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Dinner and a Show

Posted by eph21920 on August 25, 2016 in Family, Food, Joy, Music

The rehab facility where my mom is staying has different activities going on every day. My dad and I saw that there was harp music this evening, so we hoped that my mom would be able to go down to the dining room for dinner and to enjoy the music. She has been having difficulty in the evenings with involuntary movements and I wasn’t sure how she would be. I talked to her about it in the morning and she said that sounded nice. I spoke to those caring for her in the morning and they got it all set up. I ordered dinner for my dad and I as well. When we arrived for the evening, my dad spoke to the people in the dining room and got our table all set. We went up to my mom’s room and the CNA had her sitting up in the chair all ready to go. My mom said she told her all afternoon that she was going to take her down to hear the music. She came in after a few minutes and got my mom settled into the wheelchair and took her down to the dining room with my dad and I in tote. There were 2 harpists – teenage sisters. It was mesmerizing to watch them and soothing to listen to. They played songs that appealed to the elderly and I could hear my mom humming along a little bit. Later she said she wanted to sing and I told her that she should have. Even though she was restless and was moving around some, she really enjoyed the music. My dad and I were very happy that she was able to participate and that we could spend this nice time together.

I Found God today in beautiful soothing music and enjoying a nice evening with my mom.

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Surprise Garden

Posted by eph21920 on August 24, 2016 in Answer, Creation, Joy

There is an elementary school close to the house that is sometimes on my walking route. In between the school building and the playground is a dirt area that has been slowly progressing into a garden. I took a walk this evening after dinner to get some exercise and clear my head a little. I decided to go through the school and came upon the garden. There had been a lot of work done to it since the last time I was there and it was beautiful. A vegetable garden was fully enclosed with a cute little gate. Inside there were raised beds with summer squash, tomatoes, pumpkins, carrots, and herbs. Surrounding the enclosure was a flower garden with a small stone walkway. In among the flowers were large rocks painted with ladybugs, birds, and flowers. There were also many colorful rocks with words on them such as Perseverance, Courage, Kindness, Hope, Joy, and several others. As I walked through and read the words, enjoyed the artwork, and smelled the flowers, it felt like a little piece of heaven.

I Found God today in the surprise of a beautiful garden with encouraging messages.

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Stand Firm and Hold Fast

Posted by eph21920 on August 23, 2016 in Answer, Faith, Peace, Trust

Today I read the scripture readings of the daily Mass to my mom and dad when we were all together. There was a reflection based on the words, “stand firm and hold fast”. It talked about how we are to respond when we feel anxious about current events, speculation about the end time, or thoughts of our own last days. We should stand firm living the life God has given us and not worry about the future. And we should hold fast to all we have learned and know about Christ. It ended with a prayer, “Father, I believe you want me to walk in your peace. Help me to stand firm in the life you’ve given me and hold fast to your truth.” That brought me comfort.

I Found God today in comforting words from scripture.

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Way Beyond Me

Posted by eph21920 on August 22, 2016 in Faith, Music, Trust

I got in the car early this morning to see my mom and turned on the radio. It was on the Christian station and the song, “Beyond Me” by Toby Mac came on. It was perfect for the day and I kept it in the front of my mind. You can see the video HERE. Here are some of the lyrics that touched my heart.

You gave me the stars, put them out of my reach
Called me to waters a little too deep
Oh, I’ve never been so aware of my need
You keep on making me see
It’s way beyond me. . . . .
Anything that I got the strength to do
In over my head keeps me countin’ on You…

I Found God today in a message in music.

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Mom’s New Place

Posted by eph21920 on August 21, 2016 in Answer, Faith, Family, Friends, Grateful, Hope, New, Prayer, Problem, Sick, Trust

It was very stressful as my dad and I were learning about options for my mom and trying to decide where would be the best place for her to go after being released from the hospital. With help from doctors, nurses, therapists, and home care providers, my mom, dad, and I felt that a rehabilitation facility would provide what she needed. They would focus on helping her regain her strength while monitoring her medical condition. We chose a facility with an outstanding reputation. It took a while to hear if they would accept her or not. As her discharge drew near, my anxiety kicked in – What if they didn’t accept her? What if her condition was too bad? What if…..? I finally stopped and put it on God’s hands. I prayed that if it was God’s will for my mom to recover there, to please let us know soon. Within a few hours we got the answer that the facility had accepted her. My dad and I drove over to the place to take a look. The woman greeted us and knew all about my mom already. She took us on a tour which left us feeling very comfortable with the choice. We told my mom all about it. My mom was released from the hospital yesterday afternoon. I wish I could say it was a smooth transition. The girl from the transport company came early but did not have the right wheelchair. We waited close to an hour as she got that coordinated. We all tried to remain calm. That put us late getting to the rehab center – just at dinner time. The CNA met us in the room, quickly made meal arrangements, and gave us a packet of information. Then there was a shift change. We waited longer for the nurse to come. I kept wondering if we would be capable of taking care of her at home. Then I remembered my prayer and wisdom from good friends – you can’t second guess the decisions you make. The very caring nurse finally arrived with all of my mom’s info. Once we went through all of that and I got my questions answered, I felt better. Honestly it was very difficult to leave her, but I knew I had to trust that she was in good hands. When we visited today, my mom said she had a restless night and was exhausted. I talked to the nurse a bit who knew all about her. As the day went on and we chatted with more of the people, we all grew more comfortable. When my mom was awake, she was walking, moving around, and conversing more than she has in at least 10 days. It was encouraging to say the least. Exhale…

I Found God today being more encouraged and hopeful for my mom’s recovery.

