A Long Good Bye

     One night I was curdled up on the couch one and Matt asked me what was wrong.  I quickly told him I was sad.  I was sad that my Mom was no longer able to do what she once was able to do.  I was sad that no matter what I told my brother he still had an excuse of why and how he could not be an active partcipant in my Mom's care. I was sad that my SIL as a nurse was unwilling to speak or be of any assistance or support to my brother.  I was sad that life was not suppose to be this way.  I was lonely as my peers are not walking this road. I am tired and know the marathon will continue.   He let me say all of my things, and then quickly told me I was not alone.  That he was in this journey with me.  Seventeen years ago we took the vow for better or worse.  My family was his, and his was mine.   In my tears I knew he spoke truth.  Matt has stood in the gap.  When I can no longer think of the next steps he thinks with me. If the medication is off he goes and checks. When she is sick

Ephesians 6:1-3 “Children, obey your parents because you belong to the Lord, for this is the right thing to do. 'Honor your father and mother.' This is the first commandment with a promise: If you honor your father and mother, 'Things will go well for you, and you will have a long life on the earth. In this season of life I am learning that both my Mom and my own children are cherised and loved by the Lord.  In her weakness we are called to step in and help her. These are thankless acts and days.  However, in the midst of them the blessings and small ways we have seen God move are evident.    Over the last few weeks I have kept track of the ways I have seen God's provision and work. 1.  Mom loves to go out for dinner. It is the thing that makes her the most happy. She does not eat healthy and is often motivated by food.  With three kids and a husband I am not always available to try new restraunts.  However, the church has begun taking Seniors in the church to new restr

 Over the last few months mom has had family friends visit her.  Secretly I think I LOVE the visitors as much as she does.   They bring a sense of home to me. They encourage me through this journey.  They also bring eyes into her home and share.   The last two sets of visitors have affirmed my views that we see in the last few months. 1. Conversations-At this time Mom has a difficult time carrying on conversations.  She is able to state her facts to you, but is not able to conversate as once was.  Open and deep conversations are no more.    2. Driving- Mom is still able to drive around town.  She is able to drive within a 10 minute radius of her home.   All other locations Matt and I take her.   3. Hallmark- Hallmark is Mom's favorite TV show.  She spends a LARGE amoutnt of her day watching shows and playing on her IPAD. 4.  Routine-Mom has a routine and follows it.  Mom's routine includes breakfast, a work out class, bible study, and chorus class.  Even when visitors are here