Well, we all had some expectations after the flood. Bethy was expecting to watch the television after the rain let up, and we were back in our own home. Twelve days without electricity was a long time for a two-year to wait, but her expectation came to fruition and she was once again nestled in her chair watching her Abelha Maia.
Bethy also anticipated being able to ride her bike outside. That was also an expectation fulfilled – but only in part. The garden and the paving stones were in the process of being rehabilitated from the muck and slime. But, she did well on the front varanda safely over the the part of the neighbor’s farm that had come to rest at our abode.
Thanksgiving peeked around the corner and prompted our gratitude for all that we had in spite of the mess. Our house was intact, and we had an electric radiator that we could move from place to place in the cold winter temperature. The rooms all had doors that we could close to keep us warm in whatever we needed to do.
We were healthy, and had enough. Our salary was not generous, but we had enough for our daily bread and a little more. Our expectation was that our Heavenly Father would continue to provide – and He did. We had Elisabeth. Each day I marveled as I saw her growing and learning.
Soon our expectations of Christmas crept up on us. Money and presents arrived from family and friends in the states. It was only Bethy’s second Christmas, and she had few expectations. Nevertheless, we enjoyed shopping for her. We had decorated the tree shortly after Thanksgiving, and her eyes were wide with joy, wonder and a bit of apprehension. But, we had another expectation in that Christmas tide.
Our other expectation was about a very young lady who had yet to show her face. She had a name (Sarah Susanna) and Harry’s expectation was that she would be born on his birthday, January 7th. The doctor said she could come at any time. With that expectation in mind, we bought Bethy a baby doll named Susie, and a crib to put her in. We hoped thought that it would help Bethy make the transition from only child to big sister. The time was getting close, but not soon enough for me.
Reblogged this on HarsH ReaLiTy and commented:
What a great reflective post about family. I enjoyed that a lot! -OM
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Thank you for the reblog, Jason. That was a kind thing to do.
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Aww, what a sweet way to introduce her into sisterhood! I love ALL those photos, but especially the one with her looking at her new baby. I’m sure she ended up being a big helper. 🙂
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Thank you, Rachel. It was an act of faith. 😀
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😀
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This is lovely. It reminds me of the intrusions extreme weather have had in our world here in Jamaica which become part of life. And it especially reminds me of early Christmases with my young daughter and the expectation of another to arrive.
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Thank you for stopping by and commenting. I know from the news how rough it has been in Jamaica, and that it is not yet all over. Best wishes to you.
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Thank you for the reblog!
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What a sweet and touching memory. Accompanied by lovely photos illustrating the feelings! 🙂
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Thank you.
it was a precious time!
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My father’s family name being Pirrip, and my Christian name Philip, my infant tongue could make of both names nothing longer or more explicit than Pip. So, I called myself Pip, and came to be called Pip.
Oh wait….wrong Expectations. 🙂
Loved the holiday imagery amid the receding water and the drying land. Susan, your story is at least as good as Dickens, and as well told.
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I’m flattered, Mr. Spencer. Thank you for your kind words.
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You know, I really like the chair Bethy is sitting in. I mean, I could see the professor in that one, for sure. I’m so interested to see if the baby does come on Harry’s BD!
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I’d send it to you, but I’m pretty sure we left it in Portugal! 😉
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I think I’d rock in it.
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You rock all of the time.
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But you can’t be sure.
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You have it backward; you can’t be sure. You are too close to the question.
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Susan, another perfect post that brings feelings of normalcy to me. I just drank in each photo and I really thought the last picture of Bethy with the doll and crib was just adorable. I hope the transition went well from baby to older sister. Thank you, Susan! Love, Amy
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Thank you, Amy. As always, there were a few interesting moments, but I am happy to report that they are great friends as well as sisters now.
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That’s because you cared enough to try to figure out what was best for both of your children, Susan. Bless you! xx
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Thank you, Amy.
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Always encouraging to see the Lord at work. He manages to bless us in unexpected ways. Contentment in any situation is a gift we all need.
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