Every so often, I am reminded of the skills that people with dementia have lost. Yesterday Dean was unable to open a loaf of bread. Couldn't seem to twist that little bread tie just right to open the wrapper. He had to ask me to do it. And here's the man who used to fix anything that broke, from a broken water pipe to a couch that sagged in the middle. No problem was without a fix when my handyman husband was around.
I got a little taste of what his ineptness feels like though when we both got in the car yesterday after grocery shopping. I had lowered my window visor earlier, but as I rushed to get in the car from the frigid cold outside, the hair on the top of my head got caught on a zipper on my visor.
I was totally trapped in an awkward position, and unable to free my head from that visor without pulling my hair out. Dean mentioned scissors, but of course, I wasn't about to consider chopping off what little granny hair I have left, especially since that would mean losing hair on the top of my head with only an inch left intact. The only grandma with a Butch haircut. No thanks, not on my watch.
Fortunately, I had the wherewithal to think of taking the bun out on the back of my head, and sure enough when I loosened my locks, I could slide the hair right out of the zipper. My next thought though, was of the parking lot video camera, or any curious passerby, who may have been watching this comical scene. Oh, the embarrassment of it all. I was so glad that home was our next destination. I had had enough of public notoriety for one day.
There are so many things in life that we can get snagged on. But there's only one way to free ourselves. Ask God for the answer, and when He guides us with the proper moves, He'll allow us to slide right on through our difficulties.
Showing posts with label adversity. Show all posts
Showing posts with label adversity. Show all posts
Saturday, February 2, 2013
Friday, December 14, 2012
The Last Kiss
Things just aren't working out too well today. I went to start my car this afternoon and evidently the battery is low. Am waiting for my on-call son-in-law mechanic to come by later on and give us a charge. Hope it's nothing major.
Of course, this entire situation is minor compared to a school shooting that happened in an elementary school today in Connecticut. It's all so tragic, losing that many young children all at once. The families involved must be suffering tremendous grief, and most will for a long time.
It helps to put our own lives' problems in perspective and see that they are nothing compared to what some are suffering.
When my caregiving seems more than I can handle, I try to look at it from the perspective of not having anyone to give care to. It gives me the strength to go on, to keep plugging away at our challenges. Those challenges are my purpose for living. I'll not complain, but thank God they are there.
I think a lot of us will give an extra kiss to our loved ones tonight. It could very well be our last.
Of course, this entire situation is minor compared to a school shooting that happened in an elementary school today in Connecticut. It's all so tragic, losing that many young children all at once. The families involved must be suffering tremendous grief, and most will for a long time.
It helps to put our own lives' problems in perspective and see that they are nothing compared to what some are suffering.
When my caregiving seems more than I can handle, I try to look at it from the perspective of not having anyone to give care to. It gives me the strength to go on, to keep plugging away at our challenges. Those challenges are my purpose for living. I'll not complain, but thank God they are there.
I think a lot of us will give an extra kiss to our loved ones tonight. It could very well be our last.
Monday, October 29, 2012
Dental Chair Humor
While the rest of the world is seriously consumed with a presidential election and a late-season hurricane, I was entertained today by taking my husband to the university dental school for an evaluation.
It wasn't long before the nurse called me back to his examination room to answer questions about medications and any changes in his health. She did ask Dean if his mouth had been sore. He reported, "Yes, but I keep it filled with candy." I silently laughed at his playful, but sadly truthful, retort, while the two dental students began to lecture him about the harm of eating candy.
After the specialist asked some more questions, she told Dean she'd just like to look in his mouth. He politely replied, "Sure, if that's what you're getting paid for."
When she found the area of his mouth that's been sore, she instructed a dental student to get the camera, and asked Dean if they could take a photo. Trying to keep his mouth open while the student focused the camera, Dean asked them, "Are you going to frame it?" By now, I had a really hard time holding my composure and not shaking with laughter, but didn't want to stand in the way of science, so I kept my mirth to a minimum.
