The value of uncertainty

Uncertainty paid me a recent call. A wake-up call.

Over the last eight years, I’ve taken family weekends for granted. During this time my sisters and I have lived within a two-hour drive of each other, yet we’ve typically only found the time to make that drive four times a year. Or less.

But change is on the horizon. Now it appears that one family may have to relocate to a different job market. Another family awaits word of how a down-sizing will affect them.

This isn’t fair or unfair. This is life, I remind myself. Life isn’t predictable and those along for its journey cannot expect to remain complacent for too long. Which is exactly what I had allowed myself to become -- too comfortable – and what I pulled back from during a recent family get-together.

The family surrounding me, I tried to stretch each moment of the weekend as if I could keep it always before me in an elastic eternity. The words of my sisters hung in the air as I listened, not only to their shared stories and concerns, but also the tone and timbre of their voices. Even their arguments. In my nieces’ eyes, I relished the sparks of creativity and laughter … and I see these glints still. I cherished every embrace, however fleeting, and marveled at the caring conveyed by a touch.

For once, I was even content to play the observer as my brothers-in-law traded good-natured jabs. My witty repartee could wait.

I would love to see a bright sun mysteriously burst through the clouds that shroud the family's future and shine the light on answers that would keep my siblings and their families nearby. And that is what I'll pray for. Whether or not this happens, however, I am grateful for even the uncertainty of life which has caught me off-balance … the uncertainty that has made all I value precious again.

Comments

[Brenda]

Thanks, everyone, for your good wishes!

[Monica]

Oh Brenda, these times are so rough. You will get through this and so will they. Hugs honey...

Miss you.

[Merely Me]

These are very hard times indeed. I am wishing the best for you and your family.

[Titania]

Hello Barbara,
My prayers and positive thoughts go to you and your family during these challenging times. I think we all have been affected by the current global changes. We are a resilient species and will get through this. I try to take it one day at a time. :o)

Blessings

[Max Coutinho]

Hello Brenda,

I was moved as I read your post: family means a lot to me too; and sometimes I take them for granted as well.

I understand your feeling of uncertainty; and I think that there is little I can say about this.

But I will add one thing: may God bless you and your dear family!

Cheers

[Tammy Warren]

Hey Barbara,

Wow, this is so hard on you. I can only imagine. This is an eye opener for me. I have family that lives close by. One being my dad that I never knew growing up. I just put it away in my mind. I see him a couple of times a year. Then, I have a brother that lives 2 hours away. I never make it to see him either. I have not excuses except selfish ones.

I wish I could give you back time. I feel for you right now.

You are in my thoughts.

[Bimmy the Bookish]

So many families live far apart from each other now. Perhaps that is one of the reasons why the technology has grown so quickly for us to keep in touch by "virtual" means?
I know you are working on your social networking areas - Facebook is a great way to be aware of what people are doing, without necessarily being in direct contact, for instance.
I can keep tabs on my four grown up kids via facebook al in one place - which is often handy!
Think you will have to invest in webcams and all the bits so you can "skype" each other.
Its not as much as fun as being in the same room and giving them a hug, but it helps, I think....

[Cheryl Wright]

Hi Brenda,

I understand you feelings, my only sister lives in Connecticut (I'm in Trinidad in the West Indies;it is hard to say the least. I see her maybe twice a year. That's not nearly enough. But, as your say, "That's life."

I'll pray along with you that however the situations play out that your love for one another will deepen with each additional mile they travel to their new positions/homes/lives. You especially will be in my prayers that God will grant you peace.