Stories Collected While Living in France

French la Vie

Gift of Peace

                    Gift_to_the_heart

When I was a child I had an incredible imagination, and with that came terrific nightmares. Many nights, nearly every night, until I was fourteen I woke up panic-filled with my heart beating loudly in my chest. I was often frighten to the point of feeling paralyzed. My peace of mind came when I would cry out to my parents.

"DAD! Are you awake?"

"Yes, I am."

"Don’t go to sleep until I go to sleep, okay?"

"Okay, I won’t go to sleep until you go to sleep."

"MOM!"

"Yes?"

"Are you awake?"

"Yes, I’m awake."

"Don’t go to sleep until I go to sleep okay?"

"Okay, I won’t go to sleep until you go to sleep."

"DAD?"

"I’m here, go to sleep Corey."

Writing these words my eyes fill with tears. My parent’s reassured me, night after night, they gave me their word faithfully and without ever seeming to be bothered by my need.

I would fall asleep trusting my parents were there to protect me from harm.

It is a gift I still treasure.

Comments

73 responses to “Gift of Peace”

  1. pusa

    i guess the gift of love from our parents is what we can really call unconditional love
    *hugs*
    i haven’t commented since i heard about your father because im not good with words and i dont know the right words to say in times like this but i just want you to know that my prayers and thoughts are with you and recovery of your father.

    Reply
  2. Britt-Arnhild in Norway

    My mother is an artist with music flowing out from the piano as her medium. As a girl I had my room on the ground floor and our livingroom, with the piano was up on the first floor. I called out just like you “Mom, are you awake?” When I heard her yes I called back “play for me mother……” and I could go to sleep totally safe.
    I wrote a tribute to my mother’s music here:
    http://brittarnhildshouseinthewoods.typepad.com/brittarnhilds_house_in_th/2006/11/music_fills_my_.html

    Reply
  3. Amylia Grace

    Corey, what a blessing such memories can be, happy and bittersweet, both. Again, the words escape me so I borrow some for you, this time from Jack Gilbert’s poem “Trying to Sleep”…
    I crank my heart even so and it turns over.
    Ranges high in the sun over continents and eruptions
    of mortality, through winds and immensities of rain
    falling for miles. Until all the world is overcome
    by what goes up and down in us, singing and dancing
    and throwing down flowers as we continue north taking
    the maimed with us, keeping the sad parts carefully.

    Reply
  4. Cottage Contessa

    Corey, I’m so sorry to hear about your dear dad. I will be keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. Treasure those wonderful memories sweetie, they are priceless.
    Amanda (aka Cottage Contessa)

    Reply
  5. Leigh

    I’ve been a little behind my blog reading and didn’t know until tonight what you’re going through. I’ll be holding you, your dad and your family in my thoughts, praying for the best. With love, Leigh

    Reply
  6. TACE

    That is a nice memory. Hope your Dad is feeling better. I hope he doesn’t have to have a long hospital stay. If he does maybe he could use some books on tape/mp3 player or maybe some one has a little portable dvd player thingy they could take in so he could watch movies. If it would help take his mind off any discomfort. Its hard not to offer a zillion ideas but Im sure your family and you got it all covered. Continued best wishes!!!!!!! Speedy recovery!

    Reply
  7. Liisa

    They are always parents,no matter how old. They give You love and support.I always feel like a child (god or bad!?)when I´m around my parents.I fear the day when they are gone.I try to give my children this feel of safety, that´s why they sleep in our bed and they never have nightmares. The oldest one has volontary mooved to her own bed at 7 years old.Your´s gave You their trust in this way, a gift for life.
    Love
    Liisa

    Reply
  8. Susan

    I didn’t know. My physical being lives here in this small town but my mind has left a long time ago, leaving a few good relationships behind. I didn’t know about your father. Oh George………for those of us who’s father’s were absent in our lives, he certainly captured my heart long ago. I will hold him there.

    Reply
  9. Genevieve

    They say your mother is the first face you see, the one that reflects your first emotions back to you. The first eyes you see yourself in.
    Your father, however is where you learn to turn that face to the world and shine outward. Strong, steady light, fun and twinkly, soft and glowy – you shine on us all with so many facets, Corey. What a guy HE must be!
    I bless your dad and focus for his healing and for comfort to come through the Holy Spirit.
    When your parents gave you unconditional love and sanctuary, they were nurturing a great artist and writer who expanded on that theme and now “ministers” to us with her simple stories and elegant pictures.
    I look you up when I need some “good words” and “gorgeous visuals” and always leave with lofty thoughts, a giggle, a pretty picture in my head and sometimes a yen for different kinds of treasure hunting. Thank you.