As you can see, there is something to laugh about, even in the midst of a storm. Didn't the Bible say that laughter is good medicine? Nothing like a good dose of laughter to make me glad to be home by the side of my lighthearted, loving husband again, after an equally joyful and relaxing time at Women's Retreat.
It wasn't long before the nurse called me back to his examination room to answer questions about medications and any changes in his health. She did ask Dean if his mouth had been sore. He reported, "Yes, but I keep it filled with candy." I silently laughed at his playful, but sadly truthful, retort, while the two dental students began to lecture him about the harm of eating candy.
After the specialist asked some more questions, she told Dean she'd just like to look in his mouth. He politely replied, "Sure, if that's what you're getting paid for."
When she found the area of his mouth that's been sore, she instructed a dental student to get the camera, and asked Dean if they could take a photo. Trying to keep his mouth open while the student focused the camera, Dean asked them, "Are you going to frame it?" By now, I had a really hard time holding my composure and not shaking with laughter, but didn't want to stand in the way of science, so I kept my mirth to a minimum.
As you can see, there is something to laugh about, even in the midst of a storm. Didn't the Bible say that laughter is good medicine? Nothing like a good dose of laughter to make me glad to be home by the side of my lighthearted, loving husband again, after an equally joyful and relaxing time at Women's Retreat.
Saturday, October 13, 2012
The Dentist
Last week I accompanied my daughter to the dentist's office for a checkup for my two granddaughters. It was a very kid-friendly dentist, so both girls, just 2 and 4, were allowed to sit in small dentist chairs in the same room, just a few feet from each other, with a TV screen to occupy their minds. I'm sure this was to help reduce the anxiety and fear that small children feel at the dentist.
When it was found that Jenna, the oldest, would require some follow-up work, I overheard the dentist telling her momma not to overburden her with the details of the procedures, even though he explained to my daughter just what would transpire on their next visit. The dentist himself would fill her in on just what was going to happen when they arrived for their next appointment. Once again the fear and anxiety factor was taken into account, even in how information was given to these pint-sized patients.
Our heavenly Father is just as mindful of our potential fears about what will happen at the end of time. As these troublesome events approach, He admonishes us to press together, just as sheep in a flock will do when a predator is near. And He is careful to give us just enough information through the prophets as we need to make it through the hard times. We, as children ourselves, would be much too fearful if we knew all the details too soon. But He will tell us just what we need to know, when we need to know it. I'm glad we live in a people-friendly world. God, like a kid-friendly dentist, will do all He can for His children.
When it was found that Jenna, the oldest, would require some follow-up work, I overheard the dentist telling her momma not to overburden her with the details of the procedures, even though he explained to my daughter just what would transpire on their next visit. The dentist himself would fill her in on just what was going to happen when they arrived for their next appointment. Once again the fear and anxiety factor was taken into account, even in how information was given to these pint-sized patients.
Our heavenly Father is just as mindful of our potential fears about what will happen at the end of time. As these troublesome events approach, He admonishes us to press together, just as sheep in a flock will do when a predator is near. And He is careful to give us just enough information through the prophets as we need to make it through the hard times. We, as children ourselves, would be much too fearful if we knew all the details too soon. But He will tell us just what we need to know, when we need to know it. I'm glad we live in a people-friendly world. God, like a kid-friendly dentist, will do all He can for His children.
Friday, September 21, 2012
The Team
I can't help but think of my mom today. This was her birthday and birthdays were always so important to her. She would be 81 today. My dad's day was just two days before hers and I think they rather enjoyed celebrating their birthdays together. Mom usually made Dad's favorite cake. Yellow with chocolate frosting. Then she might follow with a special dessert that she liked. She made great cream puffs.
One thought I had of my mom today though was how she was able to cope with life. Of course, Jesus was her constant confidante, but she also felt comfortable sharing her burdens with her children. My sister usually had a handle on her aches and pains, from her swollen hands and feet to the pain in her eyes. Even though my sister lived hundreds of miles away, I could find out from her how mom was feeling, because I knew Mom shared that with her.
My brother was her sounding board when it came to marital matters, the many hurts and frustrations that came with living with a high-maintenance man like my dad. He gave her much needed comfort and understanding of those issues from his unique male perspective.
