Today my mom and I spent some time in a little shop. Suddenly she had to go to the bathroom. She asked the woman behind the counter if there was a restroom she could use. The woman said they didn’t really let people back there, but she knew it was an emergency. She took a few quick seconds and cleared a pathway so my mom could make it safely with her walker. She was super nice and helpful, which we really appreciated.
I Found God today in an overly helpful woman.
I was talking with a friend today about jobs. She said she goes to her office, does her work, and then goes home. She said that I am not able to do that in the job I have in caring for my parents. She went on to completely relate to my situation. It was an amazing thing and it felt good that she very much understood.
I Found God today in a friend who understands.
The reflection of today from Dynamic Catholic seemed especially fitting for election day. It read, “Act locally. Whatever change you desire for the world, create that change in your own life.” No matter what the results of the election are, there are so many issues that people collectively agree on. There is a lot of talk about division, but if each person decided to make a positive difference right where they are and live, we would all be much better off.
I Found God today in a reminder to be a person of positive action.
Tonight I went to a Bible class. We just started reading the book of Exodus. One statement that really stood out to me was that God blesses people with family. In Chapter 1 of Exodus, it describes how the Pharaoh wanted to dwindle the numbers of the Israelites. He commanded the midwives to kill all the male babies that were born. But the midwives were faithful to God and they did not follow through. Because of this, God blessed them with family. I immediately became aware of my own family and how much of a blessing they are and thanked God for them. Then I also thought about groups of friends who I also consider to be family. I would say that while immediate, biological family is certainly a gift, having other close relationships that you can count on is also a huge blessing. I am grateful for both.
I Found God today realizing the blessing of biological family and those I consider family.
Today my son, his wife and kids, and his wife’s sisters and families made their way to my daughter in laws’ mothers’ house. They all went to help “Nana”. They shared pictures of everyone raking and cleaning up the yard. I just thought it was so nice how they all pitched in to help her out and had a fun time doing it.
I Found God today seeing my son and his family being loving.
Sadly, a friend of my sister passed away a few days ago. She said he was an amazing man who touched many lives and will be very missed. She went to the memorial service last night and told me about it today. Near the end of his life, the man told his sister that he just wanted to go and sit under a palm tree. His sister spoke at the service and reflected on that statement. In a storm, the palm tree is made to bend and bow in the powerful winds. As it does, it grows stronger. When the tree withstands a storm, it becomes more capable of holding firm when the next storm comes around. While the man may have not realized this about the palm tree he was envisioning, his sister said it was a good illustration of her brother. He was flexible in difficult situations and stayed strong to the end. This story really touched me. I thought it was a beautiful example for living life to the fullest.
I Found God today in a reflection of a loved ones life.
Today a picture popped up that I shared 4 years ago. It was of me, my parents, my friend who drove here with me, and my dog. It is hard to believe it has been 4 years since I moved here. I still miss my dog who lived only a few months after we arrived. I am still so grateful for faraway friendships, those I have reconnected with, and new ones I have made. I have learned far more about the human body, diseases, the health care system, and medicine than I ever anticipated. It is great to be close to sisters and I was so excited when younger son moved here. I miss my older son, his wife, and my grandchildren tremendously, but am very grateful for the visits I have been able to make. I am incredibly thankful that my parents are better than they were when I arrived and that I’m able to help them live this chapter. I am continuously working on patience, coping with stress, and unconditional love. Mostly, I am still learning to let go of the illusion of control, to take one day at a time, to live joyfully in the moment, and to rely on the love, strength, and peace that is God.
I Found God today contemplating the last 4 years.
My mom is still struggling with sciatica pain, so instead of going to All Saints Day Mass, we decided to watch it on EWTN. As soon as we turned on the TV, a prayer came on for those with Parkinson’s Disease. We said the prayer and were teary eyed at the end.
I Found God today in a timely prayer.
As my mom was resting yesterday, my dad found some small portable cassette players and got them working. He found some tapes to play and one of them was a recording of my mom playing the piano about 30 years ago. That is when she says she was at her best. My dad got the tape out and played it for her today. I thought how sweet it was that he recorded it way back then and equally how thoughtful that he wanted to comfort her in this way. Unfortunately the quality wasn’t great and with her hearing loss on top of it all, my mom had a hard time identifying the music. After, she told us about the Master’s Music Class she took from a special guest who was in the city at the time. The professional helped my mom work through one of the pieces that was on the tape. She had a great music teacher who she saw regularly. But, she pointed out, no matter how good someone is, there is always more to learn from another person. They come at it from their own experience, with their own personal perspective. I think that is true in every occasion. We just need to be humble enough to admit and accept that.
I Found God today in my loving dad and my mom’s words of wisdom.
My poor mom has still been in a lot of pain. I called and left messages with 2 of her doctors and the physical therapist this morning. I had some questions and was looking for more help to try to alleviate some of her suffering. One at a time, they each called back and each of them showed concern. I was able to get all my questions answered, got her a new prescription, and an expedited therapy appointment. I was very grateful for all the help and I think we’re all feeling a little more hopeful.
I Found God today in caring and helpful medical people.
