Joanne: A couple of one

Yesterday, twoignite (the marriage ministry at our church that Toben and I direct) hosted Love and Laughter with Gary Smalley and Ted Cunningham. What a great morning. They did a terrific job.

If they're in your area anytime soon, you want to register and attend. They're real and honest and funny and transparent and full of wisdom. And while they don't talk about the kinds of things we talk about here for the most part, those of us who deal with mental illness, with addiction, with whatever also deal with all the "regular" marriage stuff--parenting, communication, expectations, sex.

Of course, Toben and I were working, so while I was in the audience for most of all of the sessions, Toben was not. We divide and conquer--and he was taking care of merchandise stuff and outside the main room kinds of things. We weren't there to attend the seminar, but to facilitate it.

Even knowing the truth and logic of that, it's not much fun to sit in a marriage-focused thing by yourself. 

I'm guessing you know what I mean. Part of dealing with the things we deal with is sometimes doing things alone. Going to church, going to counseling, parenting, you name it by ourselves. Toben and I certainly went through a season where that was particularly true.

Maybe that's why I felt sad yesterday afternoon when it was over. Because it called to mind--called to heart, really--those times when I sat through church alone, feeling like a couple of one.

We're not in that kind of a season anymore. That was years ago, when the crisis was acute and fresh and throbbing. But it caught me off guard how quickly that feeling returned to the surface yesterday.

Comments

[Peg Parker]

I also have experienced the "couple of one" feeling. I still do occasionally when Dean is in the down side of his illness. Sometimes this feeling comes even when we are in the same room...which is the worst.
Glad you are returning to an area where you have family support. I know this has helped our family. Praying that all the change will not create emotional shockwaves for Toban and your whole family.
Love in Christ, Peg Parker