Essence

Essence
I shall be at peace when the lion within can lie down with the lamb.

Saturday, October 23, 2010

Early at the meet point on purpose. I needed a few minutes to get in my head, then back out again. This is  regarding  my hopes in this first meting with my GRANDSON! Breathing slooooww.

Angel and Aaron's "Good Moment"

Oops, I was a slacker.  I forgot to call Angel to say I arrived safely. So she calls me this morning, not thinking about the time zone difference.  I have lost my voice finally from the cold, so after I croaked out a recap of my day and of the meeting with Alisha, Angel redirected the conversation.

I try not to think much about Aaron. Or Tony.  It's not just that "no man can be good enough for my little girls". That is a part of it.  Both couples met when each were still young in early high school if not before.  So I know their families. I know their histories. Aaron even lived with me in his early 20's as one of the  young people I took in to get them on track to being self-sustaining and responsible.  That didn't end well with him, as he was disrespectful to all authority at that point of his life, and had violent tendencies that concerned me.

Angel recounted a conversation between her and Aaron recently that touched me and has softened my heart towards him some. They got married July 25, 2010 on the anniversary of the 8th year of the day they met.  She explained that one of their strong points as a couple has always been that they were best friends, before they dated. Then even in times of taking time apart, they remained, best friends.

One night though, they began to discuss how each had gone in to marriage with the expectations of what would change for their interactions, and what would stay the same?   She says he is not treating her badly, but there are certain things she had gone in desiring of her husband.

His response is what made me laugh. "Honey, you have been reading too many of those books.  That's just crazy. You have built up a fairy tale that I can not live up to."

Angel explained that the message actually came from Isaac. His persuasion that the woman is to be the Gift to the man, not the other way around.  Aaron responded well to that, because, after all, it was Isaac they sought out as a couple to perform their wedding ceremony. They didn't have their pastor do it, or a Justice of the Peace... it was ALWAYS,,, for 8 years when they first began musing as 16 & 18 years old kids,, it was ALWAYS going to be Isaac as their minister.

So, she taught him the lessons from Isaac.  What is cool, is that they were able to sit down,, after a few months of being married and talk it out. Instead of internalizing their disappointments,, or perhaps,, less severe, their disillusions.  They could do a status check, and be open to tell the other what they need that they are not getting from the marriage, as well as share what is going GREAT and ABUNDANT  in the shifting roles!!

Aaron thoughtfully told her, "But I thought since I was providing the roof over your head and food on your table, it may not be much but it was always there, that you KNEW how much I love you because that was me SHOWING you."

Again!! Props to Aaron for speaking out loud!!  Angel and I both in today's phone call simultaneously said, "THE FIVE LOVE LANGUAGES"!!!   And she giggled and said, "yes, PRECISELY another book!",,, and she reminded Aaron in their conversation that it had been a part of the recommended reading in their pre-marital counselling.

To me???  I am touched and moved that Aaron DOES cherish MY DAUGHTER enough to sit down,, and I can actually picture them sitting in a very nurturing, bonding way,, very,,,, ummm... not only being  transparent,,, very..... vulnerably unguarded (??????)  way   (geez,, I can usually find a word for something,, i botched that one)....

....but they sat down,,, and used "I" messages and allowed truth to have a voice.  It just seems healthy and healing to me,, before there is a much more sad or regretting issue later.

Like she said, a strong point  being that they are still best friends.  So my estimation of him went up alot today.  I conceded before they married, that he wasn't the same cretin that kicked and fussed at my house a five years back.   Aaron has also grown into a man... and sounds like he is still willing to be the best partner to my daughter that he can be.  And she responds to him as well.

I'm enjoying the relationship that Angel and I have at this moment in Time.  We can share these conversations. They are intellectual, because I read the books along side of her so we COULD talk it out.  They are emotional because we know what buttons to push. They are spiritual because it is also an example of many people, many styles, many petitions of prayers for God's best for each of them as individuals BEFORE and also after marital union.

I am just blessed to be where I am with each of my daughters.  It was not an over night success. No fairy tale here. Alot of hard work. And infinite amounts of love and tender concerns for ANOTHER outside of our individual selves.

I see beauty here. Raw and strong and powerful.  In marital relationships as well as familial.

What a gift of second, third, and many more chances God is.  Demonstration of how the fruits of the Spirit really do operate if we get out of our own way and let them.

