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Considerate Friend

Posted by eph21920 on July 29, 2017 in Answer, Friends, Generosity, Grateful

My dad and brother have been doing some work on the mountain cabin, however, it has come to a standstill due to the unusually wet weather. They were going to head up there today, but it was another rainy day. My dad called a friend who is currently at his cabin just up the road to ask if he would be able to take a look and make sure their work is holding up. He was happy to and reported that everything looked fine. That was a weight of worry that was lifted. My dad’s friend is such a helpful and considerate man. I love it when he calls my dad his “buddy”.

I Found God today in a considerate and helpful man.

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Reassuring Doctor

Posted by eph21920 on July 28, 2017 in Answer, Doctor, Family, Grateful, Sick

My mom still wasn’t feeling too great today, so we called her regular doctor. He typically only works on Friday mornings. After explaining her circumstances to the nurses, they were able to squeeze her in for an appointment. Her doctor knows her well and how best to detect certain ailments, such as the dreaded diverticulitis. We thanked people profusely on the phone and at the office for getting her in. After the doctor’s examination, he agreed with the ER from yesterday that she likely had a virus and it would take a day or two to clear up. He did some more testing just to make sure and gave us more detailed directions. We thanked him again for making time for my mom. He said that he was happy to and has some flexible time for just these sorts of things. We were grateful for his time, guidance, and reassurance.

I Found God today through a reassuring doctor.

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Quick Trip to the ER

Posted by eph21920 on July 27, 2017 in Answer, Doctor, Family, Grateful, Healing

My mom was having stomach troubles last night and during the day today, but as usual, she kept on going and doing what she could. Finally this evening, she started getting very dizzy and feeling really bad. We called her doctor’s office and spoke to the nurse on call who recommended we go to the emergency room as she was concerned about her being dehydrated. She said we could try one of those “stand alone” emergency rooms that we have seen around as there is usually no waiting. I was a little wary, but my dad thought it was a good idea, so we made our way to the one that was connected to their usual hospital. There were no other patients there. After completing the paperwork, we went into the room and the doctor came right in. They did some lab work, gave my mom fluids and a little bit of medication to help calm her stomach. Thankfully, all the tests came out fine and after one round of fluids, my mom was feeling much better. All the staff was super friendly and attentive. It was a completely different feel from the hospital emergency room. From the time we left the house to the time we returned, less than 2 hours had passed. We were all grateful that my mom was feeling better, that there were no immediate issues, that it was an overall good experience, and that we were home at the usual bedtime.

I Found God today as my mom received quick and effective help.

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A Small Sound

Posted by eph21920 on July 26, 2017 in Answer, Creation, Faith

Tonight I was sitting quietly praying about what to include in this blog. As I was still, I heard the soft, soothing sound of raindrops outside and on the window. I exhaled and realized this is the most peaceful I had felt all day. It reminded me of how Elijah went to meet God and after encountering a violent wind, an earthquake, and a strong fire, God was found in a “light, silent sound”. It was also a good reminder that I need to take time away each day to be silent to be with God.

I Found God today in a small sound.

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Private Concert

Posted by eph21920 on July 25, 2017 in Friends, Grateful, Music

A little while ago, one of my mom’s friends’ mentioned that she wanted to listen to my mom play the piano. My mom talked to her piano partner and they invited her over this morning. We all visited a while before the concert. Then my mom and her partner played several beautiful pieces. After each one, her friend said how much she enjoyed listening to them. She took lessons for a while, but did not stick with it. My mom and her partner encouraged her to try again saying, “You’re never too old…” At the end of the performance, the friend kept thanking them for inviting her and how special it made her feel. My dad was teary eyed as he told her how worried he was after my mom’s last illness that she may not be able to play again. She’s worked hard to continue playing and I feel we are all very blessed to listen.

I Found God today in a beautiful concert and grateful friend.