    Reply
  10. Hasmin

    I understand what you’re feeling right now, Corey, but I can’t quite put it into words, does that make any sense? I still well up when thoughts of my Dad overcomes me…the little memories of my childhood growing up with him. It seemed to all come back, at the right moment, when I need him the most.

    Reply
  11. Shelley Noble

    How wonderful! How sweet! It was as if you had parents that lovingly “stood-in” for God and Spirit in your upbringing, comforting, soothing, giving you a confidence that all was well.
    No wonder your life is filled with beauty, love, and grace, it was shaped by such love.

    Reply
  12. “eva”

    oh corey! my thoughts are with you and your family. i don’t know what to write either but i have this massive bumo in my throat and tears in my eyes, it is hard to see the screen. 🙂
    “eve”
    ps…we are in “talks” for when we will see you… 🙂

    Reply
  13. the farmers wife

    Many of us were given this gift but took it for granted or thought that everyone experienced this level of trust and safety in our lives. The most stunning revelation is when we discover for the first time that someone’s childhood was devoid of this. The knowledge is profoundly sad and only serves to underscore how very lucky we are in experience.

    Reply
  14. Vicki

    Corey one day you make me laugh and then the next you make me cry. What a wonderful family you were blessed with. It is a wonderful gift to feel secure and loved. Sending prayers and love your way.

    Reply
  15. meredith

    I hope to be a patient parent, like your parents. I have to sometimes remind myself to smile when I get up yet again in the middle of the night to calm a scared girl. This story of yours will give me a reason to smile the next time I’m up at 3am 🙂

    Reply
  16. My Melange

    You had and still have wonderful parents. This is a gift you have passed on to your own children, I have no doubt!

    Reply
  17. Shannon

    I put my parents through the same rigamarow with night terrors. I’d crawl into bed with them, and then my dad would take me back after a few minutes, give me a glass of water and kiss me goodnight again.
    I loved the feeling of safety that brought me.

    Reply
  18. angela marie

    Ah… the wonderful memories start flooding your mind. A grace in disguised. Relish everyone of them Corey.
    You have wonderful parents and you are to your children too.
    Hugging you my sweetie

    Reply
  19. pauline

    You are lucky to have such memories of your parents and their love. It would seem you have become that same sort of parent yourself. One of the best parts of memory is that we can deliberately choose the thoughts that comfort us. Keeping my own thoughts of you and yours in the light.

    Reply
  20. Suzanne

    Sweet Corey, thank you for sharing your precious and fond memories of your childhood and the love withing them.
    A big hug to you*

    Reply
  21. Dee

    I also had nightmares when I was a child. I always thought someone was in the house…sometimes my dad & mom would get up check the house and reassure me everything was fine…then my dad would pray with me and I would go back to sleep.
    My prayers continue for your family.

    Reply
  22. Johannah

    I was the same.
    The blessing AND curse of a vibrant imagination. . .
    I used to curl up with my dad on the couch and let the sound of Monday night football lull me to sleep.
    http://puttingdownroots.blogspot.com/

    Reply
  23. AnnieB

    awh Corey, hope your dad is doing ok. And you.

    Reply
  24. Toni Brown

    I’ve been trying not to comment here so you would have less to read, instead just sending you my mental prayers and warmth. This entry, however, is lovely, and TRUE, and a reminder of the gift parenting can give — teaching trust and security. My heart has been with you 100% and will stay there. Universal daughter-love also being directed to your dear father.

    Reply
  25. Sher

    Ah, Dear Corey! It’s okay to cry, whether it’s in the midst of everyone or whether you find a quiet place to be alone. It may be time for your Dad to go to sleep before you but this does not mean he has left you. As you comfort him, comfort yourself and let him know you understand. That gift of Peace shall continue. Much love, Sher

    Reply
  26. Beachy

    I can see you’ve learned a great deal of trust and love from your dear parents!

    Reply
  27. Laurence

    Corey, I’m so sorry to read about your father’s illness. My thoughts are with you and your family.

    Reply
  28. Rosemary

    Hi Corey,
    I remember having that same conversation with my mom too!!
    I am sending you love and prayers,
    Rosemary

    Reply
  29. martina

    My Dad passed away years ago and I still miss his love and wisdom. Just last night something happened that worried me. I called my Mom and was reassured just hearing her voice. A 50 year old woman still comforted by her mother! We’ve both been very fortunate to have such great loving parents.

    Reply
  30. Sandy

    I remember so well that feeling of security sleeping in my parent’s home. There is nothing like it.

    Reply
  31. Mari-Nanci

    And a gift, you will always be able to treasure.
    Continued good thoughts and hugs…
    Mari-Nanci

    Reply
  32. Lynne

    And we continue these little things with our own children and grandchildren. God Bless!

    Reply
  33. Miss Sandy

    Praying God’s continued peace for you.

