Leave a comment

Holy Family

Posted by eph21920 on December 30, 2022 in Bible, Children, Family, Home, Life, Love, Relationship

Today my mom read in “The Word Among Us” the scripture reading Sirach 3:2-6,12-14 for the Feast of the Holy Family. Then we read the beautiful reflection that really hit home. It said in part:

“On this Feast of the Holy Family, let’s consider what it means to take care of our loved ones. Of course, it starts with making sure that they are physically safe and healthy. But it goes far beyond that. “Taking care” means being aware of their feelings and paying attention to how our words and actions affect them. It means being patient when they are slow to learn or unable to do things for themselves. It means doing all we can to share our faith and enable them … to practice theirs. It means telling them how much we appreciate them. It means forbearing when they annoy us and forgiving them when they hurt us. And it means interceding for all their needs. So take care of your children, your parents, your siblings. Take care of them when they are too young or too old to take care of themselves. Take care of them when they are ill or troubled. Take care of them when it’s a delight and when it’s a sacrifice. This is a high calling and we may fail at it sometimes. That’s all the more reason to ask Jesus, who experienced family life himself, for the grace to keep forming this circle of love – day by day, week by week, year by year.”

I Found God today in a beautiful, meaning description of family love.

Permalink
Leave a comment

Checking Mail

Posted by eph21920 on December 29, 2022 in Connected, Friends, Grateful, Joy, Life

Today I decided I had enough energy to start going through the mail. It had been at least 2 weeks since we had been through it and there was quite a pile. We took our time and handled each piece as needed. There were several Christmas cards and it was nice to read notes from far away friends. It opened our world up a bit after what feels like a very long time of isolation and it brought us a lot of joy. We only got through part of the stack, so we can read more tomorrow or the next time we pick it back up again.

I Found God today reading Christmas cards and notes from friends.

Permalink
Leave a comment

Backwards Day

Posted by eph21920 on December 28, 2022 in Answer, Family, Grateful, Home, Life, New, Rest

In a strange turn of daily events, I heard mom get up this morning, but struggled to get myself out of bed. When I finally made it upstairs, I found her doing her laundry. I just had to help her with the detergent. She did 2 loads of her laundry, took a shower, did the dishes after meals – even hand washed, and played the piano. I, on the other hand, helped her in the shower, got meals ready, laid on the sofa and napped. She said it felt really good to get up and do some work. I thought it felt really good not to. So the backwards day was a blessing for us both.

I Found God today as my mom and I were both blessed doing different things.

Permalink
Leave a comment

Trying to Recover

Posted by eph21920 on December 27, 2022 in Answer, Family, Life, Patience, Sick, Trust

This morning I got up disgusted with the pile of sicky sheets and blankets on my bed. After 10 days of illness, I figured that was probably a good sign. I also figured it was probably a blessing that I can’t smell right now. So I stripped the bed and got the sheets in the washer. After making breakfast and bringing in the groceries that my siblings ordered for us, I was exhausted. After breakfast I napped for over an hour and prayed for the strength to put my bed back together again. Later in the afternoon, I actually mustered the energy to shower, which I thought was necessary before sleeping on clean bedding. I was grateful for the food that required minimal preparation and mom did her best to help with the dishes. I realized that as much as I want for mom and I to be well, I cannot force that to happen. I can just do the best I can. As with most things in my life, I have very little control over the outcome. I need to exercise more patience and trust in God’s perfect plan and timing.

I Found God today reminded to have more patience and trust.

Permalink
Leave a comment

It Is A Wonderful Life

Posted by eph21920 on December 26, 2022 in Angel, Answer, Grace, Life, Movie, Struggles

My mom and I watched, “It’s a Wonderful Life” in 2 parts as she can’t sit and watch TV for long. We watched the ending tonight and were both bawling. I’m sure that was good for our sinuses. It is pretty easy for me to wave the white flag when things are going lousy and yell, “God, take me now!” Then I come to my senses and ask Him to help me through the situation. This movie was a good reminder to keep my head and hope in the right place.

I Found God today in a reminder of the gift of life.

