June 28th, 2002
Highlights of the Month
- Twin fawns were born. My neighbor, John, was out mowing and discovered them at the edge of the woods, across from my front door. They were still wet from being birthed. By the time I ran out there with my camera, one was just starting to wobble up onto his legs.
- Beautiful flowers bloomed. Here are some flower photos from my neighbor's garden. They were taken in June, just as the roses were beginning to unfold. More of these photos can be seen here.
Remember: Click on pictures to see a larger view
- I went hiking with Bob Korn, David Brugger, and my parents at Multnomah Falls. We followed the trail up along the creek, past sheer cliffs and roaring waterfalls. About half way, we broke off the path and struck out cross-country in search of another trail that led to Horsetail falls. When we had completed the loop, we calculated we hiked 14 or 15 miles.
- I attended another SCA event, call Summits Summer Investiture. Prince Duran was replaced by Prince Angus and Princess Duana. It was held near Monroe, at Bellfountain Park. I wore the French hood I've been working on, and my only comment is, it's like wearing a target on your head!!
- A friend came for a visit and was baptized out in the creek.
One other thing happened, that, I suppose, is worth mention. It isn't a highlight. It was a grim moment. I was cleaning my motor home, where I lived last year. I pulled out a box of musty books, and noticed a couple old diaries from 1997. At first glance a smile crossed my face. It would be interesting to see what my thoughts were back then. Without thinking, I grabbed them from the box and settled down on the empty bunk.
My smile faded, however, as I leafed through the pages. A stab of pain struck deep in my heart, and my fingers began to shake as memories flooded back. Feb 28 - Today was a long hard day... The last few weeks have seemed so hopeless... Even though I know God is behind the scenes, sometimes I wonder if He has forgotten us... March 1 - This morning was tense. Maybe it was the weather. At 5:16 a.m. I found myself staring at the ceiling. I chose not to get up yet, and fell asleep again. I dreamed about going back... March 3 - ...I cried a little, mostly homesickness. I thanked God for a few small things. One blessing was getting toothpaste again... March 4 - Today was a relief. Things went so smoothly - no arguing, no tears... March 6 - We went to town today and talked to lawyers. The first would not even come out to talk to us... Dad was unhappy for awhile...
I slammed the book shut, but it was too late. Things I had buried deep in my soul suddenly rushed back to life. They say time heals, but sometimes I wonder. Five years have passed since that grim January day when my life was changed forever. People can say what they want, but losing your home, without warning, can be traumatic. Especially when you learn that people you didn't even know existed had been resenting your presence for years, and applauded when your life was destroyed.
And for the silliest reasons! My parents weren't the most social people in the world, and were rarely seen in town. They were busy with a worldwide ministry, writing books, recording sermons, producing a newsletter and developing a retreat grounds. But because things seemed so quiet on the 34 wooded acres where we lived, they made all kinds of ridiculous assumptions and started all kinds of rumors. By January 31st, 1997, the community downright hated us. And we had no idea.
And on that fatal morning, when we lost everything, our home, money, clothes, cars, pets, even toothpaste, the community applauded. Looking back, I realize that it was more than a tax dispute that led up to the event. People fear what they do not understand. Moreover, the 34 acres which my family had owned for over 20 years was a crucial segment of land for developers. Because of its location, it was the prime keystone for opening up the rest of the area for subdivision and development.
Now, five years later, I see how miraculously the Lord has provided for our family. After losing everything, we have since gained it all back, plus more, except for land. And I have grown to love my new life, with new friends and new dreams. But even so, there are scars in my soul, that will probably always be there. I ran my fingers over the dusty cover of the old diary as I slipped it back into the box. My little Pandora's box, I thought, smiling through my tears.
Next month I'm hoping to do more hiking, go to the river at least once this year, start making bread again and maybe host another party - maybe a music fest, since it seams ( < oops, I think I've been sewing too much!) seems all my friends are musically inclined.
Hope I have more to report next month!
Until our paths cross again,
Godspeed,Lady Brooke
