Archive | January 2024

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Many Talents

This morning my mom’s regular CNA was out, so another girl came in. She was wonderful, as they all are. She said she used to be a Hospice nurse for many years, but it started to be too difficult for her as she would form such close relationships with the patients, then lose them. She […]

Two Years

Today was the two year anniversary of my father’s death. I had been anticipating this day for several weeks now and wondering what it would be like for my mom. I set up to have my dad prayed for at the parish Mass this afternoon. While mom doesn’t always remember that my dad died, she […]

Shampoo Adventure

My mom has been too unsteady to get into the shower, plus it is uncomfortable for her and she gets freezing cold. Thankfully, the Hospice CNA comes once a week and gets her all washed up. However, when I was sitting with mom this afternoon, I realized how badly she needed her hair washed. I […]

Be Still

Psalm 46:11 “Be still and know that I am God.” This verse has been very meaningful to me for many years. Tonight was particularly challenging and I remembered this Psalm. It was a reminder that He is God, that I am not, and that He has everything under control for our good. I Found God […]

Painting Party

We celebrated my sister’s birthday today with a virtual painting party. Some family came over and other friends and family joined via Zoom. Everyone had a canvas, brushes, and a lots of different colored paints. The instructor on Zoom guided us through how to paint the picture, which was an abstract water and mountain scene […]

Grateful Response

I listened to a meditation today based on Matthew 26:6-10. It was about a woman who anointed Jesus with expensive oil while he was at dinner with several apostles and others. The meditation describes the woman as someone filled with gratitude and love for Jesus. It was suggested that her life was changed by Jesus, […]

Early Encounter

Yesterday I had an opportunity to share my story of going to Lourdes, healing, and personal faith. It reminded me of how much God loves me and cares for me, even when I doubt or struggle, or even turn away. I got choked up telling the story again, remembering the incredible spirituality of the place […]

Cameras Continue

My grandson has always been interested in photography and movie making. When he was a child he would make race tracks about of cardboard and use his Hot Wheels cars to make stop motion videos. After we got together a couple weeks ago, I gave him my old electronic Minolta camera to play with. Then […]

Better With Both

It is hard to see my mom struggling to play the piano, especially since it has been her favorite thing to do since she was 6 years old. She does have good days, but most end in frustration. Today her friend came over. We have missed her for 3 weeks for various reasons. After visiting, […]

Grateful for Encouragement

Several people reached out to me after yesterday’s blog. Most are or were caring for their parent(s). Connecting with others helps to not feel alone, especially when they understand the difficulties. I find it so interesting that people suffering from dementia display such similar struggles, thoughts, and behaviors – regardless of their specific diagnosis. Caregivers […]