One Turned Back: Elaine

The screen swung open with a crash and his little body careened in. “Mom, we’re going to need a carrot,” Milo said as he searched in the fridge and pulled out a bag of baby carrots. Curious about the need for a singular carrot, Elaine asked, “What do you need it for?” I peered out the door and saw Gideon and Asher frantically piling up sand in the middle of the sandbox. “We’re making a snowman.” Milo proclaimed loudly. The noises of Isaiah, Eli, and Moses enthusiastically debating which marvel superhero was best could be heard in the background. “Want to stay for dinner?” I had been there since 3, but none of us were ready to leave. It was the first time I’ve ever eaten pancakes with sour cream and jelly, but it won’t be the last.

When our households get together it is a beautiful, happy, chaotic experience that somehow happens to be soothing and refreshing. Our children are full of energy and vitality, and we are full of words, rabbit trails, and observations. I leave her home feeling understood.

Many of my treasures are people who are very different from me. The way they see the world helps me function in a world that isn’t friendly to people like me. Elaine is a different type of gift. She is the gift of a friend who sees the world like me. When we talk our conversations often vary from being a mom to the way language and words shape ideas and morality. In the middle of these conversations our ADHD boys interrupt to ask for help with costumes, conflict management, or to tell us a random fact about “Pirates of the Caribbean.” These interruptions don’t phase Elaine. She graciously responds and redirects, then without missing a beat she returns to our conversation.

Other than Chad, Elaine is my biggest cheerleader in writing my novel. She has spurred me and encouraged me to give time to this dream. She has listened to incessant rants about my characters, plots, and the struggles of living an artistic life. We’ve walked the writer’s road together, and I am so proud of the work she has put into her own novel! I will be screaming like a fan-girl when she signs my copy of her book. I hope that we can do many more writing retreats together!

Elaine loves Jesus and her church. Her Russian Orthodox faith looks a little odd to my Protestant eyes, but I have seen the Holy Spirit move and work on her heart. She has helped broaden my view of the Christian Church Universal because I have seen her love of the Lord and heard her heart. I know that God has meet her at St. Nicholas and that she is called to fellowship there.

I am so thankful to have a friend who understands. Elaine, you are a gift from God.

Philippians 1:3-7