I know God will not give me anything I can’t handle. I just wish that He didn’t trust me so much.
— Mother Teresa
I am no Mother Teresa. Just in case you were wondering.
Otto’s mom is in the ICU, a thousand miles away; and while God may trust us plenty, quite frankly I think He’s being kind of an asshole right now.
Want more of me? Visit my
My prayers are with all of you.
I am so sorry, and am thinking of you and your family.
Always seems to happen that stress piles on top of stress. I’m so sorry. My thoughts are with you and Otto.
Hoping all will be well………..
I am so sorry. Hoping Otto is on a plane to see her right now. My prayers are with you guys.
Well crap on toast! Sending hugs and warm, squishy thoughts your way. Hang in there.
Thinking of you…
So sorry. Thinking of you..
I’m so sorry… thinking of all of you.
Thinking of you all and sending lots of love.
Saying prayers for Otto’s mom…and your family.
Wishing the best for Otto’s mom & sending prayers your way…
Keeping her in my thoughts and all of you too.
amen sister.
keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.
I am so sorry. Good luck to Otto and your family. Hang in there.
Stay strong. Will keep praying for you guys and Otto’s mom. Perhaps a bubble bath would help?
I am sorry. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers…
Thoughts and prayers for your family.
Mir,
I hope everything is going to be ok with Otto’s mother. I too will keep her and your family in my prayers…
Guess I will be the first to ask… What did he do to get the new title??????
~~ Please understand… in most cases, Otto is the hero…
Well, when you feel like sharing, we will be here to read it! And give more advice… In the meantime, hang in there and pray! (Just remember to NEVER pray for patience because HE WILL GIVE IT TO YOU!!!)
J
Rains, pours, etcetera. Thinking of you all.
I am so sorry. My prayers are with you and Otto’s family.
Praying for your family, Mir….
So sorry to hear. We’ll keep her in our prayers.
Adding my prayers. . .
I am sending good thoughts and prayers your way…I hope it all turns out ok, and soon.
I will think good thoughts for all of you.
I love the Mother Theresa quote, infact I stole it for someone else, because it’s such a great quote. Now two things.
First: Im thoughts go out to you, Otto, his mother, and your family – of course with a healthy dose of prayers.
Secondly: (and yes I know this is my own opinion and probably not wanted, but) God didn’t have anything to do with this. To quote Forest Gump: “Shit happens.” Sadly this is true, but my heart and prayers still go out to you. And now everyone is thinking I am a be-otch.
Sending thoughts and prayers your way.
So sorry — sending prayers and good, healing thoughts your way.
I’m so sorry.
Wishing for a speedy recovery, minimal stress and little guilt. There seems to be so much bad crap flying around lately. I’m taking cover…
Mother of Two -
While I occasionally have a God complex, I don’t think I’m the (capital H) “He” she’s referring to.
Unless I really did something wrong this morning … damn it, now I’m worried …
-otto
Sending courage and hugs.
Prayers from me as well.
You all are in my thoughts…
Prayers and good thoughts are heading your way from the Left Coast. Maybe even cookies — should you need them.
Otto, I’m glad you have such a wonderful wife to help you through this time — she’ll be more help to you than you realize.
And, Mir, that why God isn’t much of an asshole really (and I know you know that) but He gave Otto you and you Otto to get through these things. Far better neither of you go through this alone.
Otto and Mir, sending my prayers for Otto’s mother’s speedy recovery and for you both to have strength during this time.
prayers with ya, and i love how you put my thoughts about what God gives us, because I feel exactly the same.
I’m sorry, Mir. I’ll be praying for your family.
Sending good wishes your way. Hope she is better soon.
Mir & Otto-
I am so sorry for the misunderstanding!
(While I realize it is no excuse, I was up until 1:30 am studying and back at it again at 7 am.)
I will pray for your family… as well as some sleep so I can understand what I am reading!!
J
hugs, prayers and chocolate all around. or maybe bacon, your choice.
I know what it is like having parents eight states away. sucks at times like this.
