December 13, 2011

sand in my toes, rain in my hair

There was no question about giving up a few hours on Sunday, I would have given her the whole Sunday... the whole week if she had asked.  The questions were in the sky.  What time was sunset?  Would the chance of showers turn into a rainy mess?  Would the dark clouds loom too close?  As the afternoon ticked on, I wondered if we would see the sun at all.  Making our way to the beach, I prayed to the God of impossible things...  please God... hold back the rain.  I knew Ann was praying the same.

It began as we stepped off the boardwalk and into the sand.  Umbrellas up, towels out... and we stood beneath the seagrapes, trying to stay dry.  Praying. Checking the radar.  Laughing. Praying some more, with faith unwavering.  And at last... God parted the clouds.

I wanted to take the pictures of a lifetime, not to say that I did, but just for her and her family.  Because they just might be the pictures of her lifetime.  The camera clicked for twenty minutes and their little family snuggled in laughing and smiling while I did my best to document the love that shone around them. Deep down my heart knew that no matter what, the photos would be a gift.  To her now.  For them... down the road.

The rain returned... and hoping that we had plenty of good shots, we trekked back to the car.  Evidence of waves wrapped 'round my knees, and my hair was soaked with rain.  To add insult to injury, I hit the wrong button at the shower, and expecting the sand to be washed from my toes, a blast of icy water hit my head.  And then... they offered dinner.  I wanted to say yes! But could I put this vanity aside?  Through a smile my insides hemmed. and hawed.  But how could I say no, knowing that every moment is precious? So I did the best I could with the only comb I could find {those little picks on the ends of a toy tiara} and I vowed to put a hairbrush in the car for next time.  And though I walked into that restaraunt almost dripping wet, I was smiling, thankful to have grabbed the moment. 


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Some gifts sit lonely waiting to be recognized.  Some have a time limit. 
That she would ask me to take these pictures, that she would let me.  The beautiful is her... my dear, sweet friend who is fighting for life.  The messy is me... praying for the impossible, and fighting back the tears on any given day.  I teach myself to seek.  And I try not to let myself get in the way.  Because all we really have is right now.  The mess will likely never end... so I might as well splash in it. 

Unwrapping life, a most precious gift, on a Tuesday...

11 comments :

Southern Gal said...

This made me teary-eyed. Such a sweet blessing for you and your dear friend.

Heather Mattern said...

So lovely. "every moment is precious." YES!

Alene said...

My eyes are filled with tears. What a beautiful story and blessing you provided. And yes, all we have is this moment. I need to remember. I need to breathe it in. I need to see this moment. Thank you for sharing.

Richella Parham said...

Gosh, Dawn.

This is where I met you--at Tuesdays Unwrapped. Someday I should thank Emily for introducing me to you. And here is where I fell in love with your words, the way you pack so much love and meaning into a few squiggles on paper.

And this post is the perfect example of WHY.

I love you. I know Ann loves you. And I appreciate you.

Stefanie Brown said...

Visiting from Tuesdays Unwrapped...

What a moment, a moment to lock away, never to forget! Precious...

Merry Christmas...

Anonymous said...

Wow, how beautiful. Thanks for sharing! ~Frances

Shanda said...

This was beautiful. I pray the family will be blessed a lifetime by the photos you took so lovingly. Praying for this precious sister as I write.

Dayle ~ A Collection of Days said...

So rich and poignant. Bless you for blessing me with your words and pictures.

Anonymous said...

You captured a once in a lifetime holy moment on the beach in your words here. Just lovely.

Busy Bee Suz said...

YOU are the best.....and this made my heart sing and hurt at the same time.
I love these lifetime captures; you have a gift.

A tiara comb??? Really? You are the funniest as well!

Callie Feyen said...

I wish I could adequately write how beautiful and touching this post is. It hits so close to home and I am (again) quite thankful to have a chance to read your words.

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