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Cheering Up

Posted by eph21920 on January 20, 2018 in Family, Fun, Happiness, Life, Struggles

My sister came to visit for a couple of days. She unexpectedly lost her job two weeks ago and has been really struggling. Naturally, it was a hit to her self-esteem and she is wondering what she could/should do next. When you are in your 50’s, it is a totally different ball game. My parents and I were glad that she came on her birthday. We had a little party for her that day and a bigger party for her today. My son came over and brought some new games to try out. My other sister made lunch and an amazing fruit tart. My dad and brothers pitched in and totally surprised her with a new iPad so she can work on graphic design or any other artistry. She is very talented in that way. Today’s party followed that theme. I looked up some decorating ideas and hung some paint buckets with tablecloths streaming from them so it looked like paint flowing out. I remembered last year we went to a painting party and wondered if I could replicate that at home. I didn’t want to do a whole picture as I knew that would be too complicated. As I wandered through the craft store, I figured it out. I got the individual letters made of wood to spell out her name. Each person painted one letter using their own style. They turned out so cute. I got a piece of wood to put the letters on and the words, “Family” and “Love” also made of wood. My crafty sister will put the whole thing together. It was such a fun day. My sister was so surprised and so happy. We were all glad that we were able to cheer her up.

I Found God today being able to cheer my sister.

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Forgiven Accident

Posted by eph21920 on January 17, 2018 in Answer, Car, Forgiveness, Grateful, Problem, Stranger

The other day as I was driving into a parking lot, I saw a car backing out of a parking spot in front of me. The driver of the small car couldn’t see me as there was a big truck next to it so I stopped and waited for it to back up. Suddenly, I felt a thud in the rear of the car. Someone else backed up right into me. I got out to see what the damage was. The older woman who hit me also got out and was beside herself. As I collected her information, she apologized over and over and carried on about how she had gotten into another accident a couple of years ago and her insurance rates were very high. She asked if we could not go through the insurance adjusters and she would just pay for the damage. I told her it was up to my dad as it was his car. When I got home, I told my dad about the incident and only a few minutes later, the woman called to apologize to him and ask if she could just pay for the damage and not go through the insurance company. My dad told her it would take a couple of days to see how much that would be and he would let her know. We took a closer look at the vehicle and cleaned off the mark from the bumper. There was no dent and only a small scratch. My dad decided it wasn’t worth having repaired. I called the woman today and told her. She was very grateful and again beside herself. She said she had been praying about the situation and she would be praying for me and my dad. We made her very happy.

I Found God today being able to make a woman very happy.

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Unexpected Prayer Partner

Posted by eph21920 on January 16, 2018 in Answer, Connected, Faith, Generosity, Grateful, Life, Prayer, Stranger

Tonight I went to a Lifetree Cafe group about caregiving that a friend invited me to. The discussion group has different topics each week and includes a short message about God. I started by meeting a couple of people at the table. There was a short video of a woman who had taken care of her mother. There were some discussion questions, handouts, and activities. The women at my table seemed to really connect and enjoyed talked with one another. At the end of the session, the leader invited everyone to join her in a prayer and to say the name of someone you would like to include in the prayer. I was surprised when I heard one of the ladies say my name. After the prayer, I thanked her. At the end of the night, the woman said she would keep me in her prayers and offered to give me her phone number. She said any time I needed prayer, to send her a text and she would pray. I graciously accepted. It was a terrific night with an unexpected meeting.

I Found God today meeting a woman who will keep me in her prayer.

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Expectant Moms

Posted by eph21920 on January 15, 2018 in Baby, Creation, Life, Love

Today my parents went to pick up a new hearing aid and have the old ones adjusted. They have been going to this particular audiologist for many years. She had a baby a little over a year ago and is pregnant again. This time, she is carrying twins. She said it was completely unexpected and doesn’t run in their families. She laughed – a little – about how she is growing twice as fast as she did in her first pregnancy. In the afternoon I went to my hairdresser. She is also pregnant and will be delivering in about 6 weeks. She told me about how she gave up coffee at the very beginning as caffeine is not supposed to be good for the baby. She talked about her regular doctor’s appointments and the things she is doing to take good care of her and the daughter she is carrying. She told me about her Christmas with her nephews and how wonderful it will be next year for her and her husband to experience it with their daughter. I thought about the 3 little humans that these women are carrying and how loving it is to be an expectant mom.

I Found God today in expectant moms.