Humbled and grateful, with a loving heart,
Jan M. Olsen
~J~

What Time Is It?

Awesome... simply awesome to see Alisha.  Her work was slamming, so she acknowledged me and I went to sit it out.  I just looked away,, and as a mother can, I honed in on her voice in the millieu and just let it roll across my senses in wonder.  Then I heard magical words, "Hey! Can one of you guys take this for awhile?"  She came from the back and we went out to her car.

I wasn't sure what the weekend would bring.  With her working until 0100mdt, I was going to say let's hang out after breakfast tomorrow,, and then have her go home early Saturday night and get some sleep.  Then we could go anywhere she wanted to on Sunday, even tourist things, my treat.

Alisha had thoughts things out to suggest to me too. She has errands to run, would I go along with them? She wants to take me out to eat tomorrow, and rest more on Sunday.  So,,,  we are sleeping in and meeting up at 11am to spend Saturday hanging out!

I had debated about getting a hotel.  Finances aside, I am not doing great in my health today.  My BP was 185 / 125 and I felt every effect of that!!!  Alot of pain, and I didn't try to go with little food or drink, but looking back,, that's what I did.  So, Alisha and Pastor both think I should get a hotel.  I did.

Landed across the street from Saturday's meet point.  As I was checking in, I struck up conversation with the hotel owner and the older lady training for front desk clerk. I asked about the sign for the indoor heated pool and jacuzzi, she confirmed, yes, it closes at 10pm,,, it was 9:40pm as I checked in. 

We talked about my being a night auditor 4 years, and about how this is CO slow season, but in FL it is the high season.  They gave me a kingsize bed,, HUGE room,,, at a tremendous discount,, then the owner asked me, "Would you still like to go sit in the hot tub?  I will go lock you in the pool room, and you can stay in until 11pm so you can relax from your long day."

BOY!!! I jumped at that!!! PRIVACY,, pool and hot tub to myself, indoors!  I have swim trunks that I use for pajamas,, I didnt have any scruffy shirts,, so I just chose the lesser one,, and I  gotta confess,,, I was in HEAVEN!!!!

Alternating hot tub and cool pool????   in the pool doing stretches and resistance,, in the hot tub, angling  the jets to hit me in perfect spots!!! All you wellness people are aware of the benefits of reflexology, I am sure?? Both hand and foot massage and pressure points affecting all the  operating systems  and organs of the body??   So i specifically targetted hands and feet into the jets,,,

I am as limp as a piece of thread.... ahhhhh....

The phone rang, I didn't know if it would be Alisha?  The caller ID  heralded it as one of the ladys I mentor... and with a sigh I answered it.  It dawned on me AFTER we talked a long time,, that it was past midnight where she is in SoFL,, and 10pm in Colorado.... 

She is one of the people I almost dread talking to,,, she takes EVERYTHING I say and twists it,, so by the time she repeats it and says "OK, I got it, thanks"  she doesn't have anything at all approximating the words or meaning I used.  It now sounds good to her, to justify her actions, which were troubling her in the first place,,,,

So for last few months I have been turning it back to her,, asking her what can she do to settle the issue at hand? What is she looking for?    Trying to get her to say for herself what she is REALLY up to,, rather than have her roll her eyes at me and do what she wanted to in the first place. 

almost 30 minutes later? I had phone to my ear, sitting in the hot tub,, and finally I asked to go for now.

She is likely going to seek her answers in people,, specifically in men... and she will say to me, to her kids, to Pastor, to all who approach her, "What?! Don't you want me to be happy?".

   Yeah, but like I told her tonight,, if you go into anything unhappy yourself, you attract unhappy,,, then its two or more of you in the pits. What then? A season at best with nothing to sustain it?

If you are unhappy and they are happy, one of you will draw the other one. 

If you are happy, and they are happy,,,,, then you approach as complete individuals and can share common grounds from there.

Well, by the time she repeated it back to me? She skirted that she was talking about dating (she 's only separated from her husband of 20 years, not divorced! HELLO!) and said she understood because she finds happy people to be with at work. Not the same topic, milady,,, but okay,, tonight, Jan is too limp to stay on track.

Very relaxed,, if I go to bed now?? Will be 3rd day in a row I get 8-12 hours of sleep in one shot. That sounds like  plan.  Please, let my BP go down!!

I hope the baby is in bed when A gets to her home and that she can unwind from her two jobs today suffiiciently to get some rest herself.