And finally I was there to share her frustrations with being blind those last ten years or so. I was the only one who lived close and was taking her to doctor's appointments and listening to her heartbreaking concerns of not being able to see and how much quality of life it was taking from her.
We were a family team all along and didn't recognize how our combined efforts were lightening Mom's load. But I'm sure it was. Thank you, Lord, for helping us be there for our mom. And she felt our combined presence, I'm sure, right to the end.
One thought I had of my mom today though was how she was able to cope with life. Of course, Jesus was her constant confidante, but she also felt comfortable sharing her burdens with her children. My sister usually had a handle on her aches and pains, from her swollen hands and feet to the pain in her eyes. Even though my sister lived hundreds of miles away, I could find out from her how mom was feeling, because I knew Mom shared that with her.
My brother was her sounding board when it came to marital matters, the many hurts and frustrations that came with living with a high-maintenance man like my dad. He gave her much needed comfort and understanding of those issues from his unique male perspective.
And finally I was there to share her frustrations with being blind those last ten years or so. I was the only one who lived close and was taking her to doctor's appointments and listening to her heartbreaking concerns of not being able to see and how much quality of life it was taking from her.
We were a family team all along and didn't recognize how our combined efforts were lightening Mom's load. But I'm sure it was. Thank you, Lord, for helping us be there for our mom. And she felt our combined presence, I'm sure, right to the end.
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Our Last Surviving Tomato
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| The Last Tomato |
We stopped watering our garden over a month ago when the city started enforcing watering restrictions. The tomato plants were about through producing and were looking pretty sorry and soon were pitifully dried up, with just a few marble-sized green tomatoes clinging to the vines.
Then after all summer with no rain we got a whole inch last week and when I let the dog out a couple of days later, I noticed something red on one of the tomato plants. I was shocked to see this one little ripe tomato survivor, just waiting to be picked.
It reminded me of the last days of this earth's history. The Bible says there will be a "time of trouble" (Daniel 12:1). Amos says in ch. 8:11 that there will be a famine, but not of bread, and not a thirst of water, but of hearing the words of the Lord. But a remnant survives, those with the patience of the saints. Revelation 14:12
So, I honor my patient little "remnant" tomato. It gives me faith and courage that God will see us through to the end, even through enormous trials and persecutions.
Sunday, June 10, 2012
Spring in Heaven
I wouldn't have thought that my nephew from Florida, where they enjoy greenery and tropical trees all year round, would be so excited about a simple vegetable garden here in Nebraska. After his first winter back up North, he has really been thrilled to work with the soil and witness the growth of tiny seeds and plants that he labored so hard to get started.
I think the seasonal changes we experience here make us appreciate the growth and colors of plants so much more. The harshness of winter weather only enhances the spring fever that captivates so many of us. Our salad with dinner tonight tasted so much better with the radishes that we grew ourselves in our very own yard.
Gardening seems to make us feel closer to God, because without His sunshine and rain, nothing would grow. We are partners with Him in a sense. But another reason I think people in general get so much more excited about gardens here in the North is that it follows a long period of cold, unpleasant weather and nature all around us wakes up and becomes green with life again.
It will be the same feeling when we get to heaven. We'll enjoy it all the more because of the hardships endured here on earth during our lifetimes. It will be like entering the most beautiful springtime, multiplied by infinity. I can't wait to wake up in the springtime of heaven and warm up to His love firsthand.
I think the seasonal changes we experience here make us appreciate the growth and colors of plants so much more. The harshness of winter weather only enhances the spring fever that captivates so many of us. Our salad with dinner tonight tasted so much better with the radishes that we grew ourselves in our very own yard.
Gardening seems to make us feel closer to God, because without His sunshine and rain, nothing would grow. We are partners with Him in a sense. But another reason I think people in general get so much more excited about gardens here in the North is that it follows a long period of cold, unpleasant weather and nature all around us wakes up and becomes green with life again.
It will be the same feeling when we get to heaven. We'll enjoy it all the more because of the hardships endured here on earth during our lifetimes. It will be like entering the most beautiful springtime, multiplied by infinity. I can't wait to wake up in the springtime of heaven and warm up to His love firsthand.
