Oh. “I guess. But I meant more like the fact he gets paid a nice salary, and gets time off for several months a year. And there are some nice opportunities to meet people, and help where we can.”
“I think I saw pictures of you at a fundraiser for the Toronto Children’s Hospital,” Anna said.
Sarah nodded. Back when she’d been pregnant the second time, and dared pray that her unborn child would never have to face some of the incredible challenges these children had faced. That was one prayer that had been answered, she supposed. And one she might have to face if Dr. McKinnon’s grim predictions proved right.
“Sarah, are you okay?” Serena asked.
She blinked hard, nodded, and pasted on a smile. “But as good as it is, it’s also hard when he’s away a lot, or gets injured, or anything he says or does or is thought to have said or done gets gossiped about online.”
Jackie pressed her lips together. She’d understand.
“Then there’s the tension of how much do you share. Like, I have my own career—”
“I love your music,” Rachel said.
“Thank you.” That was sweet. “And I guess I didn’t come unprepared for what fame could look like. But let’s just say there’s a world of difference between Christian music fans and some people who watch hockey.” Sarah’s smile turned wry. “The language used isn’t always the same.” And had resulted in various troll-like social media users being banned. Which didn’t stop them, as they just started new accounts. Then there were others who seemed to enjoy posting comments designed to draw attention to their provocative user pictures. Hmm. Maybe it really was time for her to get a virtual assistant.
“People who love hockey—am I right?” Rachel rolled her eyes.
Sarah stiffened. “Itisa fun game.”
“Oh, I didn’t mean to make it sound like that. Sorry. It’s just that my husband Damian isaddictedto the sport. He’s probably watching the playoff game now with John, and fan-girling over your husband like you wouldn’t believe. He’s a big Brent Karlsson fan—and Dan Walton fan, too,” she winked, “so he’s probably like a little kid in Disneyland right now, sitting there with one of his heroes.”
Sarah’s lips curved to one side. She wondered how Dan was coping with that. There was a world of difference between being able to watch something for pleasure, and feeling like you were still “on” in front of others and still having to perform. Which was a bit like how she felt now.
“Sarah, I’ve really loved your music, and I’ve really enjoyed your podcast too,” Jackie said sincerely. “Especially that recent one on thankfulness. It’s so true, isn’t it? It’s easy to only be thankful in the good times, but so hard to remember in the tough times.”
There was a chorus ofAmens, including a loud one from Anna, which drew everyone’s attention.
“What?” Anna said. “I’m agreeing like you all were. Sometimes it’s hard to practice what you preach. I bet even Sarah would agree.”
“It is,” Sarah said quietly. “I certainly don’t have it all together.”
Thankfulness. It brought back memories of something Dan had once said to her, about choosing to be thankful. Even with the recent challenges, there was a choice: look at what she didn’t have, or remember what she did, like a wonderful husband, a beautiful life, a dream career, but most importantly, she had God’s love. Why was that so easy to forget?
Her eyes pricked with emotion, and she lowered her head to sip her drink.
“I think we should give Sarah a break for a moment,” Serena said kindly.
“Amen,” Sarah murmured, which drew some smiles.
The conversation soon drifted to other things, giving Sarah a moment to compose herself. She caught Staci’s glance and offered a small smile, then cut some of the camembert cheese and placed it on a cracker. Food she wasn’t supposed to eat while she was pregnant. It didn’t matter now, so she might as well enjoy. Something to be thankful for.Thanks, God.She rolled her eyes at herself.
Later, Staci switched seats and murmured, “I didn’t mean to put you under the spotlight like that.”
“It’s okay.”
“And just so you know I won’t include you in a book.”
“I appreciate it. I don’t think people would think my story that interesting.”
“You’re wrong there. A girl who grew up in the remote mountains of a country most people have never heard of, who then marries an NHL star? Yeah, that’s interesting.”
Sarah shrugged. “It’s just my normal.”
“But not most people’s, hence the interest.”
“How did you know that about PNG?”