I have so many blessings... so much to be grateful for,,, so much to give,,, a glimpse of a gentle peace...

Goodnight,
Jan M. Olsen
~J~

Friday, October 22, 2010

So Close.....

I am within 3.5 miles of where my youngest daughter is at work.  I had to pull over the side of the road to gather myself.  A case of the nerves :-/

She and I are two hard heads, used to bump alot. I don't wanna live on eggshells,, worried she will cut me out if I tick her off.   It takes REAL WORK to frustrate me to the walk-away point.....  like 14 yrs, 11 months, 3 weeks, 6 days to leave a marriage that was a dead end to begin with,,, that kind of thing.

One of Alisha's "I HAVE ARRIVED" points was her 18th birthday,, so she could "pick an arguement and then walk out and I couldnt tell her to sit down and finish it".... lolollol 

Well, she certainly arrived there. What did it prosper?

So I wanna see her, hug her,, love her,,, share my peace and the strides I have made in my own life,, as well as get to know, Alisha the adult, mother of one...

My hands are shaking..... my tummy in a flopping racket.

Need to take some time to talk myself into making that last step  ...  the reality of answer to many prayers, sleepless nights, and blessings.

3.5 miles..... sigh......  a long deep breath a mile????  LOL

here I go :)
~J~
a supportive reply?
I'm so glad. This is not an answer to prayer. This is an answer to many prayers!

Enjoy. Live it. Love it. Experience it. And come back refreshed and reconnected to your daughter. Blessings!

Thumping!

This car is rigged for SERIOUS SOUND! whew! If this was mine, I'd be a candidate for Angelita's sign language!

A guilty pleasure is bass thumping ELF I can feel in my chest and that makes the whole vehicle or house thrum and vibrate!! I would be dangerous with $1,000 to sink in a decent sound system, lol!!

It's friday nite dance and club music - a techno, R/B, hiphip station! It's throbbing my leg on the door, mercy! Pitbull music always makes me smile, his style and swagger is FUN! Live vicariously thru his party ;-)

I gotta be CAREFUL- I earned a $1,200 speeding ticket in my car last december,,,, FHP clocked me going 101mph in a 70 mph on FL Turnpike. relieved, cuz I had pegged out at 125mph part of the time!

after plodding along 18 wheels, 70 ft long Combinaton T/T governed at 62 mph? Well, a girl's gotta let her down, let the hosses run when she gets a chance!! This car is a 6 cyl...whee doggie! Z-Z-zipn!

Nothing at all to do a buck fifty on motorcycles or swim with sharks...but let the phone ring? I get clammy, lol.

finally got hydrated....didn"t fast on purpose, so hadn't properly prepared or talked my body into abstaining.... so i had a terrible headache! All cool now, just usual fever and fatigue.

FULL MOON! THE ROCKIES SHROUDED IN A STEEP FOG AND MYSTIQUE! they are there, you know it, even when you can't see it.

Having faith and fun, very loud, FAST fun!
Jan M. Olsen


~ J ~
Sent from my Verizon Wireless mobile phone

I'm Here, Anywhere But There

Well, uneventful flights. Supposedly 48 degrees here in denver. I shucked my jacket immediately from the hustling bustle to navigate a maze of an airport. Felt like the mouse Algernon. I should buy myself flowers, though, because I did it!

First sight that was independantly my own, not the terminal or shuttle, or rental agencies, but rather the first view outside, in the fresh air (THANK YOU LORD FOR OUTDOORS!!!)...was a rainbow! Everyone knows, there"s promise and rest from a rainbow! Encouraged, by what a harried local may have missed, I soaked in like an arid desert bloom.

Immed bought a bottle of water and chugged it! My BP iss high, my pain is screaming for my attention, my cold is moving up and out my ears and throat Water!! TYJ for WATER to drink!!!

About to enter Denver at their Friday, 5 o'clock dash! In a car! How cool is that?! An invitation timed just when I was feeling a bit overwhelmed, to join my daughter at her work. An answer to a preference, I will get to greet her one on one, without the baby as her shield. I'm tired, but this is what i came to do!

Still 30 min later, sitting in an exhorbitant $ rental car, taking deep breaths and reminding myself of the mercies, grace, and favor of God that brought me to this second ofg Time in my life. I set a goal, I prayed for direction, provision, God's will, and timing.....and here I am.

Open arms, mind and heart to receive the fruit of years of labor. It's right here.

