She showed up in the spring. I noticed her spinning her translucent masterpiece outside my laundry-room window. I paused from my folding to watch her work, the beautiful yellow zig-zag on her back, bright against the black as her meticulous handiwork came together.
New beginnings..
Phoebe had just completed 15 months of high-dose chemotherapy, preceded by brain surgery and recovery. Finally our girl was home. We were a family again and life was full of possibility. We set to work on our garden; building the fence, prepping the soil, pulling weeds. Phoebe sat in her little camping chair and held the spade and kept me company, her little green sun-hat shielding that sweet bald head from the hot sun. The farm was abuzz with activity. Beloved friends came to offer their help as we built a chicken coop and put up fencing and tilled the soil.
Sweet fellowship over dirt and seed and shared work.
We were brimming with hope, intoxicated by the mundane. Life was moving forward and I can still hear her shout “No more chemo!” with joy. These were blessed days. A meticulous handiwork underway.
I watched the spider through the spring. Each time I turned the garden hose on, I looked at her up close. By now her beautiful web was complete and full of unlucky flies who’d fallen for her trap. She was so big and magnificent it was hard to miss her in my small window in each day. She just made me happy and her arrival signaled the beginning of my own personal spring. A time to build.
As the days became more vibrant, the garden followed suit. Squash amidst towering sunflowers, tangles of tomatoes intertwined with Zinnias, zucchini vines covered the ground and okra sprang up tall and pointy. We feasted. On life, just the living of it, and on sustenance from the work of our hands. The kids would run to the garden empty handed and return with their proud bounty. Phoebe loved that squash and the tiny tomato varieties and Deacon was my weeding buddy. These days were precious and we understood what it meant to be thankful way down deep, for each moment.
On some afternoons I would show Phoebe the spider. I would lift her to the window so she could see up close. We all loved that this creature had made her home in our window, and now she was creating egg-sacks to hold her babies. We watched as she so carefully twirled the gauzy balls of web with her graceful legs as she worked. Before too long, there were several egg sacks tucked safely around the edges of the window.
Spring gave way to the dog days of summer and in July our hope was crushed. The tumor was back.
And it had spread.
And two to eight weeks.
Soon the garden had given it’s best and the vegetables became less. We lacked motivation now to go on and so it went to seed. I half expected the spider to die, as if somehow our devastating news would have an impact on everything around us. I found myself surprised that the world could go on, but it did, and does.
And then she was gone. My Phoebe. The days were a blur and the funeral and the activity and all the busy-ness. Until at last, we were alone, the five of us, without her.
And the spider was still there. And how could this little spider still be here against the elements and my Phoebe not? But she made me happy still, because Phoebe had marveled at her. We had enjoyed her together and watched her weave her beautiful egg sacks in preparation for the future.
This morning I went to start the laundry. It’s been cold, really cold, and rainy. And I saw her. Not the striking star shape she usually positions herself as, but crumpled.
I am sad to see her gone. But it seems fitting. She had a beautiful spring, she worked hard, she displayed the magnificence of her Creator. She reminds me of Phoebe like that. I will keep watch on those egg sacks, and maybe this spring one of those little spiders will take up residence in my window.
To everything there is a season,
A time for every purpose under heaven:
A time to be born,
And a time to die;
A time to plant,
And a time to pluck what is planted;
A time to kill,
And a time to heal;
time to break down,
And a time to build up;
A time to weep,
And a time to laugh;
time to mourn,
And a time to dance;
A time to cast away stones,
And a time to gather stones;
A time to embrace,
And a time to refrain from embracing;
A time to gain,
And a time to lose;
A time to keep,
And a time to throw away;
A time to tear,
And a time to sew;
A time to keep silence,
And a time to speak;
A time to love,
And a time to hate;
A time of war,
And a time of peace.
Ecclesiastes 3
An Atypical Miracle 
Beautiful – one of my favorite passages from the Bible. Seems so fitting with what your family is going through.
Thank you Amey. I love your heart. every blessing.
your words are always such an inspiration to me……
Thank You Amey. Beautiful and full.
