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Knew My Struggles
It’s been a rough week. Yesterday I met with a counselor who has been helping me work through my challenges of caregiving and grieving. As I thought about my dad and as I do my best to care for my mom, there are many ways that I wish I could do better – be a […]
Many Reminders
As I was driving to an appointment this morning, I saw the moon setting behind the mountain. It was such a beautiful scene that was almost identical to what I saw 2 years ago when my dad entered Hospice Care in the hospital. The first morning I went to see him, I opened the blinds […]
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 […]
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, […]
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 […]
God Morning
As my mom’s dementia progresses, I feel like I have to be prepared for anything. Last night was my turn to “sleep” in her room with her. Thankfully, my sister and I trade off every night. Too early this morning, she started yelling for my dad. She sat straight up and said something happened to […]
Supersaturated Cloud
My mom read the reflection in “Jesus Calling” this evening. I thought it was very profound with vivid imagery. This is what it said: “I am like a supersaturated cloud, showering Peace into the pool of your mind.” I would like to remember this quote when I feel overly stressed. I Found God today imagining […]
Early to Bed
I woke up this morning with a bad headache. Could be all that holiday eating finally caught up with me. Could be stress. Could be both. I was grateful that my mom napped twice during the day. I have learned that when I’m tired, I need to lay down when she does. So I did […]
Train Your Mind
I saw a quote from TobyMac today that moved my heart, “Train your mind to hear what God whispers and not what the enemy may be shouting.” I also heard a beautiful reflection the other day saying that my past sins are like grains of sand compared to the mountain that is God. These two […]