Thanks for joining me as I ride,
Jan M.Olsen
~ J ~
Sent from my Verizon Wireless mobile phone
What better takeoff song to break the constraints of gravity and humanity than "Revelation Song".Next stop, Denver to Pueblo!Grateful and humbled. Loving heart.

Country Mouse Loose In A Small City ;-)

WOW!!!   It is REAL!!! It is HERE!!  It is HAPPENING!!! 

Country Mouse is at her gate in the Jacksonville Airport. Relatively painless, this is no Dallas or Orlando!!! Very low traffic and calm.  Security was thorough, but non-invasive.

I keep pinching myself!!!  THE DAY HAS ARRIVED!!!  

Ok,, here is the requisite photo from the gate, with my plane in view!  hah!!  Just proof when I need it that I AM REALLY GOING TO FLY TO SEE ALISHA!!!!!


I got here 90 minute early, I am so excited. LOL!! And in awe of all the food venues and sales opportunites here in the airport!!!  To save money,, I hit up the gut truck at the Yard,, and aint drinking much at all.

OH heck!! I am just soooooooooooooo  bubbling!!

Thursday, October 21, 2010

If You're Weird And You Know It, Clap Your Hands, CLAP CLAP

After making a rambling list of what to pack and what to do in the AM to secure my truck?

Was going to sleep, but first began to sync and charge my MP3 for the flight- heaven help me I'm singing to top of my lungs...like just me and the Atlantic ocean- singing.

Oooh Boy :-/

Like Dad always said, "Girl, for somebody so smart, how can you be so dumb sometimes?"

I hear ya loud and clear on this one.

Laughing at myself,, and gonna try to decompress again. 

With a shake of my head and a grin, gnite moon!
Jan M. Olsen
~J~

Is There Any Calgon In That Suitcase? Please, Take Me Away!

Listening to: "In The Arms Of The Angels" Sarah McLaughlin,,,and "Wild Thing" Tone Loc... kinda alllll over the place, dontcha think??  UGH!!!!


Been a very busy last few days.Alot of decisions to make.When it came right down to it?
 I chose to live my life among the living. 
I am going through with my plans to go see Alisha and my grandson.  Jeremiah turned 7 months old today, and I will get to meet the little dude for the first time in just a few short hours from right now, mark time, MARCH!

I am a list-maker.  So,, all this uncertainty,, all this hotwire, expedia, priceline, orbitz, direct websites and 1-800 numbers is giving me a colossal headache!!  Where you shave a penny here, it cost you a nickel in the fine print!!  I finally sat down just a few minutes ago, determined to not get up until I had a rental car reserved!!!!!!!   Aiyiyiyiyi YI YI YI!!

   Angel, I have joined you among the procrastinator ranks this time, Baby!  And btw,, i am uncomfortable with every second of it,, so,, don't look to pull me down into YOUR bucket, little Crab,, come up to the LIGHT!  Lol, j/k, love ya, Bugs!  Thanks for holding my arms up in battle, my little Warrior Dove!  The pay off is near at hand, my love!


Not much of a gal that gets out on vacation types very often?? I have no real idea how to navigate all those tools.  I decided to just go direct. That's what I did over a month ago when I bought my airline ticket from Southwest.

 It creeps me out to give my credit card number over the internet,, and let the fickle Finger Of Fate choose the merchant, location and ware for me!!  I opted for a slightly mid-size car,,, even though it will only be my daughter, the baby, and I?  And my suitcase??? this gives room for strollers, diaper bags,, and all the loot Jeremiah is about to score from his soft NanaJ - wry laugh!!!

I worked several days extra on this paycheck,, just so I CAN load his wagon!  It has been hard not to buy him gifts as I see them,, when I would have to pay shipping or luggage... sooooo,,, with supreme self-control, I am going to wait!  And take Momma and baby shopping together.

To be honest??? I don't even know what size he wears? What is his bedroom decorated like?  What does his mom and dad enjoy these days???

People??? I haven't even seen Alisha in THREE years...  from 18-21,,, I am sure she has changed.

I know I have :)

Then there's the small matter of where to sleep??? I want to just sleep in the car,, like I do my truck.  I think Pastor would not agree,,, as a matter of fact,, he counselled against it.  LOL. Tony, Alisha's husband,, will not let me in thier home.  So,,, any visiting will be done in a hotel, or out in town.  Reckon I will get a room...

