Irony: Extreme Makeover Home Edition
As I sit in Jaeli’s hospital room at Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth (CHaD) in Lebanon, New Hampshire, admittance for what turned out to be a urinary tract infection, listening to housekeeping paint scraped walls and clean the carpet in my pod, a strange mixture of emotions swirls inside. Not from the cleaning—I wish they’d come clean my home—but from their reason for the extensive and sudden spring cleaning: Extreme Makeover Home Edition is coming to tape a family in my pod tomorrow.
Of course Jaeli will be moved to another section of the CHaD pedi floor away from the taping so fake patients can move in to fill the other rooms in our pod for show, and perhaps so Jaeli’s cries won’t disturb the taping, but I sit here astonished.
We’ve now spent four to five difficult, cramped years in our 800 square feet, now 900 since Jaeli’s been born and Jim added a room in literally four days to accommodate her special needs. During those times, we’ve flirted with applying for the home makeover show, but after reading the contract, could not in good conscience sign it. (A former The Building Brows post details why.) Then our friend asked permission to nominate us, and I struggled to answer yes because of that contract, but I finally did because she had it so much in her heart to help my family. Yet it slid away into silence, for which, at the time, I was glad even though my family needs our house completed and we still can’t do it.
I made that decision with peace in my heart. It was right. But what are the odds that this show would come to the CHaD, and then, when we were here with Jaeli admitted? This aside from the odds of birthing beautiful Jaeli with a rare chromosome disorder to add to our family already living in a unique situation.
I’m really happy for the family here who is being tended by the show. It is a great, wonderful thing. On the flip side, this is very hard for me, knowing that contract stands in the way from receiving like help when my husband is doing all he can to care for our six other children while I care for Jaeli, and run a business that just three years ago didn’t exist, so we can get through the winter in our tiny home. This couldn’t be more in my face.
Why? What purpose does God have for this?
This is surely a test of some kind, but I’m not sure what subject I’m trying to pass and how I’ll make it through. Either way, today, tomorrow, and days after, I’m sure, will prove to be difficult emotionally for me as I face Jaeli being discharged at the end of the week to return home to our now 900 square feet in the woods for our family of nine.
One thing I know today lives strong and well: Irony.
Tech Tags: CHaD Children's Hospital at Dartmouth Extreme Makeover Home Edition boiler plate contract rights application applicant family home house construction
Labels: Construction, Contest, Family, Finances, Health, Introspection, Kids, Lifestyle, Special Interests
posted by Brandy Brow @ 12:36 PM
6 Comments
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© 2005-present by Brandy Brow except as noted in policy.
6 Comments:
Sweet Brandy,
You haven't heard from me in awhile, but I've been keeping up with you and your journey with Jaeli and your DIY home.
I'm a big fan of affecting the exact minute we are experieincing because God's grace is in that moment. While he worked in yesterday and promises to be with us tomorrow, the only reality of his grace for us is the moment we're breathing in, so breathe in his grace each moment of this week and know that he stands beside you offering just what you need. It is ironic that you are in the pod where EHM is filming.
Your longing for more space is very normal, and more space for Jaeli's needs to be met. May God give you opportunities to share His grace.
serves you right
Another Extreme Makeover Home Edition family loses their house. This is sad and unfortunate. It makes me glad that we are not overextending ourselves financially in trying to finish our house, whether by loans or applying for the TV show.
Thank you, Cathy.
Anonymous, I agree with you. It served us right, in every form of the phrase.
Though it may seem ironic, it's probably better not to over think it. I love what Cathy said about breathing in His grace. SO true of the many hurdles I've had to jump over the years in similar circumstances. Today, I look back and wonder how I got through those difficult times. Truth is, I did it only by His grace. I'm certain the spring in my jump as I scaled those seeming insurmountable heights came not from my own strength. I still wonder why the way was so tough for so many years. There's peace knowing that while He never promised me I wouldn't go through the fire, he did promise I wouldn't be burned. Trusting in His way is sometimes difficult, but indeed "He doeth all things well". :)
God definitely will have a plan. Maybe he influenced your friend to ask to nominate you, and if you are chosen this will show that this is His plan. Some of the best advice I have ever received is, "Go with God." He will never lead you astray.
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