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sterday I had a hard time trying to “get going”. So I didn’t. I really couldn’t. My butt was cemented to my bed. My brain was on the breech of tears all day, and I ate stuff that would make a dumpster diver sick. You see… my son left for Yap with his recent angelic wife, Mercy, and I don’t know when I will see them again. I earned my day of self pity.
To define pity;
Is the feeling of mercy toward another.
Mercy Me.
I met Mercy in mid July. She jumped in the back seat of my car at baggage claim, north terminal and we were complete strangers. She has never been to America. I didn’t know what to say to her, so as I usually do when I’m a nervous wreck, I asked her countless questions. She answered in a whisper, so shy and guarded that I couldn’t understand a word. I would look in my rear view mirror at Graham, and he would translate her soft spoken English to louder English. Once we were home, Graham sat reassuringly close to her on the sofa, we continued on with small talk, trying our hardest to find common ground. She sat still and quiet, staring at her hands while I frantically stirred around and about from the kitchen to the den trying to keep my hands as busy as my mouth. At long last, (maybe 30 minutes) Neil, Margaret, and the girls came by to meet this young innocent Yapese girl who was soon to be a family member of our own. Annie Kate and Payton were a much needed distraction from the delicate awkwardness of this unfamiliar girl so overwhelmed in this unfamiliar world. She was the bravest, most frightened, humble, and courageous young lady I had ever met. I felt sorry for her and for me. This was hard.
Hard can be a good thing, but double wow, when you consider how intimidating this had to be for Mercy…traveling across the globe to meet all of us must have been truly terrifying! (and we all agree…Gary is terrifying) Mercy and I learned a lot about each other as we stumbled our way into becoming friends. We strolled through Wilshire Park a day or two after she got here. All day everyday….I probed her about her home and her family, like a private investigator constructing an interrogation of an international spy. I learned her life story as we walked around the square to the “Rock”. (explaining the concept of the “rock” to the new girl in town was as challenging as explaining the dry cleaners) With hesitation and a resistant smile she told me all about Yap, nieces, nephews, and how she had to walk long distances to school as a child. She eagerly emptied the dishwasher in the morning (dishes are typically washed by hand in Yap), and cheerfully played hide and seek with “the girls”, and in no time, by evening we were lounging comfortably with our beer and chardonnay.
It didn’t take us long to learn that although we have 8,000 miles, 40 years, and approximately 40 pounds between us, we both find comfort in the same ol stuff…like not feeling afraid, love to be loved, and finding a purpose stuff.
The weeks went by at an accelerated pace and the agenda became even more frantic. Graham had surgery, they traveled to Charleston, he flew to Texas for a business trip and one day after he returned… on a brilliant sunny Saturday afternoon in September they walked down a dirt road barefoot, holding on to one anothers hands, and were married on the Hooch!
I know most weddings take months and months to plan for whatever reasons that seem rational to the bride and groom, but don’t you think sometimes with all the talking, planning, and rehearsing it could potentially lead to those over anticipated “New Years Eve” plans…. as opposed to the not so scrutinized plan that makes for the perfect party! I’ve always been a fan of hasty, but no way could we have prepared ourselves for a more undisguised unimaginable bona fide day.
and Mercy and I are no longer strangers.
I love you both… all the way to Yap and Back!
Miami or BUST!
Tracy i love it! i am glad you get to write about this, it”s really wonderful. You are a very good blogger! I love you guys! Hugs and kisses from us in Yap 🙂
Thank you Mercy, I am so happy you liked it. I had such “great material”!!!!!
I hope you are settled and happy,but I must say I miss my late night movie buddy! Stay in touch okay?
I love you and Graham so much!
I sure did miss watching movies with you! We missed you guys already, will talk more someday 🙂
Tracy this made me cry! Theirs is a wonderful story & I felt so lucky to be a part of that unforgettable day on the Hooch!
AAWW…thanks Callie. It was a “had to be there” wedding, wasn’t it?
It has taken me ALL week to get back to reality…like when he was a little boy off at camp…but he’s a big boy and Yap isn’t camp!
(but now I have a girl in his life that will let me know what’s “happening”)! Good trade off!
Sweet story Tracy!! Know she loves her new family!
Hi Charlotte, we could not be happier to have Mercy as a part of our family, and she could not be more perfect for Graham….until I teach her a thing or two! haha;)
Wow! I love this story, couldn’t tell it any better. Mercy is my baby sister, she can be shy and quiet kept to herself at most times, and on some days with me she loves to talk my ears off haha shes an angel and I love her for this is who she is. Thanks for sharing this beautiful wonderful story.
Maggie she talked about you often. I know you will miss each other when you move to the US. I hope to meet you someday soon, and happy to have your family a part of our as well. Mercy is a lovely young lady,and I could not be happier for Graham.
What a great love story, Tracy! And I’m talking about he one between you and Mercy, not the one between her and Graham! She is one lucky girl to have found your handsome son and your wonderful family!! I hope you get to see them again sooner than later.
