There is a daily reflection that I received a couple of days ago that I have left in my inbox so I can read it over and over again. I need to remember this not just every day, but it seems every second of every minute of every day.
“Don’t hold onto anything. There is nothing that you are holding onto that is safer in your hands than in God’s.” Dr. Greg Bottaro from The Mindful Catholic
I Found God today in a reminder that He is safely holding everything.
Yesterday my dad was wondering if the TV in his room had EWTN so he could watch Mass today. I reviewed the list and it did not. However, we do have the capability of recording programs on the system at the house. I found how to work it on my computer pad and recorded today’s Mass on EWTN. I brought the pad when my mom and I visited my dad later this morning and we all gathered around. We watched most of it and turned it off when my sister and her husband came. A few minutes later, a Eucharistic minister came with Communion about the time it would have been happening on the program. Dad asked if she had lunch. She said she had spiritual food. It was beautiful to receive Communion there with the small group of my family. As soon as we finished praying, lunch came. The timing was perfect.
I Found God today receiving His spiritual food.
My travelling brother and his dog rolled in a few days ago. He decided to come back for a while knowing I needed help. Today was a perfect example of that. My dad called from the rehab at 6:00 this morning needing clean pants. Meanwhile, my mom was awake and exhausted as she’s not sleeping well. My brother took clothes to my dad and stayed most of the morning with him while he did therapies. I was able to stay with my mom and try to help her relax, rest, and sleep without getting completely off schedule. Also, my sister came for the weekend and did some cooking and listened to me vent for a while. It all worked out very well. I am more than grateful for the help.
I Found God today in much needed help.
My dad has about 2 weeks left to go in the rehab facility and let’s just say he’s not thrilled about it. He has made amazing progress during the past week and the therapists feel confident that they can help him get to a higher level. We see both physical and mental improvement each day. The therapists, doctor, and nurses explain that they want him to go home safe and strong. But my dad just wants to go home, which I completely understand. We were able to have a little heart to heart talk today as I told him how far he has already come and less than 2 weeks ago, we couldn’t even get him to wake up. He wanted to know more about that, so I slowly recounted the events of the past 2 weeks. He listened carefully and asked questions. He didn’t remember most of that time and didn’t realize that he was in such a bad way. At lunch we sat in the dining room. Another man was there who had his leg amputated. We met him before and he likes to talk to whoever will listen. He said they added another week onto his stay and wasn’t sure if that was a good thing or not. I told him my dad can understand that. He said he has been in many hospitals and rehabs and that this place was the best – the staff is great and so attentive. He said he knows you need to take advantage of the therapy you get while you’re in there as when you get home, you’re basically on your own. My dad smiled and shook his head. With all he heard today, he said he now had a different perspective on the whole thing.
I Found God today in a new perspective.
I think that it takes a special kind of person to be a therapist, nurse, CNA or any other medical worker in a rehabilitation facility. Today and every day, they are right there ready to help my dad with anything he needs or wants. They work with him patiently and lovingly, offering encouragement at every step. They help him with all his personal hygiene. They transport him to where he wants to go. They make sure he is eating good food. They bring him warm blankets at night. The list goes on. And they do this job for countless other people day after day with a smile on their face. Furthermore, as they work with people to help them get to their highest level of function, they are not necessarily met with appreciation. I do believe they are amazing people and I am very grateful for them all.
I Found God today in the wonderful people working with my dad.
The little complex here where my parents live started a prayer group. They have been praying for my dad and family since the stroke. This afternoon we found a card left by a neighbor and brought it to my dad. Tonight we listened to a voice mail left by a neighbor on the phone to just let us know that she was praying for us and loved us. These small things are so uplifting.
I Found God today in the blessing of neighbors.
Before I left visiting my dad this afternoon, the case worker stopped me to discuss discharge. She said she had been on vacation and just had a meeting with his team to review. They feel it would be best for him to stay longer than initially thought and has insurance authorization. I thought it sounded good, but I knew my dad would not. We both then went in to talk with him. She was great and presented it as they have the highest level of rehab available and he can stay longer than was first thought. Dad’s face dropped. She said no one stays against their will – she can set him up with therapies at home, but they are able to do more for him there. When she left, he said “I just want to go home!” I said I knew and everyone wants him to go home, but safely – we don’t want him to go too soon and then fall or something and now is back in the hospital. When we went back for dinner with him, he told my brother and mom that they want him to stay a few extra days to get stronger so nothing bad happens when he goes home. He said that made sense and was more positive about it than we anticipated. Another miracle moment.
I Found God today in my dad’s positive attitude.
My sisters’ came and stayed for the long weekend. While they were here, they cooked, shopped, did laundry, took care of mom, visited dad, and I’m sure more things that I don’t even realize. They were a huge support and I feel very blessed that they live close and that they were willing to take the time to be here.
I Found God today in my sisters.
I was able to have a good conversation with the doctor today about my dad’s stroke. He had a Hemorrhagic stroke – a blood vessel in his brain ruptured. But in the emergency room, they were able to give him a medication that stopped the bleeding. There is still a pool of blood in his brain that will take at least 6 weeks to be absorbed in his body. But, the doctor said that people who have this type of stroke recover better than those with a blood clot causing a blockage – which is what my mom experienced 4 years ago. He said that is why we continue to see small improvements in my dad every day, which we certainly have seen. It’s nothing short of miraculous to me. He said they are continuing to tweak the blood pressure medication, but not to worry – they will have it fine tuned before he leaves. The doctor’s last name is Kelly. My dad thought about this all day yesterday and was prepared to talk with him about his Irish background, which he did. This doctor is so gentle, knowledgeable, calm, patient, and pleasant. I don’t think I have ever encountered anyone quite like him.
I Found God today in my dad’s doctor.
This morning I was shocked to receive a phone call from my dad in rehab. His first concern was if I was talking with the staff there about his medication. He wasn’t quite sure what they were giving him and it was different from what he usually takes. I assured him that I have been speaking with the doctors and nurses and staying informed. He then wanted to know when I was coming. My mom was more than exhausted this morning, but I promised my dad I would get there as soon as I could. Both my sisters came to the house, so I was able to go and spend a good long time with my dad. I talked with the doctor and was with my dad as he did physical therapy. He has improved so much even since yesterday. There is much work to be done and he seems willing to do it. Today is also my sister’s 60th birthday, so later this evening, we brought pizza and cake to the rehab to celebrate with my dad. Even though he said he really just wanted to sleep, we got him up for the festivities. He conversed, laughed, and told stories. There was a piano in the room, so my mom played while we all sang “Happy Birthday”. We got my brother on Facetime for a while until my dad had enough. We were all so happy to see my dad making improvements.
I Found God today in the improvements my dad is making.
Still Finding God 