So many thoughts running through my head.
Life is an interesting journey.
And at times we stop and take a moment to reflect.
It's humbling at times.
We learn (hopefully!!).
For me there have been many many things lately that have stopped me in my daily tracks.
Many reminders of what matters in life.
I keep learning things about who I am.
When I keep hitting walls due to my lack of language skills...
I realize that the person I like to be is suffering.
It opens my eyes for those that at some point have moved to a new country, and spent their lives there, and never have fully learned the new language.
I can now see how that can happen.
If your daily group of people speak the language you know, and you have very few opportunities to use the new one, well, the progress will be slow!
At times I feel like I'm standing at a busstop... waiting for someone to pick me up.
It feels like I'm getting nowhere, and it gets frustrating at times.
Then life goes on.
And things happen that help keep my own needs at a realistic level.
A young father has an accident at work and narrowly escapes death.
A young family loses a baby.
A middleaged woman loses her father and one of her sons in a matter of a week.
The list could go on with daily reminders of how short and unpredictable life is.
Today we attended our new little Goddaughter's baptism.
A joyful day when we got to celebrate God's greatest gift.
After attending this nice time with good friends, we went to see my Hubby's grandma who's 83 and in a nursing home.
Here she is at the end of the road, such a contrast after just holding the little bud who just started her journey!
She's been in and out of the hospital lately due to some infection.
She was tired. She didn't really say anything.
But she saw us and there was a tired smile in her eyes.
This precious lady became a young widow and a single mom of 6 kids when she was only about 40 years old.
She has held the family together with her big heart and humorus and loving ways.
It's not often you see kids being so loving to an elderly as her kids are.
What you sow you shall reap.
Well, her love has paid off.
Every day her sons that live locally come and see her.
They make sure she has taken her medication, that she eats, and often she gets a treat from one of her sons that he lovingly feeds her.
She had a stroke last year, so slowly it has become harder and harder for her to help herself.
Her mind is not clear, and I'm sure this journey is hard for her, knowing how dilligently she took care of her kids and now being so depending on them.
When we said goodbye I couldn't let go of her warm and soft hand for a few minutes.
I felt heavy tears roll down my cheeks, as she looked me so lovingly into my eyes.
We've never been able to sit down and chat because of the language barriare, but sometimes words are vain.
Sometimes you just know. You can feel love and care.
I don't know when the last time I tell her goodbye will be, it might be pretty soon.
I do know what she gave though.
Love. Lots of love and forgiveness.
These moments sure help to keep things in perspective.
I feel so blessed and fortunate to have these moments in my life to keep me reminded of what matters.
Love and forgiveness. And you don't need to know the same language in order to share that.
Showing posts with label life. Show all posts
Showing posts with label life. Show all posts
Sunday, June 10, 2012
Monday, June 27, 2011
1st Anniversary in Finland
Wow. That pretty much sums up how I feel about this last year.
Wow, as in "That went fast"
Wow, as in "I can't believe how much has happened in so short a time!"
Wow, as in "I'm so thankful for how well it all has gone!"
The months leading up to our move, were such a blur. So much happened in such a short time, and with me still recovering from child birth (= the brain is sort of disfunctional on a regular basis), I felt like I never had time to fully reflect about what was about to happen.
Coming here, the pace kept up it's speed. And things that took place, things that I had only dreamed about doing with my family in some distant future, felt sort of unreal. Almost like it didn't happen. I wish I could have done it all in slow-motion, so that I could have savoured it more...
We've gone places, visited friends and family and done many things that I longed to do in the past.
And now when they've taken place, when the places and people are available, it just feels so "normal"!
Maybe it's a bit like when you as a kid wish for that SUUUPER special toy, and you think that you will NEVER get it. And then you do get it, and realize that... "Oh, yeah, it's so neat, and I love it so much, but I am still the same person, and this thing didn't dramatically change my life!"
I guess I'm still the same old me. Nothing has changed dramatically. Each morning I get up, get the day going, drink my coffee, the day hums along and some chores get done, kids need their attention, there might be some errands to be run... and it's all life. Strolling quite happily along. Just like in the past. My address has changed, my group of friends have changed, the food, nature, climate, language etc, have changed. But I'm still with me. And I'm with my dear hubby and our dear kids.
This year has emphazised how important my immediate family is to me. I guess I really can live anywhere, as long as I have those 8 people along for the ride!
And those 8 people seem to feel more or less the same way, since it seems like they also have settled in quite smoothly over here in Finland.
Some of the things that I looked forward to before moving are now my everyday life, and many days I forget how nice it is to have these conveniences, but sometimes it really hits me, and it makes me so thankful to be able to enjoy these things. Like having a hubby who doesn't have to cross over to the States and back every day to go to work! (he did that for more than 11 years) Same thing when we go to church... only 7 minutes away versus at least 50!!! Also being able to travel to other cities and meet friends there, and it's only a few hours drive. Our diabetic daughter's care has also been greatly simplified. Here everything is covered. No sending papers in to get reimbursed etc. Very nice for us, since her care is something that affects us on a daily basis.