In the words of the buzzards in Jungle Book, "Let's not start that again!!  Reservations??   PLEASE  my pea brain is maxxed out!!

I am just so grateful for this gift ,,, time and opportunity.  How wonderful the day when Alisha emailed me asking for my phone number.  I was training a new student, when we got stuck in New Mexico in a flash blizzard that closed I-40 for 4 days last January. Then THE CALL came in,, from a number I didnt recognize,, and a tearful, quivering voice on the other end, said, "Mommy?"

We cried that day, my girl and I,,, as I am crying now,, with washing tears of both relief and joy. 

I had faith that if I just waited for her,, and prayed,, and waited,,, and prayed,, and waited,,, that ONE day,,,

and it was worth it in the end to hear that ONE word - Mommy?

I had forgiven Alisha and Tony mere days after the split 3 years ago.

But I forgave myself with the mention of my name by my Happy Dancer.

OH!! What peace.... what release,,,,  what HOPE...

So here I am,,, under 24 hours from arriving in her town,, looking for a silly hotel to throw my money away to,,,,  not sure if I wil get to see her then?  If she will ask me to her job?  Or if we will first meet on Saturday?

I have a hope.... I need a few minutes with just Alisha,, without Jeremiah in her arms...  OMG I have got to hold her and look in her eyes and SEE and LET HER SEE my love,,,, I just have to!! It's been too long.

Then, throughout the weekend,, I need to be alone with Jeremiah,, just 5 minutes,, to annoint and pray over him, to give angels charge over him,, to instruct him to always love and honor and cherish both his mom and his dad forever.

So distracted at work today??? I ended up with THREE blue ink pens in my jeans back pocket and THREE pairs of sunglasses on my head!!! 

I slept 12 hours last night,, I could so easy go to bed right now,,, give in to the sad tears for my friend, the grateful tears for Angel, Alisha, Jeremiah and I ....  pray and just go to sleep.... I think a good sleep will be a GREAT start for this adventure!!!

I have less fever in my joints today.  It's been almost 3 weeks since I had those abominable injections and associated nausea.  No idea what my BP is,, but I can tell it is NOT at critical mass..

Instead, I am limp in heart and body.  Yawning with my mouth and my mind.

ii John v. 12- Having many things to write unto you, I would not write with paper and ink: but I trust to come unto you, and speak face to face, that our joy may be full.

Yearning, dreaming, thanking,
Jan M. Olsen
~J~
Ecclesiastes 3 The GRATITUDE- inducing verses highlighted in BLUE!

1To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
2A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
3A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
4A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; (well HALLELUJAH FOR THESE TWO TIMES!!!))
5A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
6A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
7A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
8A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Resting

In Angel's made up word, I am anky. Cranky and achy, lol. Used to tell tthem as kids, "just because you have a fever and don't feel good? DOn't take it out on anyone else. We didn't do it to you."

I needed that chastisement. I am so tired that even my skin hurts. So?? Stripped to the bare essentials (that's to the skin) ...even my skin will get air and breathing room. Turning my brain off, laying my body in a restFULL position, temperature perfect (super cold)...not expecting anyone to knock on my truck for any reason. Word up! If they do dare disturb my slumber? I will prolly bite! Fair warning!

I want to dream of catching candy at a parade. Nothing more seriouss or dark than that, please.

Climbing into the wingspan of the angels, ready to surrender my guard.

Spent time specifically "free-writing" in my new notebook. Timed it and all that jazz. Time was up very quickly, I had more to say.

well, before i fall asleep typing this blog, gonna close my eyes and picture those I am grateful for! Can't wait to see Alisha...about this time on Friday.

Goodnight, with a gentle song and release,
Jan M. Olsen


~ J ~
Sent from my Verizon Wireless mobile phone

Angel was just recommended, then nominated to be in the collegiate National Honor Society!! WAY OVER MY HEAD! Possible extra scholarships! Wow! Go God!

Boomerang

Already been driving 10 hours. Four more to go. At that pseudo milestone, DOT says stop, drop and roll (into bed). The preferred location for this relief of duty status would be 1)near my car/church 2) truck stop with food 3) rest area with indoor plumbing 4) near the next shipper, on the roadside, no facilities whatsoever.

 Hmmmmm... my company insists I "make it happen" to go pick up the next load before break. So,,,,ding ding ding!   Number 4 is winner of Home Sweet Home!  Happy Wednesday to me!

