Today my dad had a visit from the speech therapist and the occupational therapist. Both of them told my dad that they were impressed with how well he has been recovering and that today would be their last visit. They encouraged him to continue doing what he needs to do. It was good to hear and we appreciated their help and positive feedback.
I Found God today in positive therapists.
It has been a long while since I have been with my prayer group, but I was able to go tonight. It was wonderful to be with faithful friends and to know they have been praying for me and my family. We read the scripture about Jesus being tempted in the desert and discussed the beginning of Lent. I felt so spiritually uplifted.
I Found God today contemplating Lent.
Yesterday a friend told me that her mother was admitted to the hospital in a potential stroke prevention situation. She asked for prayers and tons of friends responded to her plea. After spending the night and going through additional testing, her mom was discharged and sent home tonight. That was great news.
I Found God today in a reminder that prayers do matter.
A friend shared a booklet with devotions for caregivers. I read one today that was exactly what I needed. It started with one of my favorite scriptures, “Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you.” 1 Chronicles 28:20. Part of the meditation talked about our tendency to wallow in fear when we or a loved one is ill. We fear more pain, more suffering, the unknown, death. This is our human nature. However, if we have faith, we can surrender the future to God who loves us more than we can even imagine. Then we can exchange that for the peace God has promised and live each single day more freely.
I Found God today in a reminder to be more faithful, surrendering my fear.
My parents have season tickets to the local philharmonic symphony. The concert was this afternoon, but they just weren’t up to the adventure it would be. They gave their tickets to a friend. About an hour before the concert was to begin, we remembered that it may be broadcast on the local radio station. Then we received a message from their friend who said that it would be. When it came time, we turned on the radio, got comfortable and listened to the program. My parents enjoyed most of the performance and were glad they didn’t make the trip.
I Found God today enjoying a virtual experience.
Today I had a chance to take a few hours away from the house. I started at the YMCA and swam a few laps, then enjoyed some time in the hot tub. I had not seen any friends for many weeks now, so I had lunch with one and met another to take a walk in the gorgeous weather. Spending the time helped to rejuvenate my spirit and give me a different perspective.
I Found God today being able to rejuvenate.
Tonight my family was talking about the time I fell into a lake. My mom’s parents owned a cottage on a lake in Wisconsin. We would visit from time to time and always loved going out on the dock to see what we could see. One time, when I was about 4 years old, I was on the dock leaning over to see some fish and fell in. I remember it vividly. I saw a fish, the long, stringy kelp, and a leg of the dock under the water. Although I was in shallow water, it never occurred to me that I should try to stand up. My parents’ said that they were sitting in the grass watching us kids. My dad was holding my sister who just a baby. When he saw me go in, he quickly shoved my sister to my mom, ran onto the dock and pulled me out. He noted that it was a good thing he did, as now I am here caring for them. I guess I am returning the favor.
I Found God today realizing how God cares for us to care for one another.
My daughter in law had surgery last week, but has been recovering well. The operation was in her abdomen so she has had to be very careful not to do anything to irritate the incision. We chatted tonight and she said she was bored, but feeling pretty good. She said the best part was that her 4 year old daughter could now give her a big hug. It really is the little things that matter the most.
I Found God today in my daughter in law’s appreciation for a hug.
This morning, I read a quote that stuck with me through the day, “In a society that has you counting money, pounds, calories, and steps, be a rebel and count your blessings instead.” Lisa Heckman In the afternoon, I was able to go to a caregiver’s support group. The people there lived this statement. Although everyone has difficult circumstances, people were able to vent, laugh, encourage one another, and talk about the things they are grateful for. It was a blessing indeed.
I Found God today counting my blessings.
Today I did more reading and research about stroke recovery. I weeded through all the material to find information that was specific to my dad’s symptoms. As I did so, I realized again just how lucky he is. A stroke can leave a person so incapacitated. Though my dad is struggling through, I’m incredibly grateful that he wasn’t left in a worse situation and that he continues to recover well.
I Found God today being reminded of how lucky my dad is.
