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Caring Support Group

Posted by eph21920 on October 20, 2017 in Friends, Stranger, Struggles

I have missed the monthly Parkinson’s Caregiver support groups recently due to various reasons and was happy that I was able to attend today. There were some new faces and some familiar ones. One woman who I chat with frequently told us that her husband has been in a long-term medical facility for about a month now. She told us the story of how he fell and hit his head. He was in the hospital for a couple of weeks and then moved to a facility in another city. He is in a pretty bad way, but there are signs of improvement. Of course, she is really struggling. Everyone in the group let her know that she is not alone and offered ways to help. People asked how she was taking care of herself and encouraged her to do what she needs to stay healthy. This is such a wonderful group of people who truly are there to support one another.

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

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A Welcomed Invitation

Posted by eph21920 on October 19, 2017 in Creation, Grateful, Happiness, Joy

Today I took my mom to her exercise class and sat in the waiting area as always. There are usually a couple other caregivers there, but today I was alone as I watched the class. After about 20 minutes, a woman who I have met a couple of times walked in. She invited me to go outside for a walk. I happily accepted. As we walked, we compared notes about doctors and medication and such. I enjoyed walking and talking and taking in the sunshine and fresh air. I was so glad she invited me to join her.

I Found God today in a welcomed invitation.

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Still Walking

Posted by eph21920 on October 18, 2017 in Answer, Family, Healing, Life

Due to her physical ailments, I think my mom has come to the grocery store with me maybe once or twice since I moved here 3 years ago. I had to make a grocery store run today and she decided to come along and help. So off we went. We split up the list and headed in different directions. When we reconnected, I was surprised that she still had more energy in her. We finished the shopping and went back home where she took some nice long rest time. She said she was exhausted from the experience, but at the same time it was so good for her. She had to figure out where things were, how much to get, and how to open those crazy produce bags that are so difficult (to me anyways). It was a challenging outing for her, but in a good way. She even took another walk around the complex this afternoon.

I Found God today as my mom challenged herself and is able to do more than anticipated.

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St. Anthony Comes Through Again

Posted by eph21920 on October 17, 2017 in Answer, Faith, Family, Miracle, Prayer, Saint

A week ago Sunday, we went to church, then out to lunch as usual. Later that day, my mom realized she was missing an earring. We looked all over the house and the car to no avail. We said a prayer to St. Anthony and called the restaurant and the church. Neither had the earring, but I left a description and my information just in case. Nine days went by and we gave it up for lost. This morning as my mom took a necklace out to wear, a necklace with a St. Anthony pendant came out with it. My mom looked at the pendant, remembered her lost earring, and said a prayer to St. Anthony as he is the patron of lost items. This happened without my knowledge. As I was running errands this afternoon, I received a call from the restaurant saying they found an earring that sounded like the one we lost. I headed over there and sure enough – it was the missing earring. When I arrived home, my mom was elated and told my dad and I the story of her prayer. That made it even more amazing.

I Found God today in an answered prayer.

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Super Supportive Mom

Posted by eph21920 on October 16, 2017 in Birthday, Uncategorized

I brought my dad to a doctor’s appointment this morning and as we sat in the waiting room, we met the woman sitting next to my dad who was having the same dermatological procedure. We started talking about what beverages there were available and noted there was no coffee. She said she always has enough coffee as her daughter owns a coffee shop. I asked where it was and found that it is right up the street from our house. We have seen the sign and talked about stopping in, but never have. The woman said her daughter is special needs and the coffee shop is her way of being productive in the community. There is a regular group of men who meet there every morning. The place employs other special needs people and many of them will come to hang out. It is their safe space. I asked how it came about and she said they prayed a lot. They wanted the girl to have an outlet and also do something of value. The woman worked at one of the local food pantries. She met the people who owned the coffee shop, and when it went up for sale, they were able to purchase it. She had a background in accounting for a non-profit and was able to use that to help the restaurant. She was very proud of the shop and her daughter, and very supportive as well. The story was beautiful and I will definitely be visiting the coffee shop.