I can doze standing up, sitting down, wherever I stop MOVING!  LOL

My eyes hurt and twitch. My nose, throat, and chest hurt, tight, red,,,,, all that is extra bonus to the inferno that boils day and night anyway. Sigh,,,, what I wouldn't give to sleep in the swimming pool, head propped up on  a noodle... that always scared the mess out of the fitness trainers!!!  To come out to lock up, to find me drifting, lights off to the pool,, SOUND ASLEEP!!!!!

Maybe a bit like a boomerang? Jax to Miami to Orlando - lost some momentum on the bounce UP. oh well cest a vie. 14 hrs is enough punishment to my wore out body. Hmpf! My sleeping bag is calling with its  Siren Song!

For music, settled on Classical. It's not mindless. My ears tune into the various "voices" of each section, or even individual instruments. Engaged,  as the movements progress, my mind follows the drama and journey. Even my whupped body responded by tensing, flexxing, moving in time.... when the music was slow or soft, I breathed deeply and really "looked" at my tense places.  Too numerous to release all at once, I WAS still driving my semi, LOL. When the crescendoes came, I noticed I was pumped and invigorated.  Could drive many more hours.. but nah,,, :)

Amazing bass trombone, cello, and some delightful midwest American composers as well!

The focus has been what my thoughts needed. A guided channel to lands, times, loves near and far. Less time introspective or burning with pain.

Good choice of station, Jan! You ROCK!

Passed within  1 mile of my car.  Only 5 miles from church and my adoptive family. I dont usually get same day assignments back out of SoFL, so was already rolling with anticipation to my hiding place.  Woulda got in just as Pastor came out of his private devotions.  Staff would be arriving. I could have gotten in the building,,, sometimes just BEING is perfect and fulfilling. Oh well, have to adjust and tuck and roll. That's all.

Trying to use up my cold food before vacation. Blindly grabbed the apples.Sliced in a bag, was a little put off they looked like the wizened apple witches we made as kids. Tangy fermented too. Ptooey! Glad its now daylight, will be examining the brocolli and carrots for  freshness.

Put up a note in the driver's lounge at Terminal in Jax.  I need a ride to the airport on Friday....

Trying to  work on my awareness of my thoughts, words, voice, and breathing.  A little bit of effort to find the humbly grateful girl I know was smooshed to a pulp yesterday by the death of my friend.  Attitude of gratitude, even if it is only for music, word, true sour apples (bah), and my upcoming date with my pillow ;-)

How'd I do??? 
lol
Tired, but shiny side up,
Jan M. Olsen
*** UPDATE!!!  I stood up for myself!!! I would have had to run illegally over my DOT hours to get to the shipper!  They are 24 hours, I have been there many times.  So I kinda pushed back on my dispatcher, until he got me cleared to stop now, resume after my 10 hr DOT break.  Drive overnight,, again...  Safe and legal!!! So,, make that option #3,,,, chilling at a rest area with running water!  Such small things,, such big victories!!!
~J~
Sent +rom my Verizon Wireless mobile phone
Yikes! Blogspot is making me switch to a Google sign in. I've lost access to the Roaring Lion blog :(

I Need Gills Instead Of Lungs

Truly, that is how I feel so much of the time.  I don't belong here, in the air breathing landlocked environment.  The places I find the most wonder, relief on my joints and pains, and the least damn thought,, is at depth, tank on, as close to the ocean floor as possible.  Just sitting. Reclining, Prone.Laying on my back, watching my bubbles rise, shimmer, and pop.  Breathing in slowly, exhaling twice as slow. Working diligently to make my tank last as long as I can.  All the while, knowing, my time in peace is measured, literally by the breaths I expend. The tank holds a finite amount of supply. My time at depth, in my own world, will come to a close. Too soon.

Then I will be forced to ascend.  It's not enough that a diver must ascend slowly to release nitrogen build up in their tissues (decompression). No, I rise reluctantly emotionally. The last 15 feet before breaking the surface and searching for the boat? The ocean surge builds to a wild crescendo, and I am once again, tossed about. To and fro, with no control over where the push or pull takes me. Tides, moons, weather, physics, it all pulls and demands and insists that THEIR voice be heard!!  Pick ME they scream in the cacophony clamoring in my head!