Thoughts and prayers for all of you.
(and to echo Elizabeth…chocolate and bacon too..of course)
-Big Hugs-
Hugs and Prayers and Thoughts for all of you.
I’m so sorry. I hope things turn out OK.
*hugs*
I am so sorry. Please know I’m thinking of you all and I hope things look up soon.
I’m so sorry :( Thinking and praying for you.
Prayers for Otto’s mom and (((HUGS))) to all of you.
Oh, I am so sorry. He can be like that sometimes.
Mir and Otto, sorry to hear this news. We’ll be thinking all the happy-healthy-Otto-Mom thoughts we can until we hear better news!
Praying!
I’m sorry. I wish I knew what else to say, but even if I did, I know it wouldn’t change what you’re going through. I’m so so sorry.
I just bought this quote on a plaque and have it hanging in my kitchen. Having just been in the hospital with yet another miscarriage the nurse said she had been reviewing my chart and that my history just “sucked” I agreed. Then she said, “I mean, God doesn’t give us more than we can handle..” I interrupted her and said, “Oh, yes He does. He gives me more than I can handle on a daily basis but it is my job to grow my faith so that I CAN handle it.”
I will pray for everyone. God’s a tough one to figure out, but He isn’t an asshole. One fundamental truth that no one can argue with is that He loves you more than anyone else possibly could. Bottom line is, you can do it with Him or without Him. You still have to go through suffering.
man, I hope everything turns out okay. worrying about ya’ both.
Oh no! You know what they say – bad things come in threes. So Chickadee’s outburst and the vacation, and then Otto’s mom in the ICU – what’s next?!
I hope she gets better and that everything is okay! I also hope your third thing is something fairly minor to handle!
My prayers are with you.
Oh, Otto! Mir!
{{{{{{{{{Otto}}}}}}}}}
{{{{{{{{{Mir}}}}}}}}}
Lots of good thoughts and white light heading to Otto’s mom and you both.
Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Sending prayers, keep us updated if you can.
I can’t help but think that Otto’s mom must feel all of these prayers and well-wishes. There must be thousands and millions of them surrounding her, like teeny-tiny, little puffy clouds of comfort.
Hope and strength, Mir. Hope and strength.
I’m sorry this is all coming down at once. Healing thoughts and prayers for Otto’s mom, and peace for you and your family.
Oh No! I wish you all the best.
OK. I’m breathing a little sigh of relief (weird, I know) right now. I thought all sorts of people in my family were behaving like assholes when my mom was dying in February. (Some of them still are assholes, truth be known.) He can be an asshole right now, and he’s lucky that he has you to be one with. I know I was one when my mom was sick and my husband was right there taking all of it – patiently – and still does today as I grieve. Just hold him tight, be there for him and try very hard not to take anything personally.
OMG, just re-read your post and realized you’re talking about another He – not Otto! OK. I take back the stuff about Otto being the “A” word, but the other stuff about being there for him is still really important. (It did feel good to finally write about the assoholes in my family, though!)
You’re both in my thoughts and prayers. Please let us know how she’s doing when you get a chance.
I’m so sorry, and hope you all are holding up. Prayers headed your way….
If there’s anything we can do up here please let us know. Food, a place to crash, errands, etc. Anything.
Otto, you, and Otto’s family are in our thoughts.
I’m so sorry! When God asks for volunteers to handle the tough stuff in life, no one raises their hand. So He’s left with the hard job of choosing someone instead. But with burdens, He also grants you the strength to get through it. Hang in there. I’m praying for you all.
Prayers offered for you, Otto and his momma. ((Hugs))
Prayers headed your way!
Keeping you both (all) in my thoughts right now.
If there’s anything I can do for you, please don’t hesitate to ask. I’m located in Albany, NY, which if my memory serves, from reading your blog, might be convenient for you. Let me know. I’ll send you my info in an email.
Your family, especially Otto’s mom, are in my thoughts.
Prayers being sent up from Michigan….
Love to you both from the other coast…
Prayers your way. Even God has his moments of asshattery, it seems.