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Similar Struggles

Posted by eph21920 on July 24, 2017 in Answer, Connected, Family, Grateful

Today I took my mom to her Parkinson’s exercise class. For about half the time they did some exercising, then the other half they went into another room and had a discussion about how the class has been helping them. During that time, I talked with the other 3 caregivers who were there. We talked about different problems that we face and that those we care for face. It is interesting that the disease is different for each person, yet very much alike at the same time. For example, my mom has struggled with back issues for years. I have learned that back pain can be a symptom of Parkinson’s and as I talked with the group of people I found that every one of their loved ones has chronic back pain. One woman even had exactly the same medical issues as my mom. We talked about different ways we have tried to alleviate the pain – some work for some people sometimes and not so much for other people or even the same people at another time. It was good to have the discussion and I came away with a couple of other options that we may be able to try. After the class, my mom said how much she enjoyed her meeting. As people talked about their struggles and issues, she realized that she is not alone in hers. She said sometimes she felt that she was the only one having a certain experience. What I thought was beautiful was that one woman said her family cares for her so much that they tell her when she is doing something she doesn’t realize, such as holding her mouth open. Instead of complaining about being “nagged”, she was grateful. Both my mom and I came away a little more hopeful.

I Found God today as my mom and I became more aware that she is not alone in her disease.

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Prayers for a New Marine

Posted by eph21920 on July 23, 2017 in Faith, Prayer

This morning at church, there was a young man about to enter boot camp for the Marines. At the end of Mass, he went up to the front and everyone prayed for him as the priest put his hands on his head and said a blessing. He prayed for safety as he served our country and safety to come home, among other things. Then everyone stood and clapped for the young man. I thought that was a great way to show him that people he may not even know appreciate his service and will pray for him.

I Found God today as the whole church prayed for a young man about to enter the service.

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Enjoyable Walk

Posted by eph21920 on July 22, 2017 in Answer, Connected, Creation

I was up early enough to take a nice walk this morning. The sky was cloud covered, so I didn’t have to worry about the hot sun, and it wasn’t too cool to need a jacket. I stretched outside and could here the birds chirping and flapping their wings. A finch landed next to me and was picking off the little weeds. I was very still and he stayed there a while before he seemed to realize I was there and flew off. Perhaps it was one of those babies coming back to visit. As I walked, there weren’t too many cars out on a Saturday morning, so it was pretty quiet. The few people I saw on the way were very cheerful as we exchanged “Good Morning’s”. I was feeling pretty good, so I walked 2 miles, which I haven’t done for over a year since my hip has been problematic. It was just a very enjoyable walk and put me in a positive frame of mind to start my day.

I Found God today in my very enjoyable walk.

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Super Hero

Posted by eph21920 on July 21, 2017 in Answer, Connected, Eternity, Faith, Healing

My son spent some time just hanging out with us today. Somehow we got on a long extensive conversation about super heroes, comic books, and their stories. We recently watched one of the Avengers movies, so perhaps that is how it all started. We talked about the many threads of the different super hero stories and how they got all intertwined. The movies now are following one of those threads and each one is a box office hit. We found that comic books came out when my parents were very young, but they both could remember reading Superman and Batman. My mom remembered Captain America as well. Evidently, that character was created as a direct response to World War II. Perhaps that is why super heroes are still so popular today. With all the upheaval in world, people want to believe in something or someone bigger than themselves that can and will intervene for the good of mankind. People with faith in Jesus Christ can believe that this has actually happened. God Himself came to the world and fought evil not with violence and force, but with love and sacrifice. He has shown us the way to conquer our biggest fear – death. Talk about a super hero!

I found God today comparing Him to a super hero.

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Community Picnic

Posted by eph21920 on July 20, 2017 in Family, Food, Friends, Happiness, Home, New, Past

This evening was the annual Board Meeting and Picnic for the housing community. It had been a few years since my parents had attended and they looked forward to going. My dad carried the lawn chairs to the open area where the tables were set up. I loaded up my mom’s walker compartment with sweaters, water bottles, sunglasses, and an umbrella. We were prepared for anything. My dad walked ahead and got our space ready, so when my mom and I caught up, we just had to juggle her walker into place. The meeting consisted of discussing important matters that affected the entire complex. Then came dinner. The meat provided was delicious pulled pork and smoked turkey, and everyone brought a dish to share. That is my favorite kind. I love to sample all the different salads. There were many people from the crowd that my parents knew who they enjoyed visiting with. They were one of the original owners and there are not many of them left. Everyone I talked to commented how good my parents looked – especially my mother. There were also several new people that we met. Even though the skies looked threatening, there was no lightning, thunder, rain, or wind. It was a very enjoyable evening all around.

I Found God today seeing my parents visit old friends and meet new.

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