Immediately upon emerging into the "air"?  The fight to find a way to breathe clear air begins.  Either I saved sufficient P.S.I. of air in my tank for this period of getting back on the boat?  Or I must trust a snorkel, which is constantly being swamped by waves of salt & brine. Knowing that this stage exists?? Makes me nervous to even plan a dive, travel to a site, begin to suit up, check the equipment, jump off a perfectly good boat in to 60 feet or more of heaving seas,,, and to TRUST the fact that if I can JUST get to 15 feet of depth?? The surge is almost non-existent. I can then navigate N,S,E,W and find my happy place. I can remember to breathe properly and relax, totally LOST in a world of wonder and awe and ever-changing glory of God's creation.

Like with most aspects of my life, I charge the trepidations head-on. Nervous or not, I shrug, gear up, and dive anyway. Most of the time, the rewards outweigh the risks.

So much color! So much LIFE!  So many little sounds,,, the clicking of the shrimp, the churning of propellers,  the rustle of metal dive gear scraping in a foreign land.  The sound of my own blood pulsing.

It is what is missing that makes this so wonderful.  No conversation.  No media. No electronics (past the dive computer).  No yesterday, No tomorrow. No pain in my body after I equalize the changing pressures at depth.  Then, for me,,,, no inner dialogue. Absence of churning thoughts. A focus on surviving safely in a "hostile" environment, and a relaxation to just "BE" one with the ebb and flow of LIFE all around me. 

I lost a dear friend last night.  Too young, too soon. Senseless.  That she feared most to be alone, and died alone? Crushes my heart.  I failed her. I failed me. I failed her family.  She died in her own worst nightmare. Alone.

She wrote me a note. She tried to set my mind to ease. Instead, she left me more questions. Immense pain.  Overwhelming loss. Deafening silence of her voice. Forever.

Forever. Oh my God how that hurts.

I had felt in my spirit that something was wrong.  I felt the call to travail. To anguish.  I prayed. I felt ineffective with my own words, because at that moment, I didn't know the need, just that there was one. God has a sense of humor. He created me to be intense and passionate.  Prayer is no different for me, it is a 200% whole-body experience!!  Funny joke, God, that my altar is so often while I am at work, driving, trapped behind the wheel.

 I didn't get release from God this time. I stopped praying when I was expended, but didn't feel closure of the matter.

Then I find out why. My friend killed herself.

All day today I have been so at a loss to reach out.  Trust me, I think I am pretty pleased that I have a few internet friends, a few church friends, fewer family..... until the time comes when I really wanted to be held and reassured. then all of that felt shallow and made me question why I let anyone in my world at all. Ever?

In person, people hurt you. In the anonymity of the internet, emails, blogs, books, media, there is just no real human touch.  I was completely crushed by that separation and void today. I both fear people and their touch and crave it, need it all at the same time.  And that weakness of me, just pisses me off.

Suddenly, the euphoria I was bubbling along towards my Friday trip to reunite with Alisha, was tempered first by the unshakable sense that something was wrong, that pain was ahead. Then by the reality of a phone call and a letter to me.

I failed to make a difference for my friend. I let her down. She died alone.

Hell, I live that way. It's Life for me. But she had tried Sunday to tell me how uncomfortable she was in her family, in her environment. I listened, I asked her questions, I gave her the best thoughts and guidance that I know.... she answered her questions for herself. She ended her life.

So, today I had to choose.  Forego my trip to Colorado, and risk losing Alisha again, perhaps forever?

Or stay behind and attend a funeral? Face the friends and family, her daughters and let them see me as the failure I am?

Just the sadness of loss alone, was enough to render me unable to drive or work.  I was getting truck maintenance, and the staff were so concerned by my grief and stage of distress, that they found another truck, gave me the keys, and encouraged me to take my clothes, and sleeping bag in there. They thought I needed sleep. Which, physically, yeah, I am at the end of myself. I needed sleep.  But I ended up crying. Praying. Yelling. Crying.... a lot of crying.

If I lived at a physical address like my driver's license proclaims?  I would have called out sick. Frumpy housewife attire of fuzzy comfy bathrobe, box of Puffs tissues in one hand, cup of herbal hot tea in another. Lavendar aroma  to soothe, instrumental, soul-taming music soft in the periphery....

On trucks, though?  At the end of the day, an angel unawares came to me.  Israel walked up to me and said he had a word from God to me.  It was the story of King David, after he had sinned with Bathsheba. The prophet had come to him, through a parable described a theft and crime. David himself spoke of vengeance.