Saying prayers for Otto’s mom and wishing you and Otto peace.
Post updates as you can. Remember…you are loved!
k
My thoughts are with you and Otto’s family.
My thoughts and prayers are with Otto’s mom. You guys too.
“Where one or more are gathered”
I’m so sorry – my prayers are with all of you.
Remember that while God doesn’t give you more than you can handle, He also knows what’s best and will hold you up through the rough patches. Lean on Him and on each other – that’s why He gave you each other.
Hugs to all – Hang in there!
((((HUGS)))) and prayers sent
Mir, you and Otto and His Mom are in my prayers. Now if you will excuse mr. I have to run to post a Prayer request for you guys on both my sites. Hugs and God’s Love and Blessings!-Mike G. said that.
Prayers in progress. Mike G. sent me over. Big hug. :)
More hugs and prayers heading to you and yours…
I think Annette said it best above “….He gives me more than I can handle on a daily basis but it is my job to grow my faith so that I CAN handle it.” Well said, Annette, well said…
Otto, I didn’t think Mir was talking about you at all. You have no worries. ;) Go hug your mom…
xoxox
Cranking up the prayer wheels. Sending lots of love your way.
Sending good thoughts and prayers for all of you and (((hugs)))
-My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
God speed.l
sending prayers to all of you
Many hugs and loving thoughts to you and Otto.
Thinking of you and Otto and your families, and praying all will be well.
Wishing you strength and grace and sending much love…
please get better quickly, Otto’s mom.
Oh no! I will be sending good thoughts and prayers your way. I hope she’s out of there and back home soon.
So very sorry. Praying for strength, health, and peace of mind.
Ack! Oh my. I hope she and all of you pull through. Positive vibes coming your way from Seattle.
Lots of prayers and love coming your way.
I’ll be thinking of your family today and hoping that Otto’s mom is well soon.
Thinking of you. Sending well wishes to Otto’s mom.
Praying for all of you, Mir, and especially for Otto’s mom. May God make His grace and love really evident to you and give you strength and comfort as you go through this.
I’m going to second/third what Annette said, “He gives me more than I can handle on a daily basis but it is my job to grow my faith so that I CAN handle it”. Also, although it’s hard to think about DURING it, He will help you THROUGH it if you chose to depend on him for strength/peace… Prayers & thoughts with your family. Hugs & Love..
Good, healing thoughts are on their way. Please keep us posted on Otto’s mom. ((((hugs))))
Oh, Mir! You and your whole family are in my thoughts and prayers. Please forgive Otto for being a jerk. Sometimes it just can’t be helped in such times of crisis!
Oh. Duh! God is being a jerk. Not Otto. Never mind! LOL
Thinking of you and your family right now. Hang in there!
I’m one of those people who laughs uncontrollably during really inappropriate times so forgive me for giggling at the fact that so many people thought He was Otto. No wonder why he has a self proclaimed God complex. lol
In all seriousness, my thoughts are with you and family today. Hope all is well.
Oh, I’m so sorry. I’ll be keeping all of you in my prayers, and hoping for a speedy recovery for Otto’s mom.
prayers for all of your family
Thinking of you and Otto. I hope she makes a full recovery. I know how stressful having a parent in the ICU is, especially when you are far away (in my case in another country). God bless.
Praying for strength and grace for all of you. May God’s love provide a blanket of Grace for all your family now and in the future.
Otto, Mir, and family, my prayers are with you and Otto’s Mom and her doctors and nurses.
Also, Cele, I agree with you. I firmly believe in God’s omnipotence and in miracles, but I also believe that God is not “causing” or “giving” all the events that happen to us in our lives. I read a fascinating book years ago called (I think) The Three Wills of God and while who knows for sure, it made a lot of sense to me. I need to find that again and re-read it. Anyway, what I remember from it is that because God allows free will, He set up the world with certain laws of nature and then let us get on with things. He uses what happens as lessons and opportunities for us and is certainly with us throughout everything, but is not micro-managing our lives. If He did micro-manage, we wouldn’t have free will. The book says it much better than I can, but after reading it, I’ve never blamed God for anything that happens to me or my loved ones. It was very comforting in that way and answered a LOT of questions.
