For This Child I Prayed

Hannah, the mother of Samuel, and I have something in common.  We know what it's like to fast and to pray and to plead with the Lord for a son. Her petition was granted when she gave birth to a child who would become a prophet in Israel. The Lord answered my prayers in the form of a mission call. Maybe my faith doesn't quite compare with Hannah's, but I believe I have faith enough.

Neil has had a desire to give back. Heavenly Father has put so many blessings into his life in the form of increased abilities, strengthened faith, healing, and inspired, loving people who've helped him along his road to recovery . Doesn't it make sense that he would want to show his love and thankfulness to the Lord through actions?

Early this year, we decided to help him pursue a Church mission. Since he is not currently able to serve a regular, proselytizing mission, we found another way he could possibly serve as a missionary. He eagerly participated in countless evaluations and interviews to see if he would be an appropriate candidate for a special service mission. His final paperwork was submitted last Monday. After making a circuitous route to get to us, we got the official word on Sunday that Neil has been called to the Family and Church History Headquarters Mission in Salt Lake City for two years. He is to report to his mission on July 6th.

My prayers have been for Neil and his ability to be the missionary that he wants to be, but I've also prayed for myself. Neil's been working toward independence for some time now. He can do his own laundry, prepare some of his meals, shop for groceries. He can keep his room clean, clean the bathroom, clean himself. I'm glad he'll have some supervision--a kind mission president and some senior couples who will keep an eye on him and the other young missionaries. He's ready to leave home, but am I ready for him to leave me? For three years we've been inseparable. Quite honestly, it will be hard for me to let go and put him in some one else's care for a while. I am willing to make that sacrifice. As Hannah said, long ago:

"For this child I prayed; and the Lord hath given me my petition which I asked of him:

Therefore also I have lent him to the Lord; as long as he liveth he shall be lent to the Lord." 

In the Garden

Starting the seeds under Jemima's watchful eye 

See how they grow

Preparing the plots

A frequent visitor

One of the pretty moths that lay tiny eggs that produce vegetation-eating caterpillars

Tad, the Toad, keeping a watchful eye out for the a fore mentioned caterpillars 

Growing things

Blue Jean Baby

Neil's Best Thing

We've put aside school for a little while. We'll come back to it later--maybe just one class at a time, or try an online course down the road.

The focus lately has been employment. Neil has had a work study experience at this darling boutique for the past several weeks, and is about to begin a paid work experience there for eight more weeks. Then it will be on to the real job hunt with a job coach.

I haven't seen Neil this happy since the accident three years ago. He loves his job. He feels needed and useful because he is. He has a great relationship with his boss and coworker. I love his job, too.

Next time you're in Somerville, come check out the store on main street. Even if Neil's not there, you'll love the place. Cute stuff, great prices, awesome people.

Emerson Time

I was there. I saw him: The Cutest Baby in the World. And it's true. He really is!

Just see for yourself:

T.C.B.I.T.W. after a bath

T.C.B.I.T.W. at the doctor's office

T.C.B.I.T.W. asleep on his mother's lap

T.C.B.I.T.W.'s first taste of real food

I'm feeling like a pretty lucky grandma. I only got to spend a few days with him, but those were quality days for sure. That is one cuddly kid! Now that I'm home, all I can say is thank goodness for Skype!

Hidden Treasure

On a beautiful day last Fall, Neil and I went for a run together. I appreciated the company. He usually runs much faster and much farther than I do. As we plodded along at my slow pace he had the spur-of-the-moment idea to take me to a place I'd been asking to see since before his accident--the secret cemetery in the woods. He'd been there before with friends when he was filming a semi-historic video for a school project. Though he had agreed to take me there years before, it never seemed to be the right time or season to make the short trip.

I was surprised to see that the cemetery really is hidden. The unmarked path off the road leaves a quiet neighborhood cul-de-sac, then disappears into some dense woods. After sneaking through some one's back yard we found a less traveled path (grassy and wanting wear) crossed by many downed trees that we climbed over to continue the trek. Then, out of the corner of my eye I spotted the remains of a rock wall. Through a tangle of brush and wild roses we reached the entrance.

The headstones that are still legible show dates from the 1800s. The names are the same ones we see on the street signs in the surrounding towns. Only one is recent. The date on the only modern placard in the corner of the yard reads 1998.

Curious, I did some research. Why is this cemetery not tended to? Why is it seemingly unknown? Why is the path grown-over and blocked? I didn't find my answers, but I found this instead: Vanderveer Cemetery #1  I also found this map of my town from 1860:

Though the cemetery isn't marked, it sits right on the Vanderveer farm on the western edge of the map by the river. 


This place feels sacred to me. More than a hundred years ago, the path would have been well-worn, the cemetery accessible. Families would have come quietly mourning, their tears very real. I feel connected to them, not because of family ties--my roots are buried in other parts--but because I live on their land. I plant my little garden where they plowed their fields. I drive across what was their forests. I hope they don't consider me an interloper.


When I went back for a visit recently, I was comforted to find a Christmas wreath on the newest grave. My neighbors of earlier days may be gone, but they are certainly not forgotten. I'd be glad to take you there. Then you can remember them, too. 

On the Town

Two Crazy Ladies
(It's really hard to take your own picture...)

My mom came to visit me.  She actually came to see Porgy and Bess, but I'm pretty sure she was happy seeing me and my family, too. I really, really like this woman :-)

My Mom and Patience

It's not too hard these days to find places to eat that cater to our annoying gluten-free diet. 

 On the train home.

Once again, I botched the self portrait. 

Looks like someone was taking a picture of my mom and I jumped in ;-)

Loved the show, loved New York, loved the company. I'd say it was a pretty good day.