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Wiggling Out
I'm beginning to experience blog withdrawals--two nights in a row I've missed posting on this blog. But they have been busy nights. Friday night we were at a friend's house for a little Christian fellowship and last night I babysat again for my daughter so she could have her "date night" out with my son-in-law.
This time babysitting, I faced a real dilemma. Instead of just Julia, the two-year-old falling asleep in my lap, Jenna, the almost-four-year-old, fell asleep there too. I thought I was going to have to sit frozen under this "iceberg" of heavy toddlers until the mommy/daddy couple returned. But just before they walked in the door, I had managed to wiggle out from under the sleeping masses, leaving them still asleep in two bulky heaps. One in the chair and the other on the floor.
This reminded me of all the times when I thought I'd never manage to wiggle out of a difficulty, only to find that when I got the courage to wiggle a little, the Lord helped unload those burdens gracefully and almost effortlessly. God sees our struggles, but most importantly we have to see that He's nearby. And He'll be walking through the door to rescue us fully, much sooner than we expect.
This time babysitting, I faced a real dilemma. Instead of just Julia, the two-year-old falling asleep in my lap, Jenna, the almost-four-year-old, fell asleep there too. I thought I was going to have to sit frozen under this "iceberg" of heavy toddlers until the mommy/daddy couple returned. But just before they walked in the door, I had managed to wiggle out from under the sleeping masses, leaving them still asleep in two bulky heaps. One in the chair and the other on the floor.
This reminded me of all the times when I thought I'd never manage to wiggle out of a difficulty, only to find that when I got the courage to wiggle a little, the Lord helped unload those burdens gracefully and almost effortlessly. God sees our struggles, but most importantly we have to see that He's nearby. And He'll be walking through the door to rescue us fully, much sooner than we expect.
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Caregiver Woes
It has not been an easy day for this caregiver. My husband's appetite, although somewhat better since we lowered one of his meds, is still through the roof. He is asking me for something to eat repeatedly during the day, and it gets old. I'm still battling a chest cold myself, but that doesn't mean any lightening of my workload around here, including the constant worry about finances. And now he just got mad when I wouldn't give him one of my cough drops!
I'm tempted to think of him as a demanding, selfish old man, but then I remember all the hugs and "I love you"s he has also showered me with during the day and I'm reminded that this is just part of the dementia. He isn't trying to be a burden, and it would hurt him fiercely if I thought of him that way.
So I'll just try to take a deep breath, put it all in perspective, and pray for patience and strength to keep myself together for one more day. After all, look at what the good Lord puts up with in me.
I'm tempted to think of him as a demanding, selfish old man, but then I remember all the hugs and "I love you"s he has also showered me with during the day and I'm reminded that this is just part of the dementia. He isn't trying to be a burden, and it would hurt him fiercely if I thought of him that way.
So I'll just try to take a deep breath, put it all in perspective, and pray for patience and strength to keep myself together for one more day. After all, look at what the good Lord puts up with in me.
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
The Best Insurance
I'm sorry, but I don't have hundreds of dollars left at the end of the month to pay for these medical costs on my own. I make just a little over the amount to qualify for Medicaid, but not enough to pay for my own medical needs. So for now, I will just pray that my foot heals within the next month, and that this is just a slow-growing cataract in one eye and not glaucoma.
As one of thousands who are "falling through the cracks" financially, I still have a backup insurance plan I can depend on. God and I are business partners in a sense. Returning tithe to God is the best insurance plan on the market. No deductibles and no co-pays. Besides, it builds faith and faith is definitely a valuable commodity when you find yourself falling. I know my God will catch me. He's been doing it for years.
Thursday, May 10, 2012
On a Wave
The caregiver resource fair that I went to tonight was wonderful. It was a chance to get out of the house by myself, but still tied to the thing most familiar to me and close to my heart. Caregiving.
