A weekend that was good for my soul

We had a very busy weekend.  Last week was so nicely unscheduled, but our weekend was busy, and yet it was so good for my soul and very needed.

Friday evening Thomas had a track meet.  He was only competing in one event, and it wasn't scheduled to begin for a while, so we ventured down to the other end of the stadium to try to find some friends.  We ended up sitting together in a large group, and it was so nice to visit, laugh, and chat with so many other parents.  It was nice to feel involved in our town, and I enjoyed that Andrew, Robert, and Catherine were all sharing it with me.  After Thomas's event we left, and Thomas remained behind so that he could join the team for a pizza party afterwards.

Saturday morning we got up and finished cleaning the house.  Shortly after lunch we left for a nearby community to watch the soccer game of a very dear friend from our former town.  They all came to our house after the game, and we all hung out for hours and hours.  Our kids, and their kids, all have social issues, but they get along together like you just wouldn't believe.  Our other close friends called to let us know they were going to be in town that evening for an event and they came over afterwards as well.  This family is struggling so deeply with a couple of their children and behaviors, and it's causing some medical problems as well.  In fact, the family that was already there has struggled immensely as well, and we all kind of sat there and shared our stories, shared some tears, some laughs, some hugs, and lots of love.

We are so grateful for these friends in our lives who love us, love our kids, and understand without judging, just as we do the same for them.  We are so grateful that even though we chose to move 30 miles away, the miles don't diminish our friendships.  In fact, it helps us to appreciate even more the times that we are able to be together.  I felt so full of gratitude and so refreshed after getting to spend that time with them.

Yesterday we had church and then a meeting following.  We went straight from there to my aunt & uncle's house here in town to help with yard work and other things.  There were several other family members there as well, and it was nice to visit, and it was nice that we were able to accomplish so much.  My aunt is having back surgery in two weeks and I'm glad we can help.

We have four full weeks and then a half week of school left.  I almost feel refreshed enough to make it through!