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Mom’s Improvement

Posted by eph21920 on August 20, 2016 in Answer, Doctor, Family, Healing, Hope, Sick

Today my mom felt a little bit stronger, a little more hungry, and was a little more awake and aware than yesterday. And yesterday was a little bit better than the day before. Even with the different issues that kept popping up, I do believe she has turned a corner. With all the monitoring and adjusting of medication, things seemed to have stabilized and even improved. The doctors say that the serious problems have been resolved. Now she needs to work on getting back her strength. Thanking God profusely.

I Found God today in my mom’s improvement.

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First Birthday

Posted by eph21920 on August 19, 2016 in Baby, Children, Family, Joy

Today is my granddaughter’s first birthday. She has brought – and continues to bring – so much joy to the family. Our side of the family waited for a little girl for a couple of generations as there have been only boys. Honestly, we didn’t think it was possible. Watching my son with his daughter is quite different than seeing his interaction with his sons. I think she has him wrapped around her finger already. Her mom loves having girl time with her. And her brothers are so sweet and attentive with her. I was so blessed to see her in person only a few days old, then again just over a week ago. Pictures and video chat are great, but they don’t compare to being in person. When they were visiting, we were elated that she took a few steps for the first time. She laughed and danced when my mom played the piano. At the hospital today, we connected via video chat and my dad, mom, and I all sang “Happy Birthday” to her. She chattered and waved and clapped and blew kisses and kissed the screen. She had on her first birthday tiara just in case anyone wondered who the princess is. It was the highlight of our day.

I Found God today in the joy that my granddaughter brings.

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Too Long in the Hospital

Posted by eph21920 on August 18, 2016 in Answer, Doctor, Eucharist, Family, Grateful, Hope, Prayer, Sick, Struggles, Trust

To be honest, it has been an incredibly stressful week. My mom has been in the hospital for 8 days now going on 9. She was admitted for dangerously low sodium and has been struggling. She is very weak and doesn’t have an appetite. While there are moments of clarity, her responses are typically slow and sometimes with slurred speech. Every day my dad and I go to the hospital and expect to see her feeling better. However, it seems just the opposite is true. Every day brings a new challenge – bowel issues, blood pressure too low then too high, testing for bacterial infection… Today when we arrived, she said she was feeling better so there was a ray of hope. Then she said she tried to take one large pill and it got stuck in her esophagus. That was a battle for the rest of the day. We have had to have tough conversations about where would be the best place for her to go once she is released. I have been having a difficult time writing this blog – part exhaustion, part trying to keep a good attitude, and then my computer was not cooperating. Last night as I prayed before bed and asked God to show me just where He is in all this, I became aware of all the things to be grateful for during this time. Here are a few:

Doctors who are trying hard to find answers and solutions while being as gentle as possible.

Nurses who patiently give so much personal care – especially time after time after time when that call button is pushed.

The social workers, therapists, and home care specialists who are helping to guide us for an after hospital care plan.

The woman and therapy dog who came in for a visit. The very large shaggy dog came over for my mom to pet him, then went over to my dad and put his head in his lap.

Eucharistic ministers who pray with and give Communion to my mom.

The funny little nurse who we had over the weekend and came to visit because she saw my mom was still in the hospital.

Friends who have helped to give some direction.

The other day, my dad sat in my mom’s chair and an old diary of hers basically jumped into his lap. He read it and said it was the sign he was looking for from God. He brought it to my mom to read and it seemed to encourage her.

The different questions, outlooks, and comforting words from siblings.

We were all grateful that the bacterial infection test came out negative.

Then, my computer started working all on it’s own.

These literally came flooding into my head along with even more. I believe I even said out loud, “OK, God . . . I get it.” He is still in control of what is happening. I am still praying for Him to be gentle on my mom and to help me to trust and to follow His path. I was grateful for the insight.

I Found God today as He revealed Himself to me in many ways.

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Hearing from Kids

Posted by eph21920 on August 17, 2016 in Children, Family, Sick

Today 3 out of my 4 siblings called at good times when my dad and I were at the hospital with my mom. It was great for my mom to hear their voices and have a little bit of a conversation. She enjoyed listening to their stories. I was so glad they called.

I Found God today as my mom heard from her kids.

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Veggie Soup

Posted by eph21920 on August 16, 2016 in Creation, Food

Last week my sister went to the grocery store and loaded up my parents refrigerator with tons of fresh veggies. As soon as she got everything put away, they ended up taking my mom to the hospital. Today after visiting my mom, I decided to save the veggies and made a giant pot of soup. It is hard eating hospital food for days and I was missing my vegetables, so I totally enjoyed cooking and eating the fresh soup.

I Found God today being able to cook and eat fresh food.

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