"What is Real?"
This is one of my favorite questions. It has been ever since I read The Velveteen Rabbit. In that story we are taught that "real" is something you become through love.
These days, waking up to a deafening silence reminding me of my harsh reality, real takes on new meanings. I have had to remind myself over and over What is Real.
What is Real?
Love is real and undying.
Heaven is real and close by.
Angels are real and all around ministering.
God is Real and He loves me.
I am real and I am here living.
My husband is real and so is our love.
My girls, Sabrina, Ann, and Lauren are real and they need me.
Camille is real and her spirit lives.
Camille's death is real and it breaks my heart.
Christ's love is real and it heals the broken heart.
Our separation is real but it is temporary.
Our family bonds are real and they are eternal.
27 comments:
That post has so much truth. I am so glad that each day you are getting stronger and your faith is still as strong as ever. You touch lives everyday of people that you don't even know. Thank you for your words, thank you for your truth and thank you for being so honest and open even if sometimes it is painful.
The gift you are sharing with the rest of us is Real as well.
Thank you!
I did a post inspired by the velveteen rabbit in July with the exact same title as this post!!! I absolutely LOVE that book and the perspectives you gave the question. It is all SO TRUE. You are real too...and that's why I keep coming back everyday to see what you are saying. Thanks
Hi Stephanie.
My name is also Stephanie. I lost my dear little angel 8 years ago in April (Nathan-means gift from God). That was the hardest thing I have ever gone through. I feel your pain. Reading your comments takes me back to that day I held him after we turned the respirator off. It takes me back to the only 30 minutes I got to hold him without tubes and machines hooked up to him. It takes me back to the time they announced he was dead. It also reminds me of how far I have come. Although I can be back there in a second, I also feel his spirit with me. I feel the pain and also the anticipation of the day I get to hold him again and tell him what he meant to me--my first baby, my best and worst memories but mostly how much I love him. Your blog is touching so many people. I am so glad you have found this outlet. You are wonderful.
Love,
Steph
I agree. You are very real and it speaks to my soul.
Dear Steph Oertle,
Please email me at stephaniewaite@gmail.com. I have a question for you.
Thank You, stephanie
Beautiful.
Real is also the belief in yourself..
This is wonderful Steph. We love you guys!
What a sweet entry. I don't leave a comment every day BUT I want you to know that you are ALWAYS in my heart and prayers.
BIG HUGS,
Julie
I love this saying
"We may not have it all together, but together we have it all."
This is a "Real" way to look at it when things get to be to much.
WOW!!!
If you could see my tears, I wouldn't need to try and use words to tell you how I feel right now.
Thank you, Thank you.
amen.
wow, that was amazingly beautiful!
Remembering and reminding seems key. Love you.
that was beautiful... so well said. thank you for sharing it with us.
Your Testimony is REAL!!!
You don't know me... My husband coaches Baby Mac's dad, Josh Hinckly, and I was doing a little blog stalking on Baby Mac's blog. I have LOVED reading your blog. I especially enjoyed how your huband was able to share the gospel with a perfect stranger so well. I am not great with words and wish I could express my sympathy to you and your beautiful family better. As a mother of 6 I can't even imagine going through a loss such as yours.
I can say you have strengthened many testimonies by what you are doing with your blog. Thank you for sharing with the world.
What a joyous day when your family is able to be together again in the eternities!
Stephanie, your reference to the Velveteen Rabbit reminded me of another post I read on the blog of another grieving mother. I thought you might be interested.
http://sheyerosemeyer.blogspot.com/2008/04/real-10000-words-or-less.html
I love those words, especially the last paragraph. :)
You write so beautifully. I am sure you have heard all of this before, but I need to say it to you. I admire your strength. Admire isn't even a strong enough word. I have a 14 month old little boy. He is my world and I thought I was doing everything I could to make him feel my love for him. But since I started reading your blog, I have been able to reach inside myself and push myself to not only be a better mother, but a better person. Every minute I am trying very hard to not take advantage of anything. You have changed my perspective on life. Thank you for that and thank you beautiful Camille.
that was so beautiful and i can feel just how real you are. thank you. you are amazing!
xoxo
Beautifully written. Thank you for sharing. I continue to keep your family in my prayers.
http://www.donnagreen.com/enclose_card.php
If you love the Velveteen Rabbit, you should see Donna Green's artwork based on the book. (link above) Breath taking
I love this post. It is almost poetical.
I don't know you personally! But many of my friends have been posting about you and your sweet family on their blogs. When i heard it was about losing a daughter to drowning,i purposefully avoided reading your blog b/c i didn't want to own up to"everything always being in God's Hands". I mean, i took my daughter's to special ISR swim classes at 11 months and 2.5 yrs of ages. I did my part so, i didn't need to read your blog. that was was previous mentality. But, finally clicked on the link to your blog and began reading, weeping, and feeling so repentant at my previous arrogant statements and thoughts. Your blog isn't about seeking attention- it's about seeking peace and reaffirming the Lord's plan for us. It's a huge reality that in our everyday lives we forget that God has A Specific plan for each one of us. And we said we'd do what he wanted us to do- rain or shine, gain or loss! Thank you for reminding me of Everything Eternal! You have touched this life for Good. Your sweet spirit and personality are so inspiring and refreshing in a world of such clutter and confusion. Thanks is really all i can say! I will check back often!
With Love, Corrine
thechristianclan.blogspot.com
You don't know me, but I stumbled across your blog on accident. I want you to know that I think you and your family are amazing, also your girls are just precious! I am expecting my first child in a few months, and reading your thoughts, feelings, and testimony about losing your little one has really opened my eyes and realize how important our actions and attitudes really are. Thank you so much for sharing your deepest thoughts. You have touched many people and I am very thankful for your strength and example.
My friend told me to check out your blog and that it would up lift me and touch my heart. I love this entry, and it's so true. Also, i didn't realize your last name was Waite. My maiden name is Wayt - maybe we're very very distant cousins?! Thanks for your entries.
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