Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Still Here

Forest Shadows
I’m still here – finding my way through each day.  My dear, little mother has made progress in many ways but there are quite a few things that have made her care very different than we first thought.  I have hired a daytime caregiver so I can have some time to keep body and soul together.  Much of my time is spent managing life and business for her.  My sweetheart is in southern Mexico on a two-week missions trip that was planned long before my dear mother fell and broke her pelvic bone.  He will return home Saturday evening.  I’m not counting the hours.  Yet!  Just counting the days and looking forward to having him home again.

I am staying with my dear mother every night.  I ‘negotiated’ with her.  She hasn’t wanted a dog in her house before so I told her in order for me to stay nights with her, Joey, my little dog, had to be there, too.  After dinner each night I go home and get him.  The first evening he was there it was all new to him.  He had to sniff and snoop and check out every single nook and cranny.  She asked, ‘Will he break anything?’  ‘Only if it’s edible,’ I said, ‘then he will break it to pieces and eat it till it’s gone!’  He dearly loves her but he knows something isn’t the same as before.  When I open the door to let him into her home, he races to her side.  He sits in front of her walker and watches her.  Now that her home feels like home to him, he makes himself comfortable and relaxes. 

There are big decisions and changes ahead.  My sweetheart asked me not to make any big changes while he was away, unless they had to be made right away.  Just keep things working for her.  And for me.  Then, next week, he and I will begin to put things in place for the changes that must be made. I have sought much counsel and the changes that need to happen are obvious.  I feel such peace with the direction we will take.  Thank you for your prayers, your love and support and your kind comments and emails.  They mean so much to me. 

Today I read something that touched my heart and gave me strength.  It’s true.  So true.
 
‘As you care for your elderly mother or father, you may be the very hands of Christ taking care of them. And as you care for them, you may be surprised to discover that God does just the reverse: uses them to bless you as well, and teach you something more of Him. When this happens, you will know you’re finding God while caring for aging parents.’  (from findinggoddaily.com)

I am finding Him in new ways.  Every day.

10 comments:

  1. What a wonderful passage. What a friend we have in our Lord. Look for those blessings and your heart will soar and you will have all you need to get through the day ;-)

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  2. This is a difficult time for you. I am sending prayers that you find the perfect solution.

    Take care.

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  3. I've been thinking of you often. Praying God leads you very clearly and all involved will be at peace knowing He is in control.

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  4. Praying for you as you continue on this journey that God has you on my friend. And yes...I so agree with the passage that you shared. The blessing can be ours! Hugs and blessings, Cindy

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  5. I have been keeping you and your mom in my prayers. I have great faith that you will do what is best.

    My own mom is receiving great care at a terrific rehab facility. Going home was not a good option, since my two live-at-home adult brothers didn't even notice that she had a stroke for 4 days. (ugh) She may need to later move to a long-term care facility, which I think would be best. But I am not in a position within my family to make any decisions pertaining to her care.

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  6. Bless your sweet heart, my friend. Praying for you ~ Hugs

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  7. You've been in my thoughts and prayers. I will continue to pray for the upcoming changes you mentioned. Loved that quote, too. Such a good reminder, especially on those tough days when it's hard to find the sunshine. ((Hugs))

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  8. It is so hard to see our parents lose abilities and unable to care for themselves the way they once did. It is another adjustment to getting older I guess. Your mother is so fortunate to have you there for her. Keeping her, and you, in my prayers.

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  9. I've walked this path Adrienne so I know all the questions you're trying to answer in your head and in your heart. Sometimes the answers are clear but mostly they aren't. I'm praying that God will give you the insight and wisdom you need at this time. blessings, marlene

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  10. Dear Adrienne I'm sure it is very hard looking after your mother but at the same time it is a privilege and I'm sure she appreciates it. Be of good courage. Hugs, Rhondi

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I am grateful that you stopped by to visit me. Your kind and gracious comments are appreciated and treasured.