The speaker they provided for us spoke on using spirituality to overcome obstacles. He mentioned normal obstacles in our life that require normal coping. And then there are tsunami moments that totally consume us and call for extraordinary coping abilities. For these, our spirituality is stretched to the limit, but still provides an anchor that we can hold onto to get us through the storm.
Twelve years after Dean's tsunami tractor accident, it still feels like we're riding the wave of that tsunami though. And I'm sure there are a lot of caregivers who also feel like they're on one wild surfing ride.
Is it possible to ride out a tsunami? Certainly not on our own. With practice, we may become pretty skilled at surfing though. But we are nothing without our Board. Keep that Board under your feet and you will survive. Balance is everything. So enjoy the ride.
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Choices
This was a big shopping day for me. The cupboards and fridge are no longer bare. As I thought about what to have for supper tonight, I realized how difficult it suddenly was to choose, compared to when the few ingredients left over from last month pretty much determined exactly what we would have from night to night.
Both decisions were a challenge though; whether it was making a meal out of extremely limited resources or deciding which of the many menu items would taste good and be good for tonight's supper. You still have to use up those foods with the shortest shelf life first, so it took quite awhile to decide which one would be most appropriate to have first.
Isn't it a blessing to have food to choose from at all though? So many people go to sleep hungry every night. So many children will wake up in the morning with nothing to put in their rumbling bellies. So many teenagers will be forced to skip lunch, because they are too poor to bring a lunch or buy food at school.
There is another choice we all can make. Choose to help those less fortunate. Every chance you get. They say that the only excuse to look down on someone is while you're helping them up. Choose to lift up, rather than put down, and the world will be a better place for everyone.
Both decisions were a challenge though; whether it was making a meal out of extremely limited resources or deciding which of the many menu items would taste good and be good for tonight's supper. You still have to use up those foods with the shortest shelf life first, so it took quite awhile to decide which one would be most appropriate to have first.
Isn't it a blessing to have food to choose from at all though? So many people go to sleep hungry every night. So many children will wake up in the morning with nothing to put in their rumbling bellies. So many teenagers will be forced to skip lunch, because they are too poor to bring a lunch or buy food at school.
There is another choice we all can make. Choose to help those less fortunate. Every chance you get. They say that the only excuse to look down on someone is while you're helping them up. Choose to lift up, rather than put down, and the world will be a better place for everyone.
Monday, April 23, 2012
Shattered Glass
The pretty salad that I reported making day before yesterday suffered a horrific demise today when Dean, my husband, sent it sailing across the kitchen when his arm accidentally flung it off the stove. I was about to revive it with another tomato and serve it for our supper. And if you'll remember it was in a GLASS bowl. Not crystal, but cut glass, thankfully. I had no idea glass could break in so many pieces though! The floor was sparkling with tiny pieces of glass EVERYWHERE. Not an easy clean up, I can tell you. I'll be scared to go barefoot in there for at least a week, even after much sweeping and vacuuming.
I have to admit the shattered glass was rather pretty, as I swept it up. At least neither of us were cut or hurt by the accident. Now I have something to request for Mother's Day. A new salad bowl! You see, no matter what happens, we can turn it in to a positive. I refuse to be pulled down by a little cut glass.
It turned out to be a stark reminder that our lives can shatter at any moment. Nothing is guaranteed. Here one minute, gone the next. Rather than complaining or worrying about what the future holds, it might be more productive to just appreciate and enjoy the moments we have. I needed that reminder today.
I have to admit the shattered glass was rather pretty, as I swept it up. At least neither of us were cut or hurt by the accident. Now I have something to request for Mother's Day. A new salad bowl! You see, no matter what happens, we can turn it in to a positive. I refuse to be pulled down by a little cut glass.
It turned out to be a stark reminder that our lives can shatter at any moment. Nothing is guaranteed. Here one minute, gone the next. Rather than complaining or worrying about what the future holds, it might be more productive to just appreciate and enjoy the moments we have. I needed that reminder today.
Friday, April 20, 2012
Minnie Melts
I took my little dog Minnie to the vet today for shots. It was hard to see her get poked and hear her whimper when the needles went in. Dogs are so trusting though. I held her afterwards and she melted in my arms.
