I'm back

German ancestors and an emotional rollercoaster

Posted by joy.the.curious on Aug 12, 2011 in Random | 4 comments

Hello blogosphere… I’m back!

It’s been a long time. After finishing up my last post about the set of love letters I found on ebay, I got busy writing a book about my own family history. It’s a long and winding saga that took me five years to unravel, but I finally got it all down in print, just in time for our Almendinger family reunion last weekend. I published it on blurb.com in case anyone wants a sneak peek:

https://www.blurb.com/b/3552760-minnesota-almendingers

I also gave a two hour genealogy presentation about our colorful German ancestors, and it was a real hit. I originally intended to share some of the interesting tales I discovered along the way (which detail a lot of early history of downtown Minneapolis), but the thought of writing any more about my Almendinger family history right now does not jazz me in the least. So, even though I told you in my last post that I’d share some stories about White Charley and Over-the-Wall-Fred here on my blog, I’m afraid those will have to wait for another day. I’m “Almendingered-out” for the time being.

I’ve also been on an emotional roller coaster this week. I have a friend who’s struggling with addiction, and I participated in my first intervention on Tuesday. It was hard, but successful. My friend is now in treatment and hopefully on the way to recovery.

I try to journal each morning, and here’s a little snippet of something I wrote today. If you’re the praying type, please keep my friend in your prayers.

I’m afraid today.
Afraid for the life of my friend.
Happy that she’s agreed to seek treatment.
Proud of her bravery to face her addiction.
But worried.
So worried.

Will she really do it this time?
Stick with it?
Get healthy?
Succeed?
Thrive?
Live?

It’s all waiting for her.
All of us are here.
Waiting for her.

Come join us, the voice whispers.
Here, in the middle of life.
It’s not always pleasant.
Sometimes it rains, or storms.
But that’s OK too.
That’s just a part of it.
Embrace it. All of it.
The good days, the bad days.
The sun, the rain… the storms.
It makes us who we are.
The bad days remind us
that there’s still room for improvement.
More rainbows ahead.

Hold on, my friend.
One day at a time.
I’m here. We’re here.
Waiting.
In the middle of life.
So go now.
You go, and learn how to start living again.
We’ll be waiting.

Next time

September 11, 2001: Reflections on the 10 year anniversary

4 Comments

1. stacey | August 13, 2011 at 9:40 am

   I will pray for your friend and all who know her.

   Joy your post is beautiful, made me smile through tears.

2. carol edling | August 20, 2011 at 2:12 pm

   Such scary stuff, Joy. I can only speak from my own
   experience, and that is: Once you are on the road to
   recovery, you are so very grateful and realize what a
   downward path you were on. Have been grateful every
   day of my life since 1977. Hope this is the time that
   your friend will surrender.
   Love you,
   Carol

3. wendy | August 31, 2011 at 5:23 pm

   Hi Joy – I found your blog via OmniTrace. I believe in the power of prayer and transformed lives. Your friend is blessed to have you in her corner. I too was moved by your journal.

   On another note…based on your Omni Trace post…I was desperately hoping to chat with you. At your earliest convenience will you please contact me via my email. Thanks for your time.

   Wendy

4. Susan Dressel | September 9, 2011 at 10:43 am

   It’s those who have the courage to do what is right who are the mightiest of friends. God bless you Joy! Love you!