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Signs of Love

Posted by eph21920 on February 14, 2024 in Connected, Family, Friends, Generosity, Grateful, Lent, Life, Love

I started thinking about Valentine’s Day yesterday and picked up a bouquet of flowers for my mom and sister. Also at one point I looked out the window and saw some interesting clouds. To me, it looked like ❤️YA. It made me smile. This morning my mom and I opened super cute cards from my sister. My mom’s was a stand up musical card with a piano that played part of Claire de Lune. There was also a pull tab to make some hearts dance. My generous and loving brother sent us each a beautiful bouquet of flowers. While we were admiring them, my mom suddenly looked up and said, “There’s my Valentine!” She was looking at a metal heart ornament that read, “Love you to the moon and back”. It was the last Valentine’s gift that my dad had given her. We had hung it on the chandelier over the dining room table. The next time we walked through my mom’s room, she looked at my dad’s picture and said how much she loved it. Then she said we should give him some of the flowers. We found a little ceramic flower and vase statuette thaty mom loved and she placed it by his picture. We had 2 nurses come at the same time this morning and we all cried when I told them the stories. Since mom had decent energy and wanted to go to church on Ash Wednesday, off we went. We met a friend of mine there who also brought her mom in a wheelchair. It was beautiful to share the celebration with them. During the Mass, we sung the hymn, “Christ in Me Arise”, which is a particularly meaningful song for my friend. She had a good cry and we shared some good hugs. Later in the afternoon, my son’s girlfriend came over and gave my mom a nice massage. My mom loves it and I enjoy the time visiting with her. It was quite an emotional day all around and I felt blessed to experience it all.

I Found God today in many signs of Love.

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Hope and Inspiration

Posted by eph21920 on February 13, 2024 in Connected, Faith, Friends, Grateful, Hope, Life, Prayer, Struggles

Today I was thinking about a friend who I haven’t talked to in quite a while. As I was planning on touching base with her, I heard from her first. Her initial question was, “How can I pray for you this Lent?” I was so moved that she thought of me in this way and reached out. We went back and forth for quite some time as we have had many challenges in common. She shared some of the knowledge she has received during her trials. One statement she made was, “God in His Infinite wisdom gives us what we need when we need it most.” Her steadfast faith and perseverance is hopeful and inspiring to me. I was so grateful and blessed to hear from her today.

I Found God today hearing from a friend who was on my mind.

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Calm Dynamic

Posted by eph21920 on February 12, 2024 in Answer, Connected, Family, Grateful, New, Opportunity, Relationship, Struggles

Last week our regular caregiver was out, so we had new and different people. One of the girls was great with my mom; patient, low key, and knowledgeable. Mom was very comfortable with her. So I was pretty happy when I was able to hire her to come in a couple afternoons every week. It was especially fortunate since the last one that we hired was unable to continue. It is all such a rollercoaster ride. I feel almost numb sometimes. In any case, the new caregiver came over this afternoon. The dynamic between her and my mom was wonderful and calm. My mom has been getting pretty anxious in the afternoons, but the caregiver was able to keep her busy enough to keep it from escalating. And she did some laundry. And the dishes. I got on my computer and took care of some business that has been put aside. The new caregiver was a blessing for sure.

I Found God today in a calm new caregiver.

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Back to God

Posted by eph21920 on February 11, 2024 in Connected, Faith, Grateful, Healing, Life, Love, Past, Present, Struggles

The Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes always gives me pause to reflect and I welcome the opportunity. This morning I found the Lourdes Live station on YouTube and was immediately brought back there in my memory. As a child it was an overwhelming experience that I couldn’t have been prepared for and one that I remember as if it was yesterday. That spiritual encounter is how I know God exists and why I do my best to stay close to Him. I realize I fail and am so grateful for His forgiving mercy. Two years ago we buried my dad on this day. Truthfully I have been struggling ever since. But when I remember that this day is the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, I remember that God has been with us all along and still is. I know so many people who have experienced God’s love, yet have turned away. My prayer today is for myself, family and friends – especially those in need of healing – and all who need to find their way back to God.

I Found God today remembering His merciful love.

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PJ Day

Posted by eph21920 on February 10, 2024 in Answer, Family, Grateful, Home, Life, Weather

It was a snowy day today, no one was coming over, and we weren’t going anywhere. My sister and I started on a reorganizing project and tag-teamed mom as we worked on it. Before I knew it, it was 5:00 pm and I was still in my pajamas. Perhaps that’s why I was so comfortable. It did feel good, however, to take a shower and get half dressed. Then I was half ready for bed again. Even though mom had a challenging afternoon sundowning, it was a pretty relaxed day. And before bed mom was relaxed as well and thanked us for such a nice day.

I Found God today in a more relaxing day.

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A Real Shower

Posted by eph21920 on February 9, 2024 in Answer, Grateful, Life, Opportunity

We found out that the Hospice CNA who was coming to help mom is unfortunately no longer working for the company. So, today the nurse on call came. Lately mom has been getting a bed bath as she so unstable to get in and out of the shower. The nurse brought my mom back to her bathroom and when she saw the shower, said she really wanted to try to get mom in there. Mom agreed to give it a go. I helped the nurse get my mom situated and was amazed at her ability to move her into the shower. From there, I took the time to do what I needed. When she was finished, mom was all clean, lotioned, dressed, teeth brushed, lipstick on, and even hair styled. The nurse said mom must have been feeling strong because she did great. It was good for my mom to have a real shower. It was even better that an experienced nurse helped her.

I Found God today in the nurse who helped my mom have a real shower.

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Relax the Back

Posted by eph21920 on February 8, 2024 in Grateful, Healing, Hope, Hurt, Struggles

Recently, my mom has been requiring more hands on assistance to get from one place to another. As I find myself more tired I haven’t been making the time to do the exercising that I should be doing. All of that has taken a toll on my back. I have been trying to take care of it on my own, but this morning I woke up in a tremendous amount of pain and both legs were tingling down to my feet. I called the place where I usually get a massage and they had some automated texting system instead of speaking to a real person. I didn’t want to play that game. My son’s girlfriend became a massage therapist not too long ago. She got a space that she shares and also works for a couple other organizations. I gave her a call and hoped for the best. She got back to me and happened to be available at the same time I was. I thanked God. While she worked on my back, I tried my best to relax, but it was hurting pretty bad. When she was finished, I was able to move better and the tingling has subsided. I think it’s going to take a little more to work it all out, but I’m hopeful and made another appointment with her. I was so grateful that she made the time to help me.

I Found God today getting help for my painful back.

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Friends From Afar

Posted by eph21920 on February 7, 2024 in Bible, Connected, Faith, Friends, Grateful, Life, Prayer, Struggles

Tonight was my prayer group meeting. