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Road to Recovery

Posted by eph21920 on March 7, 2015 in Family, Grateful, Healing

It has been a rough couple of days here for sure. Yesterday my mom was in a lot of pain. Not so much from the incision of the pacemaker implantation, but from the overall trauma to her body. She has a bad back to begin with, so the additional stress caused more pain. The surgery was on her left side, so she cannot use her left arm very well – and she is left handed. But the decision was made to put it on that side as she uses her cane in her right hand. It hurts and is awkward to get in and out of bed and was a struggle to stand up and sit down. She worried that there may be something wrong with the new pacemaker, so we monitored her pulse and blood pressure. It was wonderful to see the heart rate ticking away steadily and that relieved some of the anxiety. We made sure she took as much pain medication as was tolerable. The whole ordeal has been difficult for my dad also, which causes him not to feel well. This morning when they got up, my dad said, “Time for the day shift to take over!” Then he took his medication and went back to bed for several hours. My mom felt better as soon as she got up, though. She noticeably had more energy and less pain. She even put a little color on her lips after washing up. Once my dad got up, he was feeling much better too. It seems that now we have turned the corner and are on the road to recovery. I am very grateful!

I Found God today in both my parents feeling better.

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Well Wishers

Posted by eph21920 on March 6, 2015 in Family, Friends, Love

Today there were so many people who called to check up my mom – her friends, brother and sister, and my siblings. She even received some flowers. Even though she was not able to talk very much, it was great to know that she was in their thoughts and prayers. It helped to lift her spirits during the day.

I Found God today in the love shown by friends and family.

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Back Home

Posted by eph21920 on March 5, 2015 in Family, Home, Sick

My dad and I went to the hospital this morning to collect my mom and bring her home. It was a huge relief for all of us, even though she will now need to recover. She said she was happy to come home, but a little scared too since in the hospital all the medical people are there if something goes wrong. Everyone assured her she will be just fine. She napped and ate and rested and took medication. My dad and I were at her beckoned call – which is exactly how it should be. We are all just so grateful she is back home.

I Found God today in the blessing of having my mom back home.

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The Pacemaker

Posted by eph21920 on March 4, 2015 in Faith, Family, Friends, Healing, Prayer

I woke up several times last night thinking about my mom’s upcoming surgery. I was happy when it was finally time to get up.  My dad and I got to the hospital bright and early, and they had already taken her to get prepared. The nurse took us to the area and we were glad we were able to spend some time with her before the procedure. I asked if we could pray before they took her in, but as soon as I started to speak, I surprised myself with that shaky, I am going to cry any second voice. I tried to stop it, but could not. I don’t even know what I said before I knew it needed to end . . . In Jesus’ name, Amen! One of the nurses said, “It is OK. He knows what you are trying to say.” My dad and I went out to the waiting area and received a visit from the chaplain. He said that my mom was on the prayer list. A mere hour later, we were back in the room, the pacemaker was in, and my mom was very much awake. Evidently, they used very little anesthetics to help her recovery. They got her back in her own room and connected all the devices. I was amazed at how her pulse was almost twice what it was the day before, her blood pressure had stabilized, and she had color in her face. I continued to be in awe as I saw her grow stronger in just 12 hours. She went from not getting out of bed or moving her arm to getting up, walking, and eating. All the nursed were just fantastic. At one point, a Eucharistic Minister stopped by and we were able to receive Communion. If all continues to go well, my mom should be able to come home tomorrow. I received notes from so many people praying for her it was overwhelming and wonderful.

I Found God today in what I consider to me a miracle of modern medicine, and in the prayers of so many friends.

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Day in the Emergency Room

Posted by eph21920 on March 3, 2015 in Family, Sick

The other day, my mom felt something was just not quite right, so she decided to start checking her blood pressure. In doing so, she discovered her pulse was running low at times and then normal at times. Last night I checked it myself just to make sure. It was very low again this morning and I was somewhat shocked to feel the heart rate go from about normal to almost half as I held her wrist and counted the beats. So off to the doctor we went. Her doctor sent us directly to the Emergency Room. After several tests, it was decided that she needs a pacemaker. The surgery is scheduled for tomorrow morning. I sent off texts to many prayer warriors that I know asking for prayers as we get ready for the procedure. She said she is not worried about it at all and that it will all work out one way or the other. I pray it works out that the surgery is successful and she regains some of the strength and energy that has been lacking.

I Found God today in the perception of my mom and in the expertise and care of the doctors and nurses.

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The Jewelry Store

Posted by eph21920 on March 2, 2015 in Family, Love, Shopping

A few years ago, my siblings and I pitched in and bought my mom a charm bracelet for her birthday. She loves it, but it is so heavy, it makes marks on her wrist when she wears it. Needless to say, she doesn’t wear it very much. For Valentine’s Day, my dad bought her a necklace with a heart charm and 2 pink beads. This was a great way for her to display her charms. But the necklace was a bit too long for her frame. Today my mom and I took the necklace back to the store to see what other options she might have. We also brought her bracelet with all her additional bangles. The people there were wonderful and treated her like a queen. They all pitched in with suggestions and tried different things until we found the perfect combination of bracelet, necklace, and charm placements. One of the ladies polished all her charms so they sparkled. She told us the pink beads that my father bought with the necklace said the word “LOVE” on them. We did not realize that before and my heart melted. The finished products were beautiful and both my mom and my dad were very pleased with the end result.