He was that man,,,, his child was to die.  He fasted, prayed, and abased himself.  To the point where his people feared for his sanity. Then the child DID die.  When he got the word, he arose, washed, and clothed himself.

When asked why? He said, "I cannot bring him back. But I can go to him one day."

Israel told me I am to "GO, among the living, while there is yet time".

So, I have made a tough decision.  I am still flying to Colorado on Friday.

Once the decision was made, I went to sleep.

The word came next, that it wont be a funeral after all.Rather she will be cremated, and a memorial service at another time. So, I made the choice, which was confirmed by this. It wasn't easy though.

So, I slept again. I fall asleep crying. I awaken, crying. So sad. So hurt. So lost. So in pain of heart, mind, body, spirit, soul. Such loss.

I began to drive around 11pm. There are several meteor showers a year that I faithfully attend and tell everyone I can think of about. Pathetic, but I think if even one person sees the same sky, as vast as it is, separated by miles and time zones? That perhaps, there is a spirit connection and i am not alone after all.

Alone? I really resonate with my friend. And am fighting the depth of despair and crushing hopelessness. Like my friend, I am alone in a room full of people. In a church, in a classroom, in a home.

The "GIFTS" within me keep me so different, and very isolated,

Curses, sometimes,,, that's what they seem like to me.

I spent time thinking of HOW she died, her method of taking her own life. Her letters to people. The scenario, who found her. Who knows she is dead?

Unbidden, yet insidious, the thoughts churn in me.  I won't leave a note if I choose to leave this world. I won't make a mess. I won't be found by my children. I won't be a burden to them.

If I do it, it will look like an accident.  Everyone knows I use ice blocks for pain management. It would be as simple as "trying" dry ice,,,, noxious in enclosed spaces like my rig! Death is peaceful,,, you just go to sleep.

Life insurance will pay out.  The girls can be sorry I am gone, but not in anguish as to WHY ... 

yet, I have had thoughts of suicide off and on since a teenager.  Tried more than once.  The last time was last year. I had taken steps to ensure I would be left alone long enough, that there would be no resuscitation.

BUT GOD.... he allowed me to sleep soundly 3 hours,, before he himself woke me up.

Israel also told me God had verses for me. Romans chapter 8,,,, I cannot choose to take myself from this life. Not until God lets me go. In his word, he explains that he will not do that.

What about my friend? Did he let her go? We have self-will.

Too many questions.

So, as I drive southward to Miami for an 0800 delivery, the eastern sky is dark, the moon shifted already. I see an Orionid meteor.

Funny, i love colors and Kodak moments.  But sunsets and sunrises are products of environmental pollutions.  And meteor showers are the earth passing through a comet debris field,, not falling stars as we so glamorously proclaim.  Thanks, Nanci, I will never think of "comet debris field" without seeing in my mind the words you typed "comet $heeeet...."  LOL.. comet poop. Well alrighty then. Pollution, in other words.

http://earthsky.org/astronomy-essentials/earthskys-meteor-shower-guide

Yet I drive through the darkest of nights,, looking diligently for a "falling star" or the coveted and rare EARTHGRAZER (thank you, Zig Ziglar!).  And I wait earnestly, hopeful for sunrise. Then because of my job and lifestyle?? I end up seeing the sun set later in that 24 hours as well.

I have no tidy end to this note.  Out of words at the moment, yet, I know I have not made a dent in my pain, or made the least bit of sense or reason. To you the reader, or to myself.

So lost. So sad. So hurt. So alone. So,,,,,,, in pain. Whether lungs or gills? Breathing hurts me right now,, because it means I am alive to draw it,, and my friend is not. Ever.

Crushed and hurting,
Jan M. Olsen
~J~
spellcheck isnt working and frankly my dear, i dont give a damn
Romans, portion of chapter 8:
35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.
37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Monday, October 18, 2010

Seems the only half decent time to drive through Los Angeles OR SoFL is 2am! It's just now 5:30am, nutty already! Crazy! Rude & congested.

Sunday, October 17, 2010

We took turns with youtube videos, testimonies, burdens, sharing a meal, heart-warming love with a brother, a sister, and with Winston ;) I'm so blessed-happy.
VERY MOST AWESOME VISIT WITH 2 OF THE PUREST OF HEART, MOST BEAUTIFUL MAN AND WOMAN INSIDE TO THE OUTSIDE! HOSPITALITY, FELLOWSHIP, SUPPORT. Humbled, no words.