I love their love story. They are amazing, and someday when they decide to have a baby….. THIS Grandmother most likely will NOT be moving!!!!!!!
This made me cry! I am teary as I write this…Thank you for sharing this beautiful, sweet story. I loved it! You are one lucky/very blessed lady!
I sound like a “broken record,” but that is the sweetest, most honest writing ever!!!! ❤️💗❤️
A shining story…. Just marvelous. How lucky are you to have this wonderful new soul In your lives! Congrats all around.
Carol I appreciate your comments…wonderful souls are a marvelous thing! Thanks for reading my story!
Love a precious “LOVE” story. Blessings to Graham and Mercy! How lucky you all are to have each other!
Hi Jane,
We are a bunch of lucky ducks, even if it is across the pond:)
Tracy, this is so sweet and so real and from the heart! I love it!!!! Your humor shines through and it was so fun reading this!
Thanks DoAnn,
Happy to make you smile!!
Like a Fairy Tale, this is truly a love story. It sounds like everyone was extremely busy during her time here- yet ya’ll found the time to talk, relax and learn more about each other.You will enjoy learning more about her culture . I wish Graham and Mercy many many happy years together.
Hi Kathy,
According to Graham, it was hard for Mercy not to do more (meaning “help” around the house and wedding plans etc.) Being a “guest” was certainly not something she was use to being.
Oh my, she was the best and easiest “guest” ever…loved being with her!
Tracy, I am wiping tears as well, so sweet !
Carol,
I couldn’t have written something so sweet… if it were not for Mercy’s sincere kindness.
Thanks!
I am in “ugly cry mode” reading this! I can’t imagine how sad it is as a mom to have them gone, because as a sister, it’s pretty freaking sad! But, I take SO much comfort in knowing how much they love each other and how much love they both feel from you!! Best Mom Eva!!
Kelley,
I have found the best way to give advice to your children is to find out what they want and then advise them to do it.
Harry S. Truman
LOVE MY KIDS!!!!
MOM
What a wonderful story and beautifully written from the heart!
Thanks Robin…I think at this age I need my kids more than they need me, but I think that was the “plan” all along! 🙂
standing in my backyard waiting on the dog to poop with tears running down my face at 7 53 in the morning ….
r u kidding me 😘
Harriet…You are too funny! Get inside and drink some coffee dear!
Such a precious love story for “all” of your family. Thankful you were all together for the ceremony. The photos are beautiful!
Thanks Lisa.
I have to say it was the most “real” wedding with the perfect “setting”.
Happy at the Hooch!
Tracy your life is anything but boring…especially with “the path less taken” Graham Gaines as a major character! Loved reading this. Love that you have found this fun and creative outlet for your thoughts. Love all of the Gaines!
PJ’s are my best friend…I love to be bored, but then I wouldn’t have anything to write about would I? Thank goodness for Graham and Mercy, Grandchildren and Girl trips!
BOOK, TRACY, BOOK!!
Your story was beautiful, but your writing—–!!!!!
Andrea you are kind. Everyone has a story…don’t they? Thanks for ready mine!
LOVE this!! so happy for y’alls sweet family that I love so much!!
Thanks Les…Who doesn’t like a good ol love story?
You and Gary should be such proud parents! Love, tenderness, respect, companionship, friendship, etc…..all the thing you hope for with your kids as they find their partners for life. It sounds like Graham and Mercy have found that in each other. But so have Kelley and Neil!! You’ve done a fabulous
job!!!
We are proud of them. All three of them gave a small “toast” and had everyone in tears…I have never been prouder.
So is the “job” done…I don’t think so:)
Can’t wait to see your babies!
Very touching life event !!!! Congratulations to all of you. Love you.
Hi Sandy,
It was a touching event and sometimes my nerves were touch and go! I wouldn’t have changed a thing though!!!
Thanks for the comment…Love you more:)
Tracy,what a good beginning for a generational,gender specific book on relationships. Keep your journal going after each conversation with Mercy,whether by email,phone or in person. I am so serious. This is great fodder for a potentially great beach read or winter snow day.
Mercy is a sweet girl who has a great deal to learn( AND I know you will teach her) about our part of the world. However,my impression was that she is an exceptionally fast learner as well as eager to do so. I look forward to more Mercy Me by T. Gaines.
Gilda,
Mercy said she enjoyed meeting you as well. It will always be interesting to follow the path that Graham and Mercy take. I wouldn’t mind if I could just get there in less than 24 hours though!
We shall see….
My favorite seriouslyurkiddingme blog yet! Thank you all for letting me crash the rehearsal dinner. I am so glad that I got to spend a little time with sweet Mercy and the rest of the Gaines family. She certainly seems like a wonderful fit to a wonderful family!!! I love you all!!!
You made our night by coming by. It is always the perfect party when you are hanging out with us! Thanks for coming. The hot spices were a huge hit. Graham really got a kick out of that…no pun intended.