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Few New Photos

Posted by eph21920 on November 3, 2021 in Family, Happiness, Healing, Home, Life

When we moved my dad into Morning Star, we were very minimalistic. In his apartment we put his bed, a comfy chair, a dresser, and a couple of his photos on the walls. I guess I was hesitant and afraid that he wouldn’t be there long for one reason or another. A few weeks ago, we added a table and a chair for him to do puzzles, or “work”. Recently we set up a video calling system that doubles as a video picture frame. Family members have uploaded pictures to the device which displays them when not on a call. The other day when we were there, I thought the walls looked a little bare. So, my brother picked out a handful more of my dad’s matted pictures and we brought them with us when we visited today. My dad was awake and aware. It’s the best I have seen him in a very long time. We looked at the photos all together. My dad didn’t like some, didn’t remember some, but recognized my mother’s hands on the organ keyboard – one of his favorites. He instructed my brother and I as to where he wanted the others displayed. His apartment looks more like his home now as he continues to get settled. Seeing how happy it made him was such a blessing and gave me new hope.

I Found God today helping my dad be happy.

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Midday Mass

Posted by eph21920 on November 2, 2021 in Death, Eternity, Faith, Grateful, Hope, Prayer

At Mass on Sunday, the pastor announced they would begin having Mass on Tuesdays and Thursdays at noon. The new schedule would begin today, All Souls Day. My mom and I talked about trying to go. Things worked out just fine today so that we were able to attend. It was a blessing to take this time midday and midweek. I appreciated the All Souls Mass and the reminder of how important it is to pray for all those who are deceased – that their souls speedily arrive at the throne of God.

I Found God today praying for all the departed.

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Meaningful Discoveries

Posted by eph21920 on November 1, 2021 in Answer, Eucharist, Family, Grateful, Joy, New

A while ago, I put together a notebook with some pens and pencils and put them on the table in my dad’s room. The hope was that he would write down some thoughts or note. After a week or so, I wrote a small I Love You message on the first page of the still empty notebook. When we were visiting my dad today, one of his therapists asked if we saw the note she had written. We had not actually been in his room yet. When I went in, I read the note:
“Today your dad stood for 10 minutes in the bathroom where he independently, without my help, washed his face and hands and shaved with his electric razor. Then we walked for 12 minutes without a break right after. I was so proud and wanted to share. I also had him drink a water bottle from the fridge. He seems to prefer it room temperature.”
She was right, my dad is always cold and doesn’t like the cold water right out of the fridge. It meant so much to me that she would take the time to write the note to bring us some joy and made an observation about the cold water. We also found on his table a bulletin from the local Catholic Church. I had reached out to them to see if they had someone who would be able to bring my dad Holy Communion. The bulletin was the tell-tale sign that someone had been there. I was so happy for that as well.

I Found God today in meaningful discoveries.

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Love God, Love Your Neighbor

Posted by eph21920 on October 31, 2021 in Answer, Bible, Connected, Creation, Faith, Family, Friends, Grateful, Life, Love, Plan, Prayer, Relationship

The Mass readings for today included Deuteronomy 6:2-6 and Mark 12:28-34. In the first reading, Moses gave the law to Israel to “…love the LORD, your God, with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength.” In the Gospel, Jesus expanded on this by adding, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” In the homily, the priest suggested the image of the cross to explain this way of life. He said the vertical beam of the cross reminds us to look up and love God. One way to help us love God is to meditate on the beauty of nature. God made all things on this earth for our enjoyment. Looking at the mountains each day brings me a lot of joy, so I can remember to thank God for them. The horizontal beam of the cross is our reminder to spread the love we have for God and the love He has for us. If we can grow in love for God and realize all He has created, we could see His Presence in every human being. Then, we can love each person, our neighbor. We can love God who we cannot see through His creation that we can see. But, it takes time and perseverance. So, tomorrow when I look at those mountains, I will thank God for them and for loving me. Then I will try to think about the other wonderful things and people that God has put in my life and thank Him for them. I also need to ask for His help and grace to act in a loving way to those around me and beyond. Yes, I can see that this will take time and perseverance. But, hopefully I will progress as time goes on.

I Found God today in a plan of action to help love God and others more.