There was a moment in the waiting room that I wanted to melt in someone's arms. Disappear in them actually. My husband begged me to take him with me to the vet's and I reluctantly agreed, even though he could have stayed home with my nephew. I won't go into details, but let's just say I was embarrassed by some of Dean's behavior while we waited for Minnie's turn for shots.
It's getting more difficult to take him places. I always wondered why caregivers, especially those with loved ones with dementia, stayed home so much and felt so isolated. But that's just the way it is, when it's all said and done, it's just easier to stay home.
I'm actually fortunate to have been a caregiver for Dean's brain injury so many years already. I feel like I know the ropes a bit already. It's all the same dementia symptoms, just brought up a notch. Now that I've gotten used to the idea that it will get worse, I can focus on strategies to keep things running smoothly around here.
I am ready to melt in my Savior's arms when needed. Those shots can really hurt, but I try to remember that they are vital instruments in carrying out God's will for the whole universe. I am not isolated one bit, no matter how much we stay home.
There was a moment in the waiting room that I wanted to melt in someone's arms. Disappear in them actually. My husband begged me to take him with me to the vet's and I reluctantly agreed, even though he could have stayed home with my nephew. I won't go into details, but let's just say I was embarrassed by some of Dean's behavior while we waited for Minnie's turn for shots.
It's getting more difficult to take him places. I always wondered why caregivers, especially those with loved ones with dementia, stayed home so much and felt so isolated. But that's just the way it is, when it's all said and done, it's just easier to stay home.
I'm actually fortunate to have been a caregiver for Dean's brain injury so many years already. I feel like I know the ropes a bit already. It's all the same dementia symptoms, just brought up a notch. Now that I've gotten used to the idea that it will get worse, I can focus on strategies to keep things running smoothly around here.
I am ready to melt in my Savior's arms when needed. Those shots can really hurt, but I try to remember that they are vital instruments in carrying out God's will for the whole universe. I am not isolated one bit, no matter how much we stay home.
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Look, Mom, No Walker!
The last two days I have been weaning myself off the walker and walking on my own, with the boot preferably. A lot of swelling has gone down, and it feels comfortable enough after almost five weeks of hobbling around with it. Next week, the doctor said I could probably do without the boot if the X-ray looks alright. Hooray!
It feels strange to walk on my own, but I have missed being able to carry things that didn't fit into the pockets of the walker. Like laundry, a plate of food, the dog dish, a trash can. My work-free days are at an end, it seems. Back to the old grind. I'm a very independent person though, and it's nice to be able to do everything myself again.
I think the Lord knew I needed this short amount of time to let me know that I am not only needed, but that I need someone too. The extra time laying around also allowed me to look at how much I need God. Truly, God has been there, overseeing the whole situation. He arranged for it to be my left foot so I can still drive. The pain wasn't unbearable, and the healing seems to be happening in a timely manner. Many friends I know have not been so fortunate with their falls. I thank God for watching over me and allowing only as much as I could bear.
It feels strange to walk on my own, but I have missed being able to carry things that didn't fit into the pockets of the walker. Like laundry, a plate of food, the dog dish, a trash can. My work-free days are at an end, it seems. Back to the old grind. I'm a very independent person though, and it's nice to be able to do everything myself again.
I think the Lord knew I needed this short amount of time to let me know that I am not only needed, but that I need someone too. The extra time laying around also allowed me to look at how much I need God. Truly, God has been there, overseeing the whole situation. He arranged for it to be my left foot so I can still drive. The pain wasn't unbearable, and the healing seems to be happening in a timely manner. Many friends I know have not been so fortunate with their falls. I thank God for watching over me and allowing only as much as I could bear.
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Holding On
Winter is over, with its icy streets and sidewalks. A real threat to some individuals prone to the worst effects of a fall. How odd that my fall recently had nothing to do with slippery snow and ice; and numerous friends lately have succumbed to the same embarrassing, ungraceful stumbles and tumbles, resulting in various injuries and complaints.
We go all winter without incident, then spring awakens the plant world with temperatures soaring, and next thing we know our feet go soaring. Right out from under us.
