Creation

Despite Myself

Today is the Feast of St. Bernadette who had visions of Mary the Mother of Jesus in Lourdes. I think when this day comes every year, my mother and I reminisce about the trip we took there. Today my mom still remembered some of the details, such as when we saw St. Bernadette’s uncorrupt body. […]

Sharing Eclipse

I was excited to see the eclipse today, even though we weren’t in the path of totality. I found our glasses that we used in the past and got ready for our 79% coverage.  My siblings were texting as one brother was camped near Dallas and hoping the clouds would disperse. My other brother planned […]

Her Hands

Yesterday I took a picture of my mom’s praying hands and shared it. When I read the comments, it gave me reason to pause and contemplate. My mom’s hands did indeed reflect those of God’s servant. For most of her life, my mom played the organ for the local church. Even while they moved often, […]

Snow Angel

The impending snow storm arrived last night and we awoke to a winter wonderland. As we ate our breakfast, we saw our “roofmates” outside clearing the wet, heavy snow off the tree branches. They kept us entertained. Later, I received a message from the wife saying that she made a snow angel outside the window […]

Sun and Prayer

We’re supposed to be getting a big snow storm. This morning, however, was really nice weather. Mom and I were happy to sit in the doorway with the door propped open and get some sunshine and fresh air. My mom would occasionally say things that didn’t really make sense. But then at one point, I recognized […]

Plant Day

Saturday is plant watering day. My sister and mom watered her orchids, which are beautifully in bloom right now. My mom always makes sure we have the right water temperature and that the plants are soaked for the appropriate time – 5 minutes. Later in the day, we refreshed the 4 bouquets that we had […]

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 […]

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 […]

But the Wind

I wanted to make a trip up to the cabin today to make sure all was well before the winter cold sets in. My grandson volunteered to come with me. He brought his new camera with him and told me all about it. It is quite different from any other camera I have had experience […]

Puppies

A friend of mine breeds Standard Poodles. One of her dogs had a litter of puppies on new years eve. She has been graciously sharing photos and videos of them. Even though it’s only been a couple of days since they were born, I can see changes in them. The last video showed the puppies […]