Too Long

I shared some exciting news with Annie about Josh Downs and his homecoming last night which sent her into a sqealing, jumping, singing frenzy.

About 15 minutes later, she was standing in front of my desk with her head hung low and tears streaming down her eyes.

When I asked what was wrong, she said that it had just been too long since she had seen her daddy.

I just sat and held her for awhile, realizing that I had been doing the exact same thing for weeks now; butterflies and excitement one minute, followed by tears the next because it just feels like it's been too long.

Coley came in to see what all the estrogen was about and then he picked Annie up out of my arms and carried her away.

A few minutes later, I walked down the hallway and found him reading to her...

And then it was her turn to read to him.

Eventually, an 11 year old grows tired of being read to by a 6 year old though.

And telling that 11 year old that he has to sit through rest of the book to encourage the 6 year old doesn't help.

He's just like his mom...the love runs deep...but the patience wears thin.

Later in the evening, Josh called and I said, "I don't know what's up with Annie and I, but one minute we're happy and excited and the next minute we're in tears?" to which he replied, "I know what's up...you're girls."

And if you're reading this Josh Downs...Thanks for loving your girls just the way we are.

Comments

[Rachelle S]

OH man~ that is so sweet!!! What a great big brother : ) Here's to many more happy thoughts than tears!

[Mary Ann Jenkins]

OMGoodness I love these photos. That Coley is a sweetheart.

[Kelli]

You have raised some pretty amazing kids! I had a hard time reading the rest of the blog, due to the sobbing I was doing.

[Melinda~]

That first shot....good grief!! I would no doubt frame that little gem. The dangling hearts just seal the deal. What a sweet boy you are having compassion on your lil sis Cole! Im sure you make your Mamma awful proud!

[Miranda]

Wow. Your son is a good little man.

[Deb]

I love, love, love these shots! You have one very sweet family. Congrats to you and Josh for a job well done!

[Amy Coose]

Wow, this totally gave me goosebumps! What a wonderful young man you are raising. He's amazing!!

[Nicole Prather]

That's how God made us unpredictable and full of emotion!!! I'm so excited for you :)

[stacy]

I LOVE your family!!

[Cyndi]

I don't know about you, but it is a big deal for me when I see glimpses of the kind of man and father my son will be. Cole is going to be a good one. What a sweet moment.

[Juli P]

I think that this is the sweetest post that I've ever read on your blog.
and when you realize that your love runs deep and your patience runs thin with your children, read this again and again...
You're doing something amazing Karen Russell and Josh Downs, you've got some amazing and loving kids in your family. Wonder where they learned that?

[nancy boothe]

Coley is a genius. Or open to God's leading. It's both.

[Leonie]

That is. So lovely Karen and the photos are gorgeous.
Ps I love all the hearts hanging from the ceiling.

[tara pollard pakosta]

this just brought me to tears.
that son of yours is one amazing kid.
seriously, he's so YOU!
tara

[Sally Davidson]

That Coley sure is a sweet boy. Praying that you'll all be together soon and the only tears that will be shed are happy ones.

[Stephanie]

I love the relationship that your kids have with each other. That a big brother who could be off doing his own thing cares enough about his six year old sister when she is hurting is very sweet. What a blessing they must be in your life.

Every time I check your blog I hold my breath waiting for the exciting news that Josh Downs is home! I am so excited for you and your family!

[young nanny]

You go Coley! Pray you never lose that tender awareness of recognising when someone needs a hug. Bless you guys xxx

[Tracy P.]

My word, Karen. I came over here a few days ago because someone raved about your workshop which I can't take right now, but...it is like a little slice of heaven over here. Heaven and real life mixed together. Thanks for letting us peek in. You're a blessing.

[Nichole Czajkowski]

This makes my heart sing and cry all at once! Soon Josh will be home!!!!!

[Lacey]

This and your last post (the shirt) made me cry! I can't wait for your post telling us Josh is home! Also, can you tell us more about her heart mobile? I love it and want one in my baby girl's room.

[Amy]

This is a priceless moment. So happy for you that Josh Downs will be home soon!

[Desiree]

I am thinking about you and checking in every day just WAITING for that picture of Josh hugging you guys and finally HOME!!! You have some very sweet kids! I love reading your blog! :) Thank you for all the inspiration! You ROCK! :)

[Nancy Wyatt]

Stop making me cry Karen Russell! hehe. Can't wait to see photos of his homecoming!! yay, so excited for y'all! My hubby has been away all month and I miss him terribly! He isn't off doing nearly as brave as your hubby but I do miss him and I know sometimes work has to come first. Thanks again to your family and to Josh Downs for all that he is doing for our great country! Hugs from Conroe, TX

[Jaimie]

I'm pretty sure Coley is the sweetest boy alive.

[kat-in-texas]

Awww, you can't teach that....Cole is a sweet kid! Love the pics--her little mouth reading is priceless!! :o