To be honest, it has been an incredibly stressful week. My mom has been in the hospital for 8 days now going on 9. She was admitted for dangerously low sodium and has been struggling. She is very weak and doesn’t have an appetite. While there are moments of clarity, her responses are typically slow and sometimes with slurred speech. Every day my dad and I go to the hospital and expect to see her feeling better. However, it seems just the opposite is true. Every day brings a new challenge – bowel issues, blood pressure too low then too high, testing for bacterial infection… Today when we arrived, she said she was feeling better so there was a ray of hope. Then she said she tried to take one large pill and it got stuck in her esophagus. That was a battle for the rest of the day. We have had to have tough conversations about where would be the best place for her to go once she is released. I have been having a difficult time writing this blog – part exhaustion, part trying to keep a good attitude, and then my computer was not cooperating. Last night as I prayed before bed and asked God to show me just where He is in all this, I became aware of all the things to be grateful for during this time. Here are a few:

Doctors who are trying hard to find answers and solutions while being as gentle as possible.

Nurses who patiently give so much personal care – especially time after time after time when that call button is pushed.

The social workers, therapists, and home care specialists who are helping to guide us for an after hospital care plan.

The woman and therapy dog who came in for a visit. The very large shaggy dog came over for my mom to pet him, then went over to my dad and put his head in his lap.

Eucharistic ministers who pray with and give Communion to my mom.

The funny little nurse who we had over the weekend and came to visit because she saw my mom was still in the hospital.

Friends who have helped to give some direction.

The other day, my dad sat in my mom’s chair and an old diary of hers basically jumped into his lap. He read it and said it was the sign he was looking for from God. He brought it to my mom to read and it seemed to encourage her.

The different questions, outlooks, and comforting words from siblings.

We were all grateful that the bacterial infection test came out negative.

Then, my computer started working all on it’s own.

These literally came flooding into my head along with even more. I believe I even said out loud, “OK, God . . . I get it.” He is still in control of what is happening. I am still praying for Him to be gentle on my mom and to help me to trust and to follow His path. I was grateful for the insight.

I Found God today as He revealed Himself to me in many ways.