First of all I would like to thank all of you that commented in my Sometimes in the Pain post.
I was overwhelmed by your response and also the countless private emails I received.
I wrote that for me.
I wrote that for my own family.
To truth is that when I sat down to do the post I was just going to show photos from our trip home.
At the last minute it quickly spilled out.
I pressed publish and it just felt right to say SOMETHING!
(the only other times I have spoken about the divorce were HERE and HERE)
I have kept very quiet about this divorce and what it has done to my family and especially to my children.
What I DID say is nothing compared to all the thoughts and feelings that we have but at least it was not putting on a fake smile and not acting like it exists.
If you sin and no one sees it is it still sin?
Of course it is.
If you sin and no one calls you out on it is it still sin?
What a silly question.
I just wanted my friends, family and readers to know (that commented and emailed) that I truly appreciate your feedback and how you shared so many private and painful stories from your own lives.
I didn’t expect so many of you to share your own pain from affairs and divorce.
Now let’s get on to better things:-)
I wanted to share the photos from the farm and my trip home because we had so much fun!
There was so much laughter, joy, playing, getting dirty, hiking, talking, dog walking, friend hugging and just all over thankfulness that we got to play at the farm and spend time with my mom, brother and see a few friends.
We even snuck a trip into Chicago for a few days.
Here are the highlights.
Our first full day home we went hiking at one of our favorite parks.
I hiked at this same park growing up and I now hike here with my children each time we come home.
Kelly had some work to do in Chicago so we all tagged along for a few days.
While he worked we played.
A little boy so tired from a hard day of play, pine tree warriors, working on finishing up school and even a date night.
Everything looks lovelier with the farm as our backdrop.
Our favorite activity while we were on the farm was to grab a blanket, head to the orchard and just spend time together.
Some days a book was nearby, banana bread fresh from the oven or a big bowl of ice cream.
I will miss that blanket on the grass the most about the farm.
I told the kids we just need to forget we have neighbors and create our own “time in the orchard”.
More hiking and of course stopping along the road to capture a cow or two:-)
And then it was time to say goodbye.
We can’t wait for Grandma Madolyn to live close to us.
We are counting the days.
We will miss the farm but we can’t wait for my mom to be so close, be a part of our daily lives and we can drive her crazy:-)
(All of my photos were taken with my phone and Instagram. If you are on Instagram please find me at JeanneOliver)
Jeanne, it sounded idyllic…and the memories you have created on this trip will mesh with the memories you had as a child and that is a good thing. Having your mother moving close will be wonderful for you and the children.
As for speaking out — sometimes we mean to say one thing and then the truth spills out. We can’t stop that — because when the truth and the words need to be spoken they will be.
I applaud you for sharing your heart and your feelings with us and for opening a dialogue that many of us needed to have and to realize that we are not alone when something like this happens. What one person does has a ripple effect on the family…it can’t not. To say nothing is to condone it and to say “this is fine” when in fact, it shatters everything you have known to be true. Follow your heart always. You show others how to do that and I am glad that you can do that for yourself as well. xo
really beautifully put, sherry.
Nothing sweeter than the napping face of a little guy, especially after they have run themselves ragged! Recognize the BEAN..how fun was that!? So glad you will have your mom closer and your children will have memories of the farm but will also have new ones to make with her so much closer to you. Love and good luck to her in this new chapter of her life.
Love the farm. It is so stunning!
When will she be in town? Let’s be sure to get her up here for some coffe or tea and a look around! Ox
Beautiful pictures Jeanne. It looks like you all had such a nice time. Looking forward to our family vaca in August. Have a great weekend:)!
Jen
It’s always fun to go back home and rediscover it again. You were in my neck of the woods. (I live in Palatine.) I love the photo of the kids sitting on the floor at the Art Institute – I LOVE that place! About the divorce you wrote about – I am learning that every family has its own kind of pain. I lived for 50 years before I realized that.
xo
jeanne
love all the pictures, jeanne! i was really touched and blessed by the toughtful words and stories shared from that prior post, too. there aren’t many times and places where you can open up about such pain, hurt, sadness, heartache that is much too common in our world. thanks for letting such stories be heard in your space.
What beautiful and endearing photos of your family and your time on your mom’s farm. It’s good to hear that your mom will be moving closer to you guys. I’m sure you all will enjoy that! I’m so glad you shared your thoughts and feeling about the divorce. It truly affects everyone and can be so hard on a family. We are dealing with this now too and it was good to hear that I was not alone with some of the feelings I was keeping in. I wish you love and healing with all the changes to come. xo.
Such a lovely post, Jeanne!!
What amazing memories you made on this wonderful day!!!! Enjoy every minute. Those little birds grow up soooooooooooooooo fast & fly the nest… Days like this are indeed precious memories! HUGS!
Charlene