Today I got a surprise phone call from my son. He updated me on his wife and kids and job and weather. We chatted for a long time about ordinary things. There was nothing unusual, shocking, or special that we talked about. Perhaps that is why it was so special to me.
I Found God today in an ordinary conversation with my son.
My dad stopped driving several months ago because he was getting dizzy spells. Since then, the spells have mostly subsided and he has been “threatening” every now and then that he will start driving again. This morning he had a doctor’s appointment that he needed to go to. We cannot leave my mom alone, so we thought about getting her in the car too and taking her along. Instead, my dad decided it was time for him drive. My mom and I were a little worried, but off he went. He returned from his appointment safe and sound and very pleased with himself. We were all glad that it went well. It was good for him to conquer this looming concern and it will be good in future for him to be able to get out and about a little more.
I Found God today in safe travels and a well-pleased dad.
This evening I asked my mom how she found God today. She said she was thinking about that earlier. She said she is so grateful for the medical people God has sent her – especially her primary care physician who we saw today. He spent more time than normal with us going through all the things that happened in the past 6 weeks since my mom was hospitalized. She now has several different issues than she did previously and the doctor meticulously went through our list of questions. He was also very encouraging as he said she looked much brighter than the last few times he saw her. When we asked his opinion about her recovery, he said she may not be able to “trip the light fantastic”, but he felt she would be able to be very independent and get back to doing the things she enjoys doing. We left the office feeling very reassured.
I Found God today in a caring, encouraging doctor.
During this “Year of Mercy”, on one Friday each month Pope Francis has been visiting different groups of people who are underprivileged, marginalized, or suffering. A while ago, I saw a video of him visiting former prostitutes who were in a safe house. Today I saw a captivating video of the pope visiting a hospital ward with premature babies. He had on his scrubs as he went to each tiny child, blessed him/her, and placed a holy medal in their cradle. His love is profound and tangible.
I Found God today in the reflection of His love in Pope Francis.
When my sister and her husband bought a house and land a year and a half ago, they had big dreams of gardens, chickens, goats, and bees. The property required quite a bit of fixing up and they first focused on the house during the winter months. Once Spring time came, they started on the land. My sister spent that first year figuring out the garden area and what would grow best. This year she is having a more fruitful harvest. My brother in law was interested in getting the bees, so they both went to classes and bought all the necessary equipment. He got the hives and the bees this Spring. He also cleared a spot for the new chicken coop and made a run so they would be able to go outside safely. A few months ago, the 30 baby chicks arrived. My parents and I went over and got to see and hold the adorable little creatures. Since then, we have heard all about their growth and the ups and downs of raising chickens. We couldn’t wait for the first eggs to appear. Finally a couple of weeks ago, we got the picture – 2 eggs were laid. Evidently, they have been coming more frequent and larger in size. My sister came over today and brought us bags of garden fresh vegetables and a dozen fresh eggs. There was a whole presentation involved as my sister proudly unveiled the carton. She also told us that her husband was able to get a jar of honey from the beehive. I’m thrilled that my sister and her husband are having such a productive year and making their dream a reality. Now for that goat . . .
I Found God today in the excitement of my sister as she works and produces fresh food.
Today a nurse came to the house to get my mom set up for home health care. She asked a barrage of questions and went through my mom’s medical history. As she talked to her, she would say that my mom was lucky that she didn’t have to wear oxygen, or how wonderful it was that she wasn’t diabetic, or that it was great she didn’t have to take certain kinds of medications. Even with all the issues that my mom has, or things that she has gone through, there were still things to be grateful for. As the nurse said, “I’m doing pretty good for as good as I am.”
I Found God today in a reminder of how good my mom is doing.
Yesterday as we were headed to pick up my mom from the rehab facility, a song came on that was about leaving the past behind and not having to go there again. I laughed. Then I saw a brief quote, “Don’t look back, you’re not going that way.” Loved it. These touched my heart and helped me to stay focused on today – the moment at hand.
I Found God today in a reminder to keep my mind in the present.
Yesterday was my mom’s last day of therapy as she was due for discharge today. We talked with one of the therapists about how far my mom has come and all got teary eyed. To think that when she arrived, she couldn’t even stand by herself and now she was cruising down the hallways with her walker on her own. We thanked her for all her patience and work and shared hugs all around. We also talked with one of the CNA’s who has been with my mom for quite a bit of the time. He reminded us that he told us early on that he knew my mom would get better. It was good to hear then as I was very concerned, and good to hear now. We thanked him for taking such good care of my mom and shared more hugs. A while ago, my dad decided that my mom needed a comfortable multi-positional bed when she would come back home, so he ordered a twin size that would fit in their room along with their double bed. The bed arrived yesterday evening and we got it all set up. When we went back to see my mom, she told us about all the people who stopped in to tell her good-bye. After 10 days in the hospital and almost 4 weeks in the rehabilitation facility, my mom finally came home this morning. We thanked everyone we could on the way out. It felt strange, but wonderful to drive away from the rehab facility with mom in tote. After a little walk around the house, she tried out the new bed. She had fun raising and lowering the head and feet and playing with the different massage settings. After lunch she laid down for a nap and slept long and sound. She was pretty active this evening and more than ready to turn in tonight as she settled into the new bed. We prayed out loud several times today, thanking God for my mom’s return.
I Found God today in another amazing recovery by my mom.
Last week I connected with a man who works for an agency involved with elder care. I found that he helps support caregivers, so I met with him at his suggestion to see what kind of things are available. He gave me a lot of information about different classes and groups and assistance such as respite care. A new caregivers group/class was beginning soon and I took some time deciding if I would join for the 8 weeks. I felt like this might not be a good time with things being hectic. Then I remembered that if I wait for a “good time”, it would never happen – kind of like waiting to have kids until you can afford it. As I was contemplating, I thought about a friend I have re-connected with who is living with her aging mother. I decided to go and told my friend about it. She was able to join as well. We went to the first session today. There were 9 people in the group and each of them had their own unique story of caring for another – wives caring for husbands, husband caring for a wife, and others caring for parents or parent-in-laws. While each one had a different situation, collectively we all seemed to have the same struggles, emotions, and desire to do the best we can. It was uplifting just listening to others and realizing that I am not alone in my experience. I was so glad that my friend went too as our lives have taken very similar paths. It was so good to be able to talk with someone I have known for years and to renew our relationship.
I Found God today in a more than helpful group of people who all desire to do their best as they care for another.
A couple of days after my mom was admitted to the rehab center, I brought in a statue of Mary – Our Lady of Lourdes – and a small bottle of holy water. Usually before my dad and I leave for the night from visiting, we bless ourselves and say a prayer together. There are a couple different women who come to clean my mom’s room on a daily basis. One of them is oriental and speaks just enough English to get by. Today my mom said the woman was in to clean her room and asked about the religious items. My mom told her about the statue of Mary – Our Lady of Lourdes. And she told her that the water was blessed – holy water. The woman then opened the bottle and blessed herself with the water.
I Found God today in my mom the evangelist.
Still Finding God 