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Communication

Posted by eph21920 on June 4, 2024 in Faith, Family, Grateful, Humor, Opportunity, Relationship

The first caregiver that we hired about a year ago still comes over 2 days a week. She has been such a hard worker, very reliable, and a calm presence. She is also Japanese and has difficulty hearing. Her accent is very strong and I wasn’t sure at first how she and my mom would be together – especially since neither of them can hear very well. But early on it was clear that they had figured it out. We recently extended her hours, so she is here for 7 hours straight on 1 of the days. This gives me a much better opportunity to have conversation with her. In the past, she has told us about her family and her dog. And she has always filled me in on exactly what my mom did while I was out running errands. But as I’m able to get to know her better now, I’m appreciating her experiences, interests, and sense of humor. Sometimes my mom reads one of her devotion books to her and tries to explain it. We always say a prayer before we eat and today the caregiver asked what it was exactly that we were saying. Instead of trying to break it down word for word, I told her that we were thanking God for the food He has provided. She said she does a similar ritual in Japanese before and after a meal. Then she told me that this morning when my mom had her face cream on her finger to apply it, she touched her forehead, then finished making the sign of the cross. That was pretty funny. I am very much enjoying having conversations with her and getting to know her better.

I Found God today getting to know a wonderful caregiver better.

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Utmost Patience

Posted by eph21920 on June 3, 2024 in Family, Grateful, Life, Patience, Struggles

My mom was somewhat agitated today which ramped up in the afternoon as usual. However, she was more unsettled than normal. She was up and down and in and out of bed instead of napping. She was so tired, but would only lay down for a couple minutes before getting up. Luckily, one of our wonderful caregivers was here for a couple of hours. She is so sweet and was super patient with my mom – getting her in and out of bed and the bathroom and wherever else she thought she needed to be. She tried to get her occupied with different activities, but nothing really seemed to work. Before she left, the caregiver apologized for not getting more things done around the house. I told her the most important thing was to care for my mother, which she did with utmost patience and gentleness. I was very grateful for her especially today.

I Found God today in an extremely patient and gentle young woman.

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Made the Time

Posted by eph21920 on June 2, 2024 in Answer, Faith, Family, Generosity, Grateful, Priest

Over the last week, my mom has been asking for a priest so she can go to Confession. It was somewhat of a surprise as unfortunately she is super confused most of the time. But this was a request that she made for several days. I called the woman at our parish who coordinates such things and left her a message. This morning I went to church and was greeted by our favorite priest. I told him about the message I left. He said that he was going away for a week starting this afternoon and suggested one of the other priests would be able to come. I was sad, but thought perhaps he would be able to come after his trip and wished him well on his travels. Then I took my seat and enjoyed Mass. I was very surprised when an altar server approached me during the offertory and told me that the priest said he would stop by this afternoon. He did come over and spent some alone with my mom. Then my sister and I joined them as he anointed her. It was beautiful to experience this Holy Moment. At the end of the visit, he said to make sure to call the parish priest if my mom were to take a turn for the worse. He was so kind, generous, caring, and reverent. We were so blessed that the priest made the time to stop by on his way out of town.

I Found God today in the generosity of a priest.

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About Suffering

Posted by eph21920 on June 1, 2024 in Answer, Faith, Family, Life, Mary, Struggles

I have been listening to a couple different series on the Hallow app. This morning I was focused on Mary, the Mother of Jesus. I thought about her willingness to follow God and trust Him with her life. Even so, it didn’t keep her from suffering. The worst was when she had to stand by and watch the torture and death of her son, who she promised to bring into the world. But that wasn’t the end of the story. Through the pain and sorrow came peace, grace, joy, and redemption. What was impressed upon my heart was that just because there is suffering, it doesn’t mean that you’re not in God’s will. I want to believe that I can fix whatever is going on with my mom and in my situation. When I can’t do that, I can wonder if I’m actually doing what I’m supposed to be doing. Perhaps God is trying to steer me in a different direction. But, I need to remember that my “yes” was to come and care for my parents. It was clear that was God’s path for me. I’m still caring for my mom and I can’t alleviate all her suffering. She belongs to God and is on her own journey. Our paths are parallel. And I don’t know the end of the story. But I do know that God can bring goodness out of suffering and that is what I most hope and trust in.

I Found God today remembering that suffering doesn’t mean I’m not in God’s will.

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Library Day

Posted by eph21920 on May 31, 2024 in Children, Family, Grateful, Joy

The other day I found out that the library’s summer reading program started today. My granddaughter is a fantastic reader, so I asked if she wanted to participate. She said she did. I was happy that it worked out so I could take her this afternoon. When we arrived at the children’s area, it was bustling with activity. We got her signed up and she received a booklet, some stickers, a chart to keep track of her time, and even a free book. Then she picked a couple more books to check out. The librarian suggested a new series that peaked her interest, so she got the first one. It’s been a long time since I’ve looked at children’s books, and even longer since I’ve seen what girls might be reading, so it was all pretty new to me. I felt very blessed to spend the time with my granddaughter.

I Found God today spending time with my granddaughter.