No packing school lunches, they get a hot meal at school every day. The whole school "thing" is something we really appreciate. Our kids really enjoy school here. Shorter days and more "hands on" activities, and a lot more time outside; it all adds up!
So... Is there anything we miss from over there???
Of course. At times I miss some of my friends with an ache in my heart. I wish I could pop over to have a good chat with many of them... Some food items I might miss at times, but these days you can find most things everywhere, so no biggie there (not for me anyway!) Stores and restaurants? Kind of. I shopped so rarely that it was pretty easy to leave that behind, besides, shopping here can be quite nice, especially the 2nd hand shopping.... when I do go.
When it comes down to it, I guess I'm a person who is quite happy to hang out with our kids, and hubby, even just at the playground; rather than looking for a good deal at some store.
Spending more time as a family was one of the main reasons behind our move, and THAT we have done! I will never regret that! And again.... if that goal is easier to achieve in one place than another, I don't really care what the name of that place is!
Maybe this 2nd year here I will have more time to reflect over things. Get to know Finland a bit more from the heart. I can't say that I have any strong opinions about things here yet, it wouldn't be fair! It feels like I'd jump to conclusions if I said "This is how they do it here!", after only 1 year in the country. There are some things that I'm picking up on, but I'll save that for later :)
We keep living this life, one day at the time, and we let God guide our way, and .... things will stay good!
Wow, as in "That went fast"
Wow, as in "I can't believe how much has happened in so short a time!"
Wow, as in "I'm so thankful for how well it all has gone!"
The months leading up to our move, were such a blur. So much happened in such a short time, and with me still recovering from child birth (= the brain is sort of disfunctional on a regular basis), I felt like I never had time to fully reflect about what was about to happen.
Coming here, the pace kept up it's speed. And things that took place, things that I had only dreamed about doing with my family in some distant future, felt sort of unreal. Almost like it didn't happen. I wish I could have done it all in slow-motion, so that I could have savoured it more...
We've gone places, visited friends and family and done many things that I longed to do in the past.
And now when they've taken place, when the places and people are available, it just feels so "normal"!
Maybe it's a bit like when you as a kid wish for that SUUUPER special toy, and you think that you will NEVER get it. And then you do get it, and realize that... "Oh, yeah, it's so neat, and I love it so much, but I am still the same person, and this thing didn't dramatically change my life!"
I guess I'm still the same old me. Nothing has changed dramatically. Each morning I get up, get the day going, drink my coffee, the day hums along and some chores get done, kids need their attention, there might be some errands to be run... and it's all life. Strolling quite happily along. Just like in the past. My address has changed, my group of friends have changed, the food, nature, climate, language etc, have changed. But I'm still with me. And I'm with my dear hubby and our dear kids.
This year has emphazised how important my immediate family is to me. I guess I really can live anywhere, as long as I have those 8 people along for the ride!
And those 8 people seem to feel more or less the same way, since it seems like they also have settled in quite smoothly over here in Finland.
Some of the things that I looked forward to before moving are now my everyday life, and many days I forget how nice it is to have these conveniences, but sometimes it really hits me, and it makes me so thankful to be able to enjoy these things. Like having a hubby who doesn't have to cross over to the States and back every day to go to work! (he did that for more than 11 years) Same thing when we go to church... only 7 minutes away versus at least 50!!! Also being able to travel to other cities and meet friends there, and it's only a few hours drive. Our diabetic daughter's care has also been greatly simplified. Here everything is covered. No sending papers in to get reimbursed etc. Very nice for us, since her care is something that affects us on a daily basis.
No packing school lunches, they get a hot meal at school every day. The whole school "thing" is something we really appreciate. Our kids really enjoy school here. Shorter days and more "hands on" activities, and a lot more time outside; it all adds up!
So... Is there anything we miss from over there???
Of course. At times I miss some of my friends with an ache in my heart. I wish I could pop over to have a good chat with many of them... Some food items I might miss at times, but these days you can find most things everywhere, so no biggie there (not for me anyway!) Stores and restaurants? Kind of. I shopped so rarely that it was pretty easy to leave that behind, besides, shopping here can be quite nice, especially the 2nd hand shopping.... when I do go.
When it comes down to it, I guess I'm a person who is quite happy to hang out with our kids, and hubby, even just at the playground; rather than looking for a good deal at some store.
Spending more time as a family was one of the main reasons behind our move, and THAT we have done! I will never regret that! And again.... if that goal is easier to achieve in one place than another, I don't really care what the name of that place is!
Maybe this 2nd year here I will have more time to reflect over things. Get to know Finland a bit more from the heart. I can't say that I have any strong opinions about things here yet, it wouldn't be fair! It feels like I'd jump to conclusions if I said "This is how they do it here!", after only 1 year in the country. There are some things that I'm picking up on, but I'll save that for later :)
We keep living this life, one day at the time, and we let God guide our way, and .... things will stay good!
Monday, June 13, 2011
Happy 14 on the 14th!!
June 14th is one of the most important days in our lives. Mine and Big Guys lives that is. And our kids. That's the day we got married, 14 years ago, in southern Sweden on a beautiful summer day.
This is a day that brings back wonderful memories, and the days, months and years that have followed are like a wonderful necklace of most precious pearls threaded on it.