    Reply
  34. annieelf

    Krista was very much like that Corey. She never could do sleepovers. She needed to know that she was safe at home. Your parents gave you exactly what you needed. So did we. That is what parents do. Pure love.
    Always with you,
    Annie

    Reply
  35. Candy

    This post gives me great encouragement as I welcome my 16 year old as he sleeps on the floor of our bedroom. He, too, has a very active imagination. I need to let my husband read this, too. Thanks for sharing this, Corey.

    Reply
  36. Laurie

    Oh Corey,
    You have given so much to all of us in the blogging world. I can only hope you realize how we’re all thinking of you right now. You have shown time and time again what a lovely person you are and that has to be because you had such lovely parents. You draw from such wonderful memories, many from a magical childhood. Please know that you and your family are wrapped in prayers and support. I wish I could give you a huge hug right now. Laurie

    Reply
  37. andrea

    …THIS.
    Beautiful.
    a.

    Reply
  38. Jeanette

    I know the feeling and now I live that same scene with my girls. Teresa especially up until 6 month ago her thing was…Mom I am going to sleep in your bed it is safer so when you come to bed you can put me in my own bed. That way the monsters will be gone or asleep and I won’t get scared. With Sarah there was alway purple cows in her room at bedtime. So I would have to herd the cows out and either sent them to Emily’s Va’s house or to the dairy across the way(Evelyn’s) I don’t know how long this lasted, but it was at least 3-4 months. I guess purple cows are scarier than monsters.?! Prayers and good warm thoughts going your way. Jeanette

    Reply
  39. Nancy and Bill ~ Fete et Fleur ~ Loving Her Beautiful

    Dearest Corey,
    We continue to pray for your precious father. Bill and I have been awarded a Blessing Candle and we are sending it your way. There is a small picture of it posted. It is a light of hope for your father’s healing.
    Blessings! Nancy and Bill

    Reply
  40. Amy

    Corey…my Adrian is just like you. He must be somehow touching me as he falls asleep…..I hope he never loses his need for reassurance from me. 🙂

    Reply
  41. eb

    sending you and your family much love and many prayers…
    xox – eb.

    Reply
  42. Julie Ann

    If you were anything like me you took it all for granted. It takes a long time to work out the true meaning and value in all that love, warmth and security. Precious times, Jx

    Reply
  43. liz elayne

    this story touches me deeply…you are very blessed to have such a relationship with your parents…
    i am so sorry that you all are at this place on your journey…i cannot even imagine how hard it must be…
    i am sending prayers of healing and peace…

    Reply
  44. Star

    It’s always nice to know that someone is there who is on your side. Staying close in thought as you spend this precious time with your family.

    Reply
  45. cruststation

    powerful and heart-warming memories, sending you hugs.x

    Reply
  46. the boogeyman’s wife

    that’s cool. . . .i’m jealous
    the shower at home was in the basement and once someone, laughing, turned the lights off on me. my mom in the kitchen said no one went near the door, so my 8 or 9 year old self was understandably freaked. i refused to go down there unless my dad was down there too, and he was very patient about finding things to fiddle with on his workbench so i wasn’t alone. this christmas i told finally him why, and thanked him. i appreciate that he realized my need and responded without knowing the cause.

    Reply
  47. tommie

    What precious memories! As much as it drives me batty to lay there with my four year old until he is asleep, I want him to have your memories rather than me hollaring at him to go to bed. So each night for almost 30-45 minutes I lay with him….some say I am not helping him by letting him use me as a crutch to sleep. I say I am just being there for him, he won’t be this little always!

    Reply
  48. Lea

    ..that’s just what dad’s are suppose to do you know… make it better… it tends to shatter our very existence, no matter what age when we see them in pain…prayers being said for your dad…

    Reply
  49. marita

    there are these moments carved in our minds, never ever fading away, becoming steady compagnions while growing old ourselves… it can’t get any closer to the heart than that!!

    Reply
  50. Becca

    Corey … I have been away for several weeks and only now have heard about your father. You are both in my thoughts and prayers. Your story is very familiar to me. What a gift to have wonderful fathers (and mothers).

    Reply
  51. Christi from Charm & Grace

    Dear Corey,
    My eyes filled with tears at your sweet story. That is one of the most precious treasures here on this earth.
    Just wanted you to know… still here, still praying for you and for your dad’s health.
    Love,
    Christi

    Reply
  52. Mary

    My Dad was an older father and didn’t play with me or my brother much when we were little. He was however a hard working, honest man, admired by all. I was happy to visit him when hospitalized with cancer – we talked a lot and made peace with one another on that trip home. I didn’t see him again but I can remember him fondly.
    I continue to pray for your wonderful Dad Corey – I’m hoping he improves soon. I’m glad you are spending time with him – I know your chats and laughs together are the best medicine for him right now.