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Quite a Day

Posted by eph21920 on May 30, 2024 in Family, Happiness, Home, Life, New

My mom got up several times last which unfortunately isn’t too unusual. Evidently she wore herself out as she didn’t get up then until after 10:30. I was pleasantly surprised that she was moving quite well. She walked with her walker the majority of the day, which doesn’t happen very often any more. In the early afternoon I heard the Thunderbirds, so my mom and I went out to the front porch. She easily made the step down. We were excited that we got to see one pass of the jets flying in formation directly over the house. A little later another new caregiver came over. My mom was very comfortable with her and showed her around the house. She got teary when she told her all about my dad. When they were chatting, the woman asked my mom how many children she had. My mom’s response was six. That took me by surprise as I have four living siblings. My mom did give birth to another baby who was premature and sadly died in just a few hours. I quietly told the caregiver that. She then told my mom that she had 4 children and had lost a baby. My mom said she had also. It was so unusual to hear my mom talk about that – especially to someone she just met. After a while my mom decided to play the piano. She did wonderfully and even got out one of her harder pieces. In the evening my son’s girlfriend came over and gave my mom a relaxing hand massage. She had recently taken a trip and showed us some pictures. My mom chatted with her and talked about some of the same places she had visited. She was calm yet energetic, engaging, and even funny all day long. It was very different, and I enjoyed it all.

I Found God today in my mom’s really good day.

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Stroller Meeting

Posted by eph21920 on May 29, 2024 in Baby, Children, Connected, Life, Relationship

I was blessed to be able to take a walk in the park today. As a bonus, I happened to be there just at the time that the Thunderbirds were flying overhead in formation practicing for tomorrow’s Air Force Academy graduation. The sight and sounds of the jets are always thrilling to me. When I had made the big loop around the park and was heading back to the car, another scene caught my attention. There was a group of about 8 strollers and adults all together in the grass. I noticed more and more strollers heading to and joining the group. When I arrived at my car, there were 3 more ladies getting their children situated in their strollers. I asked one of them about the big meeting. She said it was a mom’s group that had started. I thought about how wonderful that must be for these mothers. It can feel isolating at times being home taking care of children. What a great way to meet new people. For whatever reason, it really warmed my heart to think of the potential friendships that may emerge from this group.

I Found God today in a stroller meeting.

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Lending an Ear

Posted by eph21920 on May 28, 2024 in Connected, Life, Stranger, Struggles

I felt relieved to get through my stack of paperwork today. It was helpful to have one of our trustworthy caregivers here to help watch over my mom. To finish up, I needed to go to the bank. The teller was super nice and saw I was the POA on my mom’s account. She asked how long I had been caring for my mom. When I answered almost 10 years, she was shocked – and so was I. She told me she recently became the POA for her mother. Then she shared her story with me. This happens quite a bit. People caring for their parents in any capacity feel comfortable talking about their situations and difficulties. There is a sense of camaraderie. It is interesting that while the details are different, everyone has similar struggles. I am happy to lend a listening ear and hope to provide some encouragement.

I Found God today listening to a stranger’s story.

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Memorial Day at the Cemetery

Posted by eph21920 on May 27, 2024 in Connected, Death, Family, Sacrifice, Stranger

This morning I reminded my mom that is was Memorial Day. I asked if there was anything special we should do. She said no. At this point, my mom doesn’t really remember that my dad has passed away, which is both difficult and a blessing. We had a caregiver over this afternoon, so my sister and I took the opportunity to go to the national cemetery where my dad is buried. We were welcomed by large flags lining the entrance road. Volunteers from our Hospice organization had placed flags on all 4000 graves and the whole place looked very reverent as well as patriotic. There were many people there, but we managed to find a parking space close enough to my dad’s grave. We were lucky that a very nice woman gave us a flower vase that she had just emptied as there were no more in the container. When we arrived at the site, we placed our red, white, and blue flowers next to the flag. Once we settled, I looked around at all the other people. A group not too far from us was praying the rosary. A woman was collecting empty flower containers and stopped to chat when she came by. We shared stories, condolences, and a hug. Another woman with 2 young men came by and were placing pennies on the headstones. I asked about what they were doing. She explained the significance of the action. A penny left on a headstone can let the family of a deceased soldier know that someone has stopped by to pay their respects.
A nickel can signify that the visitor served with the deceased at boot camp. A dime can mean that the visitor served with the deceased in some capacity. A quarter can indicate that the visitor was with the soldier when they were killed. The woman said that they had been doing this since the cemetery opened 4 years ago. She also said that the monies will be collected and go to the cemetery funds. A little later, 2 women were looking for a certain gravesite. They had the information, but didn’t know how to use it. My sister pointed out the numbers on the backs of the headstones, which helped them to find their loved one. When we were ready to leave, my sister and I prayed for my dad, all who were buried there, all military who have died and their families. It was a somber, moving experience. I felt connected to every person there.

I Found God today remembering my dad and connecting with others who were also grieving.

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Going Out to Make Disciples

Posted by eph21920 on May 26, 2024 in Bible, Grateful, Prayer, Priest, Service

I made it to church this morning after missing 2 weeks. When I walked in, I saw a friend who is a deacon, so we chatted a bit. As we did, a sweet little old man was talking to the priest and told him today was his 100th birthday. There was another deacon there who was just ordained yesterday. He announced that he would be serving in campus ministry at a college in the city. Ironically, a friend of mine will be the chaplain there. The new deacon was accompanied by 2 priests. One was a family friend from Alaska and one was a cousin who was ministering in a church in Russia. We prayed for them all during this Mass. The Gospel for today was the “Great Commission”, when Jesus told his followers to go out and make disciples of all nations. I thought each of these individuals was a beautiful example of doing just that. And I felt very blessed to be at Mass today.

I Found God today in the blessing of attending  Mass.

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