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Rock Johnson

Posted by eph21920 on January 14, 2018 in Humor, Priest

We saw the new movie, “Jumanji” on Friday and talked with my sisters about it yesterday. There was a lot of discussion about the amazing Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. Today, my son shared with me something that his priest said in church today. Jesus called Peter to lead his church. His name is translated “Rock”. Peter was the son of John. Therefore, our first pope was, “Rock Johnson”. I thought that was hysterical.

I Found God today in a humorous priest.

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Super Support Group

Posted by eph21920 on January 13, 2018 in Answer, Grateful, Knowledge, Life, Struggles

Today my mom and I went to the monthly Parkinson’s support group. This month, we broke into 2 groups – the Parkinsonians and the caregivers. Many of the caregivers talked about what a blessing the group has been to them and their loved ones. There is so much information and wisdom that is shared. Everyone truly cares about one another and about helping each other. When a new person started tearing up because of the new diagnosis, she was met with hugs and empathy. When a woman who just lost her husband spoke, she was met with the same. When someone talked about a struggle they were having, others shared their same struggle and/or how they were dealing with it. There was another woman who lost her husband to Parkinson’s 2 years ago, but she still comes to the group as it is such a source of support for her. And she still has knowledge to share. My mom and I have learned so much from the group and I am sure it has helped bring improvement to her health. It was wonderful to spend part of the morning in the company of such loving, helpful people.

I Found God today in a group of loving, caring people.

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Movie Night

Posted by eph21920 on January 12, 2018 in Family, Fun, Grateful

My mom hasn’t been to a movie in a theater for years. Recently, she heard about the new “Jumanji” movie. She loves the old one with Robin Williams. Some people at her Parkinson’s exercise class and some older ladies I talked to saw it and thought it was pretty cute. We decided to go this afternoon with my dad and son. I was most concerned that it would be overwhelming for my mom – too loud, too exciting. She can get wound up watching football on TV. The theater had stadium seating with large, cushioned recliners, so it was super comfortable. My mom removed her hearing aids watching the previews because it was so loud. I glanced at her from time to time during the movie and heard her giggle every now and again. When the movie ended, she took a few seconds to get her feet under her, but was fine. She really enjoyed the movie and the experience.

I Found God today seeing my mom enjoy her movie night.

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Perfect Day

Posted by eph21920 on January 11, 2018 in Family, Grateful, Happiness, Life

We started our day with my dad at a doctor’s appointment that was very positive. The doctor said he was very pleased with how my dad is doing and encouraged him to stay on track. My dad and brothers have been trying to coordinate some computer issues, and after speaking with them both this morning, they all agreed and got it worked out. One of my brother’s has been pretty sick with the flu, but he sounded much better on the phone today. We had a couple of issues with both of the cars, but got them all resolved and even had no charge at the shop today. I got some other things accomplished for my dad as well today. It is wonderful to have a day where things just go favorably. At one point, my dad said, “Well, this is just a perfect day.”

I Found God today as things just went well.

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Crazy Medical Costs

Posted by eph21920 on January 10, 2018 in Answer, Doctor, Generosity

I had dinner with some friends tonight. We always have a good time with interesting conversation. Tonight we got on the topic of overpriced medical care. One of my friends’ mom has been having problems with her vision for a couple of years now and has been getting a shot in her eye every month. Little has changed during that time, so they want to try something different. This new medication cost $2000 for each injection. She is supposed to have one a month for three months in a row. Her insurance would pay for part of the cost, but would leave her with hundreds of dollars every month. The woman lives on a fixed income of social security and cannot make that kind of payment. She spoke with her doctor’s office and told them she would be unable to try the new treatment. The doctor’s office made some phone calls and connected her with an organization that would help pay for the injections. She will now only be responsible for $5 per shot. That was great news. We joked that for that much money, she should be able to see like Superman when she is done.

I Found God today in financial help for a woman who needs it.

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Back to Class

Posted by eph21920 on January 8, 2018 in Family, Healing

My mom has had a long 2-week break from here Parkinson’s exercise class. During that time, she did exercises at home just about every day including the exercise bike and the Wii. Today was the first day back to the class and my mom was wondering how difficult it would be for her. We usually are the last ones in and many times are a few minutes late. But today, my mom got up a little bit early and we were able to leave the house earlier. We were the first ones in the room – even before the teacher. As I watched the class exercise with the elastic bands, I wondered myself how my mom was doing. But, as usual, she surprised herself and me. She felt pretty good after the workout and had good energy for the rest of the day. I was proud of her especially for doing all the work at home to keep herself moving.

I Found God today in my mom’s stamina and determination.

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