Permalink
Leave a comment

COVID Christmas

Posted by eph21920 on December 25, 2022 in Answer, Creation, Faith, Family, Food, Grace, Grateful, Home, Jesus, Life, Love, Peace, Problem, Sick, Struggles

Mom and I were blessed today despite it being a COVID Christmas. We are incredibly grateful that Mom still has pretty mild symptoms. This morning I got out the Christmas tablecloth and put away the Advent wreath to mark the change of atmosphere. We Zoomed with family and opened a couple of presents that made it to the proper people. My sister got me a super cozy warm blanket wrap that I wore for the rest of the day. We gave my mom another Simpich doll for her collection and she fit right in with the carollers. My mom played a couple songs on the piano for everyone – “I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas” and “Silent Night”. Everyone was happy to see that she was feeling alright. Later, my son stopped by with a couple more gifts. One was a statue of Our Lady of Lourdes. She took her place at the table “prayer station” and will make our nightly prayers to her even more meaningful. I actually thought ahead when I was feeling so sick and ordered a Christmas ham dinner, but it never arrived. However, my sons’ made a beautiful dinner with a smoked ham and brought over a plate for my mom and me along with chocolate mint cheesecake made by my daughter in law. It was wonderful. The day ended with a beautiful sunset. I thought about all the decorations we put up and try so hard to bring the sparking lights into our dark nights. Yet, there is nothing that can compare to the beauty and glow that God provides. It is a gift. He gave us Himself as an infant today as a gift. That sunset reminded me that He is here always, for everyone, in every circumstance, in every struggle. He’s always trying to get our attention, nudging us to look up, see, and embrace the light, peace, hope, and love that only comes from Him. I am very grateful for all this day held.

I Found God today in an unusual, yet blessed COVID Christmas day.

Permalink
Leave a comment

Such Encouragement

Posted by eph21920 on December 24, 2022 in Answer, Connected, Creation, Family, Grateful, Life, Sick

My mom woke up early this morning coughing. She had a sore throat and runny nose, but luckily still no fever. The doctor’s office called as we were finishing breakfast to let us know they could do the virtual appointment right away. The PA was a true gift from God as all good gifts are. The first thing she said was that my mom shouldn’t be afraid, that elderly people are recovering from COVID now and so would she. We both exhaled. Then she saw the wall behind us of my dad’s photos of a comet, a solar eclipse, and a lunar eclipse. She asked who the astrophotographer was and we told her about my dad. She said she loved astrophysics and that Carl Sagan saved her life. She shared that she had a rough childhood and he helped her to see beyond the life in her home. I thought she was going to lose it when I told her my dad met him and has his autograph. Then we got back to the COVID conversation. She said she is seeing younger people have more severe symptoms than the elderly at this point. I was happy to be in the “younger” category. She wanted to prescribe antiviral medication but there were too many interactions and risks. She did prescribe some cough medicine and told us what else to do and watch for. During the day, my mom continued with very mild symptoms and said she just felt like she had a cold. I am grateful for prayers and encouragement and feel blessed with this Good Christmas news.

I Found God today in a connection with the physician and that my mom is doing alright.

Permalink
Leave a comment

Didn’t Last

Posted by eph21920 on December 23, 2022 in Faith, Family, Grateful, Sick

When my mom got up this morning, I saw the way she looked exhausted and heard her raspy voice and tested her for COVID. Sure enough, it was positive. Despite my best efforts,  she caught the virus. That put an abrupt end to caregiving help. I called the doctor right away. She has an appointment tomorrow and hopefully will be able to take the antiviral medication. The good thing is that she doesn’t feel too bad. At one point she said she didn’t think she had the virus. I sent out prayer requests and trusting in them and in God. We’ll see what tomorrow brings.

I Found God today happy that my mom doesn’t feel too sick.

Permalink
Leave a comment

Banished to the Basement

Posted by eph21920 on December 22, 2022 in Answer, Family, Grateful, Home, Sick, Stranger, Struggles

Today the hired caregiver came over to care for my mom while I try not to infect her with COVID and try to recover. It was very strange to be banished to the basement and listen to a complete stranger take care of my mom. Surreal and a blessing at the same time. I was able to rest and even nap a couple times. I brought some food downstairs in preparation and put it in the little cube fridge. When I pulled it out for lunch, I found it partially frozen. There’s no microwave downstairs, so I made a makeshift heating element – basically I put the desk lamp to shine on it. Seemed brilliant at the time. It didn’t matter much how it turned out as I can’t smell now and only taste a little. A while later, I noticed the little creche that my dad’s cousin carved was sitting on the table and it made me smile. My sister must have put it up. This evening after my neighbor shoveled our walkway, she brought over a pot of soup. I was so happy to eat that when the caregiver went home. My mom said that the caregiver was very nice and she felt very comfortable with her. I was glad to hear that and am grateful for the blessings of the day.

I Found God today in blessings while I’m sick.

Permalink
Leave a comment

Help Coming

Posted by eph21920 on December 21, 2022 in Answer, Family, Grateful, Hope, Sick

So, I found out I have COVID. I wasn’t too surprised as it’s everywhere. But now the concern is for my mom. I have been following all the precautions since I started feeling bad and doing my best to stay away from her. I contacted a caregiving service that we tried out with my dad and was happy to hear that someone will be coming over for several days to care for my mom. Hopefully this will allow me the time to recover without exposing my mom too much. Thank you for your prayers.

I Found God today in needed help coming this way.

Permalink