Days that include the births of our 6 girls and 1 boy. Days that include, laughter, tears, hard times, good times, building houses, moving, job changes, challenges of parenting, traveling, day to day life... and it's been good.
I feel very fortunate to be able to write about us, and our love.
Maybe you find it "cheesy" (go ahead!), but I am so in love with my dear hubby, that I can be cheesy all day long.
He loves me. I love him. A lot. We know that. And we say that. Often. In words and in actions.
Last night I felt tired and draggy. The weather did a drastic turn when a coldfront smashed into the heatwave we've been enjoying for the last 1½ weeks. After the thunderstorm was over, the temperature had dropped drastically, there was just a light rain going on, and I went out for a 45 min walk by myself. It felt SOOO good. I walked through a woodentrail, and the freshly soaked forest smelled incredibly good. I stopped a few times and indulged. Then I ran, skipped, jumped and flapped my arms really geekily along the trail... On the last stretch home, I stopped and picked a bouquet of wildflowers for Big Guy. Coming in to the apartment.... I found it all cleaned up! I could have cried from happiness! Before I left, it had looked like the storm had done a number in our home as well.. What a great man I have!
Tonight sitting in the livingroom, catching up on the latest (we talk a lot with each other), Big Guy suddenly stops and looks at me in that really loving way, and says "You know, I really love being married to you!, I love how we can talk about everything!" I so agree...
That kind of love is the love you feel. It's just there. I've had other married women telling me that they don't know any other couple who seem to be better friends with each other than me and my hubby are with each other. It doesn't matter if that's true or not, I know I feel that way thou.
I guess we are both good at putting the other persons needs first, that way we know that we are both taken care of!
Our kids love to celebrate their parents love too! For the last several years they have made cards for us, bought something if they get around to it, made a cake, or surprised us with breakfast in bed... They love to see our love, and the worst times for them is if we ever fight. They instantly ask us to be nice to each other and say sorry... Monkey see monkey do. Do I need to say that our fights never last very long??
There have been many times when "the guys" have done their little get aways, traveling somewhere for a weekend, and I've told my hubby to go with them, feel free! But he politely declines, and says that if he goes anywhere, he rather goes with me... That's ok!! :) (he HAS gone places sometimes, but it's usually for an overnight fishing trip! Wow....)
Well, I could go on and on about us, but you are probably getting the picture.
I'm thankful and happy to say that I'm happily married to the greatest guy I could ever imagine.
Happy Anniversary, my dear Man! I love you so much. Yours truly!
This is a day that brings back wonderful memories, and the days, months and years that have followed are like a wonderful necklace of most precious pearls threaded on it.
Days that include the births of our 6 girls and 1 boy. Days that include, laughter, tears, hard times, good times, building houses, moving, job changes, challenges of parenting, traveling, day to day life... and it's been good.
I feel very fortunate to be able to write about us, and our love.
Maybe you find it "cheesy" (go ahead!), but I am so in love with my dear hubby, that I can be cheesy all day long.
He loves me. I love him. A lot. We know that. And we say that. Often. In words and in actions.
Last night I felt tired and draggy. The weather did a drastic turn when a coldfront smashed into the heatwave we've been enjoying for the last 1½ weeks. After the thunderstorm was over, the temperature had dropped drastically, there was just a light rain going on, and I went out for a 45 min walk by myself. It felt SOOO good. I walked through a woodentrail, and the freshly soaked forest smelled incredibly good. I stopped a few times and indulged. Then I ran, skipped, jumped and flapped my arms really geekily along the trail... On the last stretch home, I stopped and picked a bouquet of wildflowers for Big Guy. Coming in to the apartment.... I found it all cleaned up! I could have cried from happiness! Before I left, it had looked like the storm had done a number in our home as well.. What a great man I have!
Tonight sitting in the livingroom, catching up on the latest (we talk a lot with each other), Big Guy suddenly stops and looks at me in that really loving way, and says "You know, I really love being married to you!, I love how we can talk about everything!" I so agree...
That kind of love is the love you feel. It's just there. I've had other married women telling me that they don't know any other couple who seem to be better friends with each other than me and my hubby are with each other. It doesn't matter if that's true or not, I know I feel that way thou.
I guess we are both good at putting the other persons needs first, that way we know that we are both taken care of!
Our kids love to celebrate their parents love too! For the last several years they have made cards for us, bought something if they get around to it, made a cake, or surprised us with breakfast in bed... They love to see our love, and the worst times for them is if we ever fight. They instantly ask us to be nice to each other and say sorry... Monkey see monkey do. Do I need to say that our fights never last very long??
There have been many times when "the guys" have done their little get aways, traveling somewhere for a weekend, and I've told my hubby to go with them, feel free! But he politely declines, and says that if he goes anywhere, he rather goes with me... That's ok!! :) (he HAS gone places sometimes, but it's usually for an overnight fishing trip! Wow....)
Well, I could go on and on about us, but you are probably getting the picture.
I'm thankful and happy to say that I'm happily married to the greatest guy I could ever imagine.
Happy Anniversary, my dear Man! I love you so much. Yours truly!
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