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Cabin Times

Posted by eph21920 on October 30, 2021 in Family, Grateful, Home, Life

We decided to close up the cabin for the winter this year to save some money. My brother got the guy from the water company to come blow out the pipes to make sure nothing freezes. Today my sister and I went for a drive and stopped up there. We took care of a couple additional things and brought back any food that would not last for an extended period of time. We thought about and talked about the last time my parents enjoyed their time up there. My sister found a photo of us there last summer. It was obvious on my dad’s face that he wasn’t comfortable. The dementia was stealing him away and after that trip he became more and more confused about where he was. It was sad. But we also talked about and remembered so many happy times up there. I am grateful for those times. And I’m grateful I was able to get my parents up there to enjoy as much time as was possible.

I Found God today remembering and being grateful for good times with my parents at the cabin.

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Holloweeny Day

Posted by eph21920 on October 29, 2021 in Children, Fun, Happiness, Joy

This morning my mom, brother, and I went to visit my dad. There were several employees wearing costumes for Halloween. The executive director was dressed as the ringmaster. He said, “Someone has to be the leader of this circus!” It was pretty funny. After our visit, we went to one of our favorite scenic parks to enjoy a picnic lunch in the beautiful weather. We saw some hikers and a woman had on her Halloween attire. My daughter in law told us that her daughter’s school was going to have a parade of all the costumed kids just before dismissal. We made it home just in time for my mom and I to walk over to the school. My mom sat in her walker close to the sidewalk. The first group that came around was my granddaughter’s class. She was dressed as a “Charming Wolf”. Of course, she was adorable. Because of the location of our housing complex, we don’t get any trick-or-treaters, so my mom especially loved seeing all the kids in their costumes. It was quite an enjoyable day.

I Found God today in a happy day.

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Visiting Again

Posted by eph21920 on October 28, 2021 in Connected, Family, Friends, Grateful, Happiness, Life, Relationship

Last night I met with my prayer group online. It was wonderful to pray and visit. I got our family friend scheduled to spend a couple hours with my mom, so today I met a friend for a hike and a talk. It was a beautiful day for it. I feel like I’m starting to come out of the fog of chaos and difficulties that have been all consuming during the past few months. I am grateful for support and friends that I can reconnect with.

I Found God today touching base with friends.

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Good Conversation

Posted by eph21920 on October 27, 2021 in Connected, Friends, Life

I talked with a far away friend today. Actually talked on the phone. There is nothing like hearing a friend’s voice and having a conversation, especially when it has been a long time. We caught up on kids and parents and struggles. We discussed the importance of treating the whole person – body, mind, and soul – and how that seems to be lost at this point in time. We were certain that we solved all the world’s problems during that time. It did my heart good to talk with her.

I Found God today having a conversation with a friend.

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God Cares Through Suffering

Posted by eph21920 on October 26, 2021 in Answer, Bible, Connected, Faith, Jesus, Life, Struggles

This morning I read the scripture for today and the words from Romans 8:18 hit my heart.
I consider that the sufferings of this present time are as nothing compared with the glory to be revealed for us.
I thought these were especially meaningful considering my thoughts yesterday on suffering. Also, this was written by Paul, a man who at one time persecuted the early church for their belief in Jesus Christ. Once he had his encounter with Jesus after His Resurrection, Paul found himself persecuted by the very people he worked with. And he was willing to undergo those abuses as he knew there was more than this life. Having a true connection with Jesus changes everything.

I Found God today in another reminder that He cares for us through our suffering.

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Redemption Through Suffering

Posted by eph21920 on October 25, 2021 in Answer, Bible, Eternity, Faith, Family, Life, Prayer, Struggles

Tonight in my Bible class, we finished studying the book of Job. The verse for our prayer and contemplation was Job 42:2, “I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.” As I meditated on these words, my thoughts went immediately to my father. I know that God can cure him of the dementia he is struggling with. I know God can stop his suffering instantly by taking him home. At the same time, I know that God allows all things through His Divine Will and purpose. Our life here on earth is temporary and God’s ultimate goal for us is to bring us to Heaven where we can live in His peace and loving presence forever. All of the things that happen in our lives have the potential of bringing us closer to God. But, like Job, our part is not to lose hope or faith, but to pray and seek God even more. Job didn’t hide his emotions, but he did maintain his dialogue with God. There is no good answer as to why we and those we love suffer. But, if we can trust that God is taking care of all things, there is redemption in the end.

I Found God today being reminded that we can participate in redemption through suffering.

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