Sin has a way of catching us off guard too. Just when we think we are out of the danger of falling, of partaking of some harmful indulgence we have tried to put behind us, we find ourselves flat on our face again. Looking up into the face of God and asking Him "Why me, Lord?"
Most of us have learned that one way to prevent falls in the winter is to wear shoes with some tread and to hold onto something or someone when possible. Can we not prevent some of our spiritual falls by fortifying our minds with some Bible and prayer "tread" and hanging onto Jesus and our good Christian friends like our lives depended on it? And I suppose, as a matter of fact, they do.
We go all winter without incident, then spring awakens the plant world with temperatures soaring, and next thing we know our feet go soaring. Right out from under us.
Sin has a way of catching us off guard too. Just when we think we are out of the danger of falling, of partaking of some harmful indulgence we have tried to put behind us, we find ourselves flat on our face again. Looking up into the face of God and asking Him "Why me, Lord?"
Most of us have learned that one way to prevent falls in the winter is to wear shoes with some tread and to hold onto something or someone when possible. Can we not prevent some of our spiritual falls by fortifying our minds with some Bible and prayer "tread" and hanging onto Jesus and our good Christian friends like our lives depended on it? And I suppose, as a matter of fact, they do.
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Group Hug
Today we had two phone calls from our sister-in-law, who recently lost her husband, Dean's brother, in a tragic semi accident. She was just checking to confirm our addresses (Dean's sister too) to be able to send us some items from Dale--the obituary, the DVD of his memorial service, etc.
At the end of both calls, I could tell she was getting choked up and emotional. I'm sure talking to her husband's siblings must be very difficult at this time. I'd like to reach out and help her more, but I know there are others closer by who are able to comfort her as well. It's just hard to give a hug over phone lines. I could reassure her of our love and willingness to talk any time, but sometimes you need that physical embrace to convey the deepest sympathies.
I'm sure this is why God sent His Son to this dying world. He couldn't reach out to us with the hug He was longing to give, so He allowed Jesus to come down here and give it for Him. What love, what comfort, what hope He wanted to convey to His suffering children. Jesus came to hug us all.
At the end of both calls, I could tell she was getting choked up and emotional. I'm sure talking to her husband's siblings must be very difficult at this time. I'd like to reach out and help her more, but I know there are others closer by who are able to comfort her as well. It's just hard to give a hug over phone lines. I could reassure her of our love and willingness to talk any time, but sometimes you need that physical embrace to convey the deepest sympathies.
I'm sure this is why God sent His Son to this dying world. He couldn't reach out to us with the hug He was longing to give, so He allowed Jesus to come down here and give it for Him. What love, what comfort, what hope He wanted to convey to His suffering children. Jesus came to hug us all.
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Hopping for Love
Today I have a huge desire to bear weight on my injured foot, against the advice of my doctor and radiologist. I really think I could do it without much pain. The foot's still swollen and bruised, but if there's even a tiny fracture, it wouldn't be wise to walk on it, according to the medical authorities. It would just lengthen the healing time. My husband's foot has taken months to heal from his fall last summer. He never would listen to the doctors and stay off his foot entirely.
I've tried thinking of the reasons why I don't just go ahead and walk on my foot. Is it just because of what someone has told me? Doctors don't know everything. They don't know my body and how hard it is to hop around with a walker with shortness of breath. Actually, the motivation I have for continuing to hop around is that, as a caregiver, I can't afford to be laid up too long. So, I'm basically doing it out of love, I guess.
And isn't that why we keep the commandments of God? We don't always understand the reason for obeying, so it has to be out of love.
Tomorrow I will continue hopping out of love.
I've tried thinking of the reasons why I don't just go ahead and walk on my foot. Is it just because of what someone has told me? Doctors don't know everything. They don't know my body and how hard it is to hop around with a walker with shortness of breath. Actually, the motivation I have for continuing to hop around is that, as a caregiver, I can't afford to be laid up too long. So, I'm basically doing it out of love, I guess.
And isn't that why we keep the commandments of God? We don't always understand the reason for obeying, so it has to be out of love.