However, the important thing here is not my beliefs, so I’m sorry to go on. The important thing is all the good thoughts, prayers and good wishes that are going up for Otto’s Mom and all of you.
I hope Otto’s mom will be ok.
Well, not to be a party pooper, but this is why I don’t believe in god.
Thinking of you all.
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
God didn’t cause this to happen, and frankly calling Him an asshole isn’t going to help you, Otto, Otto’s mom, or any of the people who read this site and admire you.
Sadly, my admiration for you just slipped a few notches.
Wow, Lar, that’s very supportive of you. Oh wait NO IT ISN’T.
Mir, my heart goes out to you and your family. Know that I will also be praying in my own agnostic way.
Lar, I hope you have no one judging your reaction to a difficult situation anytime soon. I admire Mir for putting herself out there despite people like you.
And trust me, God can take it.
Prayers to you Mir and your family.
Hope Otto’s mama will be okay. Hang in there!
Prayers for you all … hope she recovers quickly. Please keep us posted.
You and your family are in my thoughts an prayers, too. {{{hug}}} I wish there was something I could say that would make this all feel better.
Sadly, Lar, my admiration for you just slipped a few notches.
Hugs and prayers from us {{{}}}
Keeping you all in our thoughts. Love the quote.
Mir, I’m thinking good thoughts for you, Otto, Otto’s mom, Chickie, and Monkey.
Thinking of you all. (And that’s the Yankee “you all” as in “all of you.”)
Thinking of your family at this time. I understand the asshole sentiment at times….
Mir,
Hugs and Prayers from Oklahoma… you know, the buckle of the Bible belt. I was talking to Him today, ummm the big Him, that is, not Otto… and He told me to tell you that He understands.. He gets that a lot, and He’s big enough to take it. Even when He feels the farthest away, He really is right next to you. Oh, and one more thing, I think even Jesus felt the same way when He asked from the cross, “My God, why have you forsaken me?”
I think that might be the coolest thing about God.. you can be upset with Him one minute, and then the next minute He is taking you in His arms and making it all better. He’s a great Daddy that way.
Please know that we are praying for your family and Otto’s Mom.
Just said a prayer for you.
It’s redundant, but I’m thinking about y’all.
And please, feel free to be pissed at God – what child hasn’t been mad at his or her Father from time to time? It’s part of the gig, as the parents in the crowd know.
In all seriousness Mir, I may not know you face-to-face, but I read here every day, and you feel like a dear neighbor I look forward to checking in with on a regular basis. Your delightfully snarky and very resonating entries have helped me out of some dark days. So, I may be all the way down in Southwest Florida, but if there’s anything you need, just ask…and I mean that in the most un-stalkerish way possible.
-K
I hope Otto’s mom is in perfect health soon
I hope Lar, who on her website refers to herself as ‘Friend of God’, will also be in perfect health soon.
I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to come across as unsupportive. Of course I hope that Otto’s mom gets better, and quickly.
I get mad at God sometimes too. My 9-yr-old daughter has a chronic GI disease that gives her terrible pain, and I hate watching her suffer, and I often cry out to God asking why she has to go through this. I understand the frustration with wondering why the world is the way that it is, when God could wave his hand and just fix it.
But it offended me deeply to read the Creator of the Universe described as an asshole. And two comments above mine, Michelle said, “This is why I don’t believe in God.”
Reading that comment, I got angry that Mir was using this platform that God has blessed her with to give ammunition to those who believe God doesn’t exist or is irrelevant. I just wished that she had been more careful with her words.
Again, I apologize for coming across as unsupportive. That was not my intent, and I do hope and pray that Otto’s mom will heal quickly, and that the family will take comfort in each other, and that God will give them the peace and strength to do whatever they need to do in the coming days.
Holding Otto’s mom and all of your family in the light.
Mir and Otto… I’m so sorry. I hope things are improving.