your husband and you. May He keep you in perfect peace. And there is nothing like the blogging community. Women from all walks of life whom most never having met each other. Yet give of their time and their giftings to encourage one another in their writings and through prayer.

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  37. AnonymousApril 10, 2011 at 8:31 PM

    People make fun of me all the time for reading blogs... they don't get it.

    Praying for your family this week!

    I rememebered how I "know" you. Kim X. Alisa's wedding. There, whew. It was driving me crazy.

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  38. Laryssa HerbertApril 10, 2011 at 9:49 PM

    You all are in my prayers....speedy recovery to your husband!

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  39. PatsyApril 10, 2011 at 10:09 PM

    I have never responded to any of your blogs...just read and enjoyed all you had to offer. I just wanted you to know that all my thoughts and prayers will be w/you, your family, and all the medical staff who will be caring for the love of your life. May you all feel the loving arms of the Great Healer in the days to come.

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  40. CherdecorApril 10, 2011 at 10:35 PM

    Thank you for posting. It helps us to remember to pray for your dear husband. I had a serious surgery two years ago and it was my blogging family who prayed me through it all. My husband blogged for me and the bloggers loved that. They could stay up to date with their prayers. So, yes, we will pray for him as he goes through this heart surgery.

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  41. sonyaApril 10, 2011 at 11:14 PM

    Praying for you Richella!! Love you! ~Sonya

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  42. havenApril 11, 2011 at 12:10 AM

    Wow, Richella. I have just found your blog, and really love the spirit in which you write. I am making a note to myself to pray fervently for you and your husband and family in the 12th and beyond. God bless you! I look foward to following your blog and witnessing the testimony of God's goodness to you! Thanks!!

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  43. TerriApril 11, 2011 at 3:34 AM

    Connection is such a good thing. I have been out of bloggy touch lately, but was glad to see your post on facebook. Thank you for reaching out. I will be praying for your husband, you, and your boys this week! I pray you feel lifted and carried through this week. Blessings!

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  44. AnonymousApril 11, 2011 at 9:51 AM

    May the Lord bless and keep you this week and always. Praying for your wonderful family.

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  45. RebekahApril 11, 2011 at 10:14 AM

    Praying for you, dear Richella.

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  46. Cherri EngleApril 11, 2011 at 11:36 AM

    I have been and will continue to pray for your husband and your entire family. Can't wait to be Praising God with you guys for an awesome outcome. God Bless...

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  47. BonitaApril 11, 2011 at 1:02 PM

    Hugs and prayers for you, sweet friend!

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  48. LisaApril 11, 2011 at 2:56 PM

    I just ran across your blog last week. I will add you all to my prayer list. This past weekend was a sad one in our household as our daughter miscarried....:( God is good and with his strenght we will carry on!
    “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the word gives.
    Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27
    Blessings,

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  49. UnknownApril 11, 2011 at 4:33 PM

    I thought I'd share a quote from Maria Shriver that might bring you comfort. "I'd wish I'd known that God would give me all the strength and faith I needed to go through some of my own tough times..my husband's open heart surgery, the death of close relatives, the illness of children. Perhaps I wouldnt have been so afraid."...Sending love and prayers from Utah to you!

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  50. FrouFrouBritchesApril 11, 2011 at 5:27 PM

    I totally agree that people who don't read blogs couldn't possible understand that underneath all the decorating, crafting and recipes, we are a community of friends.

    You've been on my mind all day, sweet Richella. I'm praying for you, your Hubby and your family. Let us know how he's doing. Take care of yourself!

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  51. GretchenApril 11, 2011 at 9:22 PM

    Praying for you and your entire family tonight. You are in His hands ~the perfect place to be. Praying for peace, comfort, healing, and protection. Many hugs to you, sweet friend!

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  52. Exam Result 2011April 13, 2011 at 8:41 AM

    wow its very beautiful flowers and nice details shared in the post. amazing your idea i love it .

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