Tomorrow I will continue hopping out of love.
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Caregiving for the Caregiver
Being laid up with what I'm assuming is a fractured ankle/foot has given me a whole new appreciation of mobility. Hobbling on one foot wouldn't be so bad for some people, except my circumstances are a little sacrificed to begin with. My scoliosis isn't making this any easier. I'm worried for one thing about pneumonia with my restrictive lungs, since I'm only on my second week with a cold. Plus my back is starting to feel some pain when I use the walker. This is putting alot of stress on a back that had a total spinal fusion 48 years ago.
Dean has been a sweetheart though with all his seeking and fetching activities. He realizes how I waited on him so long after his foot injuries last summer. Well, actually I've made it a point to remind him on occasion; but he knows. Reminding is our middle name around here with his memory problems. I soon learned not to give him a list of things to do for me. He has to get the instructions one at a time. He will come back and forth with his fetching anyway just to ask what else I wanted. So, we're just keeping it simple.
Others are helping out too. There are some things I have to get my in-house nephew to do. Things that would be too much of a challenge for Dean, like lowering Dean's walker to fit my short stature. Plus my daughter and son-in-law have been called in for shopping duties and to get Dean out of the house for a spell. I am really blessed to have my loved ones around.
God didn't intend for his creatures to live alone. He knew all along that we would need each other at each stage of life. But mostly He created us to need Him. The biggest handicap in life for me would be not to realize that plain and simple fact: we NEED Him. But out of love, it's still a choice--to do life on our own or with His help. With His help, I'm given hope that all this is part of a glorious plan. The final outcome is what counts. Even my loving family can't give that priceless commodity. Hope.
Dean has been a sweetheart though with all his seeking and fetching activities. He realizes how I waited on him so long after his foot injuries last summer. Well, actually I've made it a point to remind him on occasion; but he knows. Reminding is our middle name around here with his memory problems. I soon learned not to give him a list of things to do for me. He has to get the instructions one at a time. He will come back and forth with his fetching anyway just to ask what else I wanted. So, we're just keeping it simple.
Others are helping out too. There are some things I have to get my in-house nephew to do. Things that would be too much of a challenge for Dean, like lowering Dean's walker to fit my short stature. Plus my daughter and son-in-law have been called in for shopping duties and to get Dean out of the house for a spell. I am really blessed to have my loved ones around.
God didn't intend for his creatures to live alone. He knew all along that we would need each other at each stage of life. But mostly He created us to need Him. The biggest handicap in life for me would be not to realize that plain and simple fact: we NEED Him. But out of love, it's still a choice--to do life on our own or with His help. With His help, I'm given hope that all this is part of a glorious plan. The final outcome is what counts. Even my loving family can't give that priceless commodity. Hope.
Monday, February 6, 2012
Our Anchor
Today I got a phone call from the realtor that brought good news for once to our family! At last my parents' house sold, the one we've had on the market almost a year now. The final selling price was significantly less than we were hoping to get at first. But after waiting this long, any amount sounds good.
Here's where I could veer off into a thousand remembrances of my parents and the house that I spent my early years in. I have a picture of me standing in front of it on my first day of school. It will be painful to go to Council Bluffs in the morning and sign all the papers there at the very empty house, but I know God will get me through it somehow.
This past year has had its share of family crises. Our parents were our anchors, and it has felt like we were adrift at first without them. In dealing with these difficult situations, however, my siblings and I are learning that the only anchor we really need is our Lord and Savior. And that is a far more valuable legacy from our parents than the sale of any home. God is truly all we need.
Here's where I could veer off into a thousand remembrances of my parents and the house that I spent my early years in. I have a picture of me standing in front of it on my first day of school. It will be painful to go to Council Bluffs in the morning and sign all the papers there at the very empty house, but I know God will get me through it somehow.
This past year has had its share of family crises. Our parents were our anchors, and it has felt like we were adrift at first without them. In dealing with these difficult situations, however, my siblings and I are learning that the only anchor we really need is our Lord and Savior. And that is a far more valuable legacy from our parents than the sale of any home. God is truly all we need.
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