Two weeks ago this morning I was packing for my annual “girls only” scrapbook retreat. The kids were in a great mood because I had declared it a NO SCHOOL day, and one of their favorite babysitters would be at our house at noon.
Two weeks ago this morning I was frantically picking up my house. I don’t know what it is, but I can’t stand to go on a trip without first getting things in order. Clean dishes put away, laundry caught up, countertops cleared, beds made, etc. I would rather be late, than leave even one sock on the floor.
Two weeks ago this morning, I was running late.
Two weeks ago at noon I was sweating and loading my car with scrapbooks, supplies, pictures, and an overnite bag. My cropping paraphernalia is in an upstairs bedroom and given that I take pretty much everything (ya never know what ya might need), it was a lot of up and down trips until the back of my SUV was filled to capacity.
Two weeks ago at 30 minutes after noon I found my kids playing the wii with my babysitter and her sister in the basement. I told them goodbye without a lot of hugs and kisses. They were much too busy for that!
Two weeks ago at 12:45 pm I pulled around my driveway and saw Emery playing in the water from the hose with his bright orange swimming trunks on. He looked up at me, grinned, and yelled “Bye Mommy!!!! Have a fun time at your retreatment!!!!”
I headed to Walmart for some last minute things. A T-shirt to wear with my new UGA sweats that Jeremy bought me, something to eat for breakfast one morning, and beverages of some sort.
While in the store I called my BFF Amy. “Where are you? Have you left yet? I can’t wait to get started! We ARE going to pull an all-nighter, right?” Oh, and, “So…whatdaya think? Should I get the wine coolers, or what?”
As I walked out to put my purchases in the car my cell phone rang. It was my babysitter. “Ms. Jodi. It’s Christin. You need to come home.”
Two weeks ago at 1:30 pm, my house caught fire and almost burned completely to the ground.
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My dear friend, I read this with tears in my eyes. I cannot begin to comprehend what you have been through. Know that we love you, are praying for you, Jeremy, Savannah and Emery and that we are here for you.
Have been praying for you guys daily the past “2 weeks”!
Two weeks ago, my BFF Jodi proved once again what a strong and amazing woman she is and how blessed I am to have her in my life. I continue to marvel at the strength she has and her ability to take what life hands her and be content.
P.S. After that phone call, I’m thinking something a little stronger than wine coolers were in order :)
For a little over 2 weeks now your friends and church fanily have been able to give back to very generous people who deserve to be on the receiving end!
I was trying to read this aloud to Diane and my voice broke. I was crying. I have held your loss deep in my heart these weeks, even deeper than I realized. As one of your friends commented above, Jodi, you are an amazing, faith-filled woman and I am so proud of my goddaughter!