This weekend was completely beautiful. I had been anticipating and planning for months - phone calls, emails, crafts, notes, lists, shopping. So much planning that I almost forgot what I was planning for. We worked all day Saturday - I would imagine something and Abby would create it, as if she was in my head or could see the same end product that I could see. It just worked, like a rhythmic machine - no glitches, no speedbumps, just a gentle soothing beat as we marched throughout the day. It was simple, but it took a lot of work to make it that way. There was a flow, but it took strategic design to create it. On Sunday, we added finishing touches and waited. And then, people came. The poured in the door and poured out love and support and said "we'll be here with you!" And Ali was blessed. Which was the whole point anyway. Her new baby boy will be coming in December and everything I am loves the tradition of throwing a shower to help get the family ready. A shower to say that you're not alone, that your whole world will be turned upside down, but we want to help you get through it- we want to walk alongside you and carry you when you cannot bear another step. And that's what it was - an outpouring of love and blessings and gifts for a growing family.
We had a sketched tree in a frame so that people could put their thumb print and write their name. This will hang in the new nursery...There were branches in vases that people could come in and write a blessings for the baby on...A clothesline hung on the wall with precious baby clothes and a homemade sign, painted by Abby...His name was painted on pumpkins and sitting on the mantle, with baby pictures of Ali and Danny...
Baby blocks, pumpkins, flowers, fall leaves and candles were scattered around the room sitting on tables and shelves and creating an atmosphere of warmth and calm.
People filled the room right at 2:00 and the chatter began - 60 women in a house, joyfully laughing at the past and looking forward to the future; fervently catching up on job status, kids, church life, recent events; and paying close attention for when Ali would get to their well thought out gift. Ali laughed easily and truly was glowing the whole day, utterly overwhelmed by the generosity and affection of the women we hold so close. She opened each gift and the room ooohed and ahhhed over the tiny socks, jersey onesie, hand-made blanket, monogrammed bibs, and perfect belongings. A dear friend prayed towards the end for this new life, that he would grow in faithfulness and trust in the Lord, that he would know how great his parents are, that they would have the patience needed and the support of friends, that they wouldn't be too hard on themselves, but would find grace. Tears were shed and joy in its finest form floated through the air.
The women lingered, drinking coffee and eating cupcakes and continuing to laugh. And I didn't want it to end. But at some point people began to clear and the space began to feel big again, still full but more open. With a heart overflowing, we said goodbyes and made plans to see each other soon. We hugged and took pictures and tried to hold on to this unforgettable day. Once just the seven of us were left, we went back through to truly get a good look at the tiny clothes and the baby gear and only then did it set in.
Caleb is coming.
Oh how beautiful the group of people who cannot wait to meet him.
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