That was beautiful & so sweet. Thank you Amey for continuing to post. I always look so forward to your next one, to watch the healing take place. God is so sweet.
As always your blogs bring a smile and a tear. This is beautiful as are you.
Very well said, and healing in the words. I DO NOT like spiders at all but found myself drawn to that picture for sure. Praying daily for you.
GOD Bless
Keeping you all in prayer.
Wow.
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Beautiful writing, Amy. As I contemplate my life without my husband this Thanksgiving, I guess we need to be thankful for the times we had, rather than begrudge the times we didn’t. In reality, life is a vapor, and we will all be together soon…Lord, please carry us until that day…
Did you write this Amey? Or did Nathan? It’s beautiful. Miss you guys.
Lacy, Nathan doesn’t fold laundry 😉 ❤ Amey
Thank you for continuing to share and keeping us in your lives. We mourn with you and pray for you and remember with love your precious Phoebe. May God bless you and hold you close.
As you pour out your heart I will read your words and pray accordingly. Standing beside you covering you in prayer.
Dear Amey & Nathan,
Last May at the Arlington Homeschool Book Fair, my daughter, Abby, spoke and you came up to visit and encourage us afterwards. We’ve had your card on our fridge since then, but hadn’t checked it recently. When we went to your page today, we learned of Phoebe’s home going. While we weep with you, we also rejoice because of the mutual hope we have in Jesus.
I don’t know if you are following Amazing Abby on FB, but Abby is home on hospice now. She has good days and not so good. But we are amazed at the people that she is touching with her story. She would rather just go to be with Jesus and be finished with this life, but realizes that for some reason she still has work to do here. In fact, on Nov. 1, when she almost died, she was given a glimpse of heaven and was ‘bummed’ when she woke up and was still here.
We personally have been encouraged by a book, “Things Unseen” by Mark Buchanan. It has made us excited about the place that Jesus has gone ahead to prepare for us!
Blessings,
Betty Smith
Thank you for the book recommendation Betty. I remember you all very well. Abby’s glimpse of heaven sounds wonderful and is so encouraging to me as I try to imagine my Phoebe there. God bless you and your sweet family during this time.
~Amey
Amy, that was so beautiful you have me crying…your spirit is so wonderful and I marvel at your strength. I finally understand what it important in this live and it’s the relationships we form with all living things.
We pray for a peaceful Holiday for you and your family, as you continue to be a light to mine. Lots of love!!! Gina
Oh Amey, you are such a beautiful writer. I am an English major but do not have the gift of the written word – perhaps that is why I enjoy your writing so much – you paint beautiful pictures with words – I am addicted. I have followed your postings for over a year. They have been especially poignant during this time of healing. I think of her and the joy you experienced each and every day she was here. The memories you have shared with those of us whom you do not know are so appreciated – must be a Ziglar trait. Donna Wilkins
Thank you for your post, Amey.
Kathy
You write so eloquently. I can feel your grief with every post. While reading your post I listened to the song that goes along with your verse. (Turn! Turn! Turn! by the Byrds).
Sending hugs from Nova Scotia.
The day your Phoebe died, I buried my daughter. She too fought ATRT. I’m sorry for your loss and endless pain.
So sorry for your loss ((hugs)). Right there with you..starting this journey..
Thank you…it is hard for life to go on, I know…
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Prayers this Thanksgiving day for the new beginnings that will come as part of your journey, for comfort and peace, and for Jesus to wrap you closely in His love. May Phoebe’s smile from heaven down upon you all send you sweet memories at this time too!
Wishing you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving. I pray for peace and comfort within your hearts today as they must be heavy missing your precious Phoebe. I pray my Rosary daily in her name and for the healing of your family. Know that your family and Phoebe are always in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless, Kathy DeLong
There is just something about Phoebe’s story that hits me right in the heart. I did not know her, but I followed her story. I have now been reading the blog over from the beginning. I think about her every day. It just doesn’t make sense to me. I just don’t understand, and I feel lost – how can I keep my faith when bad things happen to good people?
Thinking of you today in a special way. The sun is shining and I hope this brings you solace today!!!!!