Thursday, May 15, 2008

It all came together

If you haven't noticed, I've been conspicuously absent from the blogosphere over the past couple of months. The reasons for this are numerous, but allow me to summarize.

1. Our house was on the market for longer than we anticipated and we needed to sell it because we are moving 3500km across the country in July and our current house is the downpayment for our new house.
2. My wife was pregnant with our second child and due May 11.
3. Our first son, Sacha, who is 20 months old, had a major sleep regression about six weeks ago, and so I have been totally sleep deprived.

At some point during this sick cosmic joke, my panic attacks threatened to reemerge. I also battled with debilitating chronic anxiety that was so bad at one point I was not eating much and lost five pounds.

So as I often do when I am faced with such challenges in my life, I sat down and had a nice long chat with the Man upstairs. I do not think I have ever prayed so hard in my life. And sure, skeptics will say it is just a coincidence, but I am convinced that God answered my prayers and looked after me and my family.

Today, May 15, 2008, will forever be known as the day everything came together. Well, almost everything.

Last week, after having a flurry of interest in our house, we received two offers in two days. This generated a bidding war which resulted in us accepting an offer for slightly above asking price and the exact possession date we wanted/needed. Things were looking great, but then it looked as if the buyers might be having second thoughts. So I spent the whole week worrying about whether the deal would go through or not. They had until tomorrow to lift all the conditions on the offer and finalize the sale.

At the same time, Sarah passed her due date. Three days later, she couldn't take it anymore. She requested my assistance in bringing on labor, and I was more than willing to oblige (in a fashion similar to that which got us into this mess in the first place). Eight hours later we had a beautiful baby boy. (You can see all the details at our website).

As I walked up and down the hospital hallways, keeping Sacha entertained, my cellphone rang. It was my real estate agent. The deal went through. The house is sold!

Just as I had earlier when my new angel emerged into the world, I fell to the floor and started bawling my eyes out. Sacha was confused and everyone around me looked at me funny, but I have never experienced physically feeling a weight come off of your shoulders.

Now, for all of that to build up to the last minute and all be wrapped up in one fell swoop like that, to me, reveals that God does listen when I pray. Whatever it was, and whatever the explanation, it sure does feel good!

Maybe now I'll post more often. Oh, who am I kidding. I have two boys under the age of 2. I'm screwed. And for the record, I may need to pray a little harder still. Sacha's sleep is still a work in progres.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

So glad it all came together, but you're right - you may be mildly screwed. Say goodbye to sleep, my friend. At least you got two adorable kiddos out of the deal and that totally makes it worth it. And I found the whole newborn stage went way faster with #2. Here's hoping he's an easy baby. Love you. :)

Anonymous said...

I was also praying for you. Praying that you would sell your house in a situation that worked wonderfully for both you and the buyer. You, a good relatively stressless business interaction.
And praying that Sarah's labour was as painless, quick, and easy as possible. And a healthy baby and mommy.

Anonymous said...

Tony. So,.......godparents picked? hint. hint.

Anonymous said...

It was you, old soul, that got it together in the end. I wish I was there to rub your back and say it's o.k. Tino, things are going to be great and they are. When you were born I yelled, "IT'S A BOY" to anyone who would listen in the Virgin Islands. You were the reason I came home early. I missed family. Way to go on your growing family! Love you to bits! G.A.S.