    Reply
  53. Veronica

    Today is the 10th anniversary of the death of my Mom. Tears are running down my face just trying to read your post. I am sending hugs, and best wishes to you and your Dad. Wish I could ride over on my Vulcan and bring him a cold one.

    Reply
  54. Christine

    That is a gift.I think alot about that because I have a two year old now who’s waking up scared and crying and I try to reassure him that “I’m right here..it’s okay..”. When i was young I too had nightmares from early on. But instead of asking for help I would stand by my mom’s bedside to afraid to wake her or my dad up but too afraid to go back to bed. That kind of insecurity can seep into a child’s life and last a lifetime. I’m glad you had loving parents who were there to “protect” you. And I’m sure your Dad is happy you’re there to stay by his side now .

    Reply
  55. Kelley

    I have been thinking about you constantly since your post saying you were going to CA. I have been reading every day to see the update on your lovely, wonderful father. And today’s post made me realize how much our children cherish us, the parents…our son(12yo) goes through the same routine you did at 14. He is always worried that we are going to be asleep before him. Thanks so much for all your posts about your father and thank you for this one that reminds me why I had children in the first place. All my thoughts and prayers to you and your family.

    Reply
  56. JanePoe (aka Deborah)

    Gentle reflections on the nurturing and love between parent & child. May these hold you both strong – love is the question & the answer. Peace, xx, JP/deb

    Reply
  57. rochambeau

    Do you know what friend? To have the security of growing up with the deep down knowledge that your parents truly love you is such a gift. One that profoundly creates a person that feels a certain powerful faith in themselves.
    Thinking of you Corey.
    xox
    Constance

    Reply
  58. Deb

    Still praying for you. Love, Deb x

    Reply
  59. Miss Maddie’s

    Is it not strange that a man, your father can draw well wishes, prayers and hope from those of us whom he has never met? Heartfelt sentiments shared from around the world, resulting from something we all share; the love of a parent.
    May you find strength in this love and carry it with you in the days ahead.
    xo Susan

    Reply
  60. apt a {berriehead}

    precious memories never go away, what a darling set of parents you have C….I’m here for the duration and praying everyday…I think of all of you a LOT during my waking hours…sit by him, hold his hands lay your head on his shoulder breath him in..be sure to do that with your pa….let him comfort you! & in doing that knowing you are safe will help bring him the peace he needs now…. xo

    Reply
  61. Pat

    You’re still in my thoughts and prayers Corey.
    As a child, I would awaken and ask, “When will it be morning?” The assurance of quiet voices saying, “Soon” is a memory I hope to never forget.
    You have wonderful parents.
    Pat

    Reply
  62. Casey

    Corey, I just want to echo what so many other have said: you are in my thoughts and prayers!!!

    Reply
  63. Mimi

    Corey,
    your Dad comforted and made you feel safe when you were a child… and now life has turned a full 360 degrees… and you are comforting your dad and giving him the peace of knowing you are there with him…
    I am praying for you, your dad and the rest of your family during this very trying time!!
    Mimi

    Reply
  64. Judy Morphis

    You were blessed with such loving parents. What a beautiful story to share. Know you are all still in my prayers.

    Reply
  65. somepinkflowers

    just a gentle reminder…
    there are prayers
    and thoughts of comfort
    coming your way
    from those you do not even
    know.
    you can go to sleep
    and rest…
    know that good
    watches over you
    and your family in many ways.
    it does.

    Reply
  66. Tammy

    a wonderful thing to treasure
    still praying
    blessings

    Reply
  67. kenju

    You can do the same for him now.

    Reply
  68. amber

    This touched me, because Georgia has started to do something like this, too.
    “Mom!”
    “What?”
    “Juuust checking!”
    “Go to sleep!”
    “Okay mom.”
    (((you)))
    🙂

    Reply
  69. Elaine L.

    My father is 85 and he says the older one gets the more one appreciates and misses their parents. His parent’s were 44, when he was born and he had lost both of them by the time he was 32.
    He still misses them and tells the great grandchildren stories about them. Even at his age, I know my dad still longs for the comfort of his parents.
    ~elaine~

    Reply
  70. Betty C.

    I’m thinking about you. What a gift of love to share what you’re sharing with us. Bisous.

    Reply
  71. Dee/reddirtramblings

    Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers, dear Corey.~~Dee

    Reply
  72. Diane Cook

    Corey~Me too. I had such a vivid imigination, and so many nightmares. But I always knew my mother was there to protect me. I would cry at night thinking what would I do if she left me?
    Your father’s faith grabs me like a strong hold from God.
    I wish you peace, my sister in Christ~and your father as well. May Christ bring him close to His loving bosom.

    Reply
  73. Jo-Anne Coletti

    Hi,
    Your blog is a breath of fresh air, so inspirational! I loved your story of your parents, just precious.
    Jo-Anne

    Reply

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