The White House

The White House

Monday, December 27, 2010

Wind Out of Our Sails

I keep thinking that "tomorrow I'll post something warm and fuzzy before I lose all my readers". 

Ya, that won't be today.  And you are going to say to yourself...this is too much to be true.  Trust me, it's true.

Now there is a story that isn't mine to tell.  I don't want to get all the  facts wrong, but it goes a little like this....

At 10:36pm last night...Christmas night... we got a phone call that Homer's son Cody was missing.  (He'll be 18 in January)  Around 10:00pm on Christmas Eve he and two others left Teller on two snow machines headed to Nome (70.3 miles).  They ran into 30-50 mile an hour winds and the two machines got separated.  The machine our son was on froze up and they were stranded.  It was -5 below with a wind chill of -33* (according to the weather I was up late googling while worrying myself sick). The weather was too bad for anyone to go looking for them. The boys dug some kind of hole and tipped the machine on it's side to hunker down until daylight.  In the morning they walked until they got to an old cabin where they waited for the rescue teams.  At 10:46am this morning we got the call they had been found and were okay.  They were about 30 miles out of Nome.  (Go ahead...google Teller to Nome....see where they were).  I cannot imagine how cold and alone he must have felt. I kept thinking about my dad and my Christmas Eve story.  I was thinking how cruel it would be to lose another person I love so much on Christmas Day.  I'd like to think my Dad was right there spreading his angel wings over those boys to keep them safe.

Cody is my step-son that I raised for five years before he moved out.  It will be two years on New Year's Eve since he lived with us, and there isn't a day goes by that we don't wish he was here.  His father aches for him as they were close and I have this horrible empty spot in my home that just can't be filled  He is such a great kid....smart, kind and always so helpful.  He and I spent a lot of time together and I really miss his company. 

When we heard the news I was physically sick.  I was terrified, but at the same time his Dad and I just knew he had the smarts to survive. I always said if I was going to get stranded in the woods I'd want Cody with me because he'd know what to do.  My other boys, not so much. 

Today, has been a day of somber quietness in our home thanking God for bringing him to safety.  I cry at just about everything said.  The what ifs get to me.

So there is the latest chapter in our "what will go wrong" saga at The White House. I swear if I hear one more person tell me that "your family will catch a break soon" I am going to snap.  We did catch a break in the sense that our son is okay, but good Lord, did he really have to go through that?   I hope that boy knows how much we love and miss him.

Now the wind is completely out of my sails.  There's still the 9:30am practices at -20* I have to drag everyone to... Elijah's birthday party needs to happen....the investigation at school is coming up... the waiting for grades/eligibility status is driving me insane...the screwed up nasty court custody date is really going to suck....oh, and a 20-page color program I have to design and get to the printers.... all between now and the 5th.  Nine days.  And you just know there will be some kind of new drama between now and then. 

I really don't feel like I have the strength to keep going.  My last little bit "strongness" was exhausted praying for our son's life.

11 comments:

B said...

You are a very strong woman but even the strong have moments of weakness. It's okay to have those moments because in the end they build you up to be who you are today.

No it's not fun hearing the sympathies from other's but it should show you are not alone.

I will pray for strength for your family. I enjoy your blog because you live your life for others, you know what's important and show great values when it comes to family.

Big Canadian Hugs to you.

Lori Skoog said...

I am so glad that Cody is ok. He must be one smart cookie to do what he did. Someone taught him well and that must have been Homer. Your plate is so full Gayle...one day at a time. Somehow your inner strength does keep coming back...we have seen it over and over. I wish you well.

Queen-Size funny bone said...

I of all people am not going to say you'll catch a break or things will get better. I'm still waiting. you are right whether big or small drama of some kind everyday is exhausting. I'm sure your dad was looking over your son but he sounds quite capable of handling a crisis. glad he is fine and home safe. Hang on. find strength in the sparkly eyes and smiles of your children

sue in mexico mo said...

OMG! That sounds awful! Now, educate me. Is that a normal/regular thing to do in Alaska - 70 miles on snow mobile at night?

I'm glad the boys are ok. Do they have any injuries?

Tara said...

we love ya'll. And we're so grateful Cody is okay.

I don't have answers for you...I can only say I can understand in my own way. I know what it is to have things pile up till you have nothing left in you. That is when we're drawing on our own strength. When we realize we are not our own or on our own is when we can find what we need. But that is a hard learning process and I can't really explain it very well.

We're praying for ya'll. Just think...in 9 days it will all be over. Then we can move onto something else.

You're not losing this reader. I love you all the time. HUGS!

Tootie said...

The first part of this story really had me scared! Thank God he is ok. I am sure you are right about your Dad being there providing protection for him. I always feel like my angels are here when I need them most. This Christmas was an especially hard one for me too. But, sadly there are some things that you just can't change.Having the two Grands here, helped a lot to keep my mind occupied.

I do so hope that you get some sort of relief from all the stresses in your life. I know how strong you are and you will help everyone else get through all of these things one at a time. I know it's hard, but try not to dwell on them all at one time, that just makes it all too overwhelming. Someday the kids will all look back and remember what a strong and loving Mother you are. :)

anymommy said...

I'm crying with relief. Thank everything that he is okay. He really does have amazing survival skills. Thinking of you. Huge hugs and many wishes for a QUIET start to the new year.

Lisa L said...

you will be ok. you are the greatest of the greatest parents. fingers crossed. praying. wishing for only the best outcome.. xxxooo

RottenMom said...

Thank GOD that your boy is okay. I can't even imagine what you and your family went through.

Patty said...

Thanks Gayle for the email updates. It has been a couple of years since we have seen Cody, but he was one of Jared's best friends for a few years though. Ive broken bread with him.... I was so very worried about him for you guys.
Agree that your father, or others who have passed were looking out for him!

Lisa L said...

i don't know where i saw it...honestly..something on facebook? i dunno .. but this is what i saw, and i put in on the header of my blog: " if you are going through hell, keep going." Winston Churchill. no sh*t. all the very best to you sweetie as you navigate the next couple of weeks. xx