I Found God today in the thoughtfulness and love of my dad, and the care and attention my mom received at the store.

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Serenity Prayer

Posted by eph21920 on March 1, 2015 in Faith, Happiness, Prayer

I read a reflection that was delivered to my email this morning and it included the “Serenity Prayer”. I know the first part of this prayer by heart as I used to say it every day. I thought about the time when I learned the prayer. Many years ago, I felt my life was in a shambles. I knew I wasn’t happy, but blamed it on others. After all – I was doing the “right thing”. I was going to church faithfully, raising my children the best that I knew, and trying to be a good person. It was “other people” who were messing things up and causing me grief. I finally decided to get help and I don’t even remember who recommended the particular group that I went to. That is where I learned that I do not actually have control over every situation and every person. Imagine that. As a matter of fact, some of the things I was doing and some of the ways I was thinking was adding to my problems instead of helping to resolve them. I also learned the Serenity Prayer. It hit my heart hard and I started praying it every day. My life was changed. While everything to this point has not played out the way I would have liked it, I am more peaceful, grateful, and I would like to think more loving. Most of all, that sent my relationship with God moving forward in an unprecedented way.

I Found God today in a reminder of how far He has brought me.

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Trusting Jesus

Posted by eph21920 on February 28, 2015 in Humor, Prayer, Trust

My parents and I decided to go to church this evening to avoid a potential snow storm. My dad drove and mom always gets the front passenger seat, so I was in the back. Typically, I like to drive. First of all, I really enjoy it. And probably like most people, I feel more of a sense of control. I acknowledged that feeling as I sat looking out the back window at the cars and scenery whizzing by. So, I started repeating one of my favorite mantras; “Jesus I love you totally” inhale deep breath, “Jesus I trust you totally” exhale deep breath and try to feel the presence of God all around us. Not that I feel that I actually DO love and trust Jesus TOTALLY – this is hard to do. But it helps me to move in that direction. By the time we got to church, I was feeling pretty peaceful and ready to worship. We made our way to our seats near the back where it is most comfortable for my mom. We went around the outside of the rows of chairs which followed a wall. Mom went in first, then dad, then me on the end. I put my purse down and noticed a picture on the wall right next to me. I saw the words first, “Jesus, I Trust In You”. It was a large picture of the Divine Mercy. Interesting, I thought, and laughed a little to myself. I felt it was an affirmation to my prayer.

I Found God today in a positive reminder to trust more in Him.

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New Church Experience

Posted by eph21920 on February 27, 2015 in Faith, Lent, New, Prayer

Tonight I decided to go to an evening of prayer and supper at the church. My parents were not up to going out in the frigid weather, so I went by myself. I have not been going to this church a very long and have not participated in anything outside of Sunday Mass, so I realized I would not know anyone. First there was the evening prayer led by the deacon. There was a cantor and pianist for the psalms, so it really was beautiful. Then everyone went downstairs for a soup supper. I got in the back of the line and met a couple of people. Once I got my bowl of soup, I looked around at all the people sitting at the tables.  It was very different going into a church function full of people and not recognizing one person. There were several families with children and obvious established groups of people. Near the center of the room was a table with an older man and a woman who looked to be her 20’s. That is where I headed. The young woman was also there by herself. She got a job as a pediatric home care nurse right out of college a couple years ago and loved the city, so moved by herself. The man and his wife were established in the parish and very active. His wife was helping with the supper. I enjoyed the conversation between the two people I just met. The meal was followed by the Stations of the Cross. The gentleman leading the prayer did more than just read the words on the page. He put emotion into the descriptions and reflections of each scene depicting Jesus’ crucifixion. I had never heard this particular version before. When it came time for us – the people – to respond, the prayer at each station felt incredibly valid. At the end, the leader said people were welcome to stay for their own private devotion time if they wanted, so I sat down and closed my eyes. I thanked God for bringing me to this church, for the familiarity of Catholic prayers, and for the new people I met. When I opened my eyes, I was surprised to discover that I was 1 of only 2 people left in the church. I left feeling somber, yet peaceful.

I Found God today in meeting new people and the blessing of familiar prayers.

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Unity In Prayer

Posted by eph21920 on February 26, 2015 in Connected, Friends, Prayer

A few years ago, a very faith-filled friend of mine felt pulled to create a small prayer group. For almost a year before that I had been continually praying for a group of women to pray and meet with on a regular basis. So when she called to ask what I thought about her idea, it was a resounding, “YES PLEASE!” almost before she could finish explaining. She prayed about who should be a part of the group and invited those who came to her heart and mind. There are 7 of us total. My friend was the only one I knew going into the venture. But it was amazing how quickly we all connected and spoke openly about our lives, our struggles, and our faith. When I moved out of state, I knew I would miss this interaction tremendously. But we have done a pretty good job at staying connected. Tonight the group had it’s monthly meeting and I joined in via Facetime. It was just like being right there with them. We caught up on happenings and laughed a lot. Before we ended our session, we prayed together. It was during this time that I felt the closest to them. As we placed ourselves in the presence of God, I felt as if we were right next to each other. Our prayer time is usually a pretty powerful experience and it was the same, even though we are miles away. My friend said that when I moved, it felt like the group was breaking up. But as we are able to get together in this way, it is obvious that we still need and love each other. From the beginning I felt as if I was making lifelong friends and I still feel this to be true.

I Found God today in experiencing the unity of friendship through Him, particularly in prayer, despite a long distance.

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