I Found God today in a faithful, supportive woman.

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Thoughtful Teens

Posted by eph21920 on October 15, 2017 in Food, Hope, Opportunity, Youth

Today I went to a monthly cooking event with high school youth who are in the Foster Care system. The group split into teams to prepare a chili dinner with cornbread, corn jalapeno popper salad, and pie. I have seen these kids for several months now – a couple for over a year. It is wonderful to experience how they have matured and changed over this time. They take on a lot of the cooking responsibilities and put their own personal touch on the dish they are making. For example, a few of them tasted the salad and added what they thought would make it better. A couple of the girls made apple pie popovers and cut some of the apple bits into little hearts to place on the top of each little pie. As we enjoyed our meal, we talked about all kinds of things. One topic was about earning a living and making money. We talked about how selfish people can be and not even give a thought to helping others. But then we also talked about how there are people doing good for others all the time in the world, but it is not something that is broadcast. It is up to each person to good to those around them. The kids said they were committed to doing so and changing the world for the good. I was impressed.

I Found God today in thoughtful teens.

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Family Game Night

Posted by eph21920 on October 14, 2017 in Family, Joy, Laughter

My sister and brother were both at the house this evening, so we decided to play a game. I called my son and he came right over and joined us. It was a fun night full of laughter. There is something so joyful about playing games with family. I loved it.

I Found God today having fun with the family.

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Ultimate Forgiveness

Posted by eph21920 on October 13, 2017 in Connected, Forgiveness, Hope, Life, Relationship

Today I saw an incredible story about a woman who forgave her assailant. The boy was 13 years old when he shot the woman, but contacted her shortly after he was incarcerated and apologized for his actions. She accepted and forgave the youth. Not only that, the young man asked if he could write to the woman. They stayed in contact and after a few years, the woman actually helped the young man be released from prison. She helped him start a new life and the two remain friends. It was an unlikely, yet beautiful story of remorse, forgiveness, and humanity.

I Found God today in a beautiful story of forgiveness.

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Beauty in the Rocks

Posted by eph21920 on October 12, 2017 in Creation, Family, Fun

It was a gorgeous Fall day today, so after lunch, my mom and I went to a park that is full of beautiful rock formations. She had not been able to walk through that area in years. I had, however, and knew there was a very nice paved trail that took you through many of the interesting formations. We brought the wheelchair with us, but she started out our trek by walking behind it. After a while she sat and rested while I pushed her around the beautiful structures. We stopped for a while and watched a rock climber navigate the face of the one of the tall, steep crags. My mom remembered watching my brother climb in the area. As we walked around, she recognized this structure and that, but wondered where the little shop was that used to be just around the corner. Her memory of such things just amaze me. As we headed back to the car, she walked the final leg of the path. It was such a beautiful day and I was glad we could enjoy it in this way.

I Found God today enjoying a beautiful day.

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Here’s to Hope

Posted by eph21920 on October 11, 2017 in Answer, Faith, Hope, Prayer, Trust

Today I read a quote from Pope Francis that really touched my heart:

“Hope would always have us recognize that there is always a way out, that we can always redirect our steps, that we can always do something to solve our problems.”

I thought about this and how easily I can feel stuck in circumstances or problems. I can feel powerless in some situations. But even if I think there is nothing I can do, the reality is there is always something I can do. Sometimes I receive a suggestion from another person – family, friends, professionals. Sometimes it is a matter of changing my mindset. Sometimes I just have to give the situation to God in prayer. Most of the time when I can do that, I am amazed at how things turn out. That proves to me that prayer is active participation, not passive. When I hope, I am not simply throwing things out there and see where they land. I am trusting in God’s great plan for my life and the lives of those around me.

I Found God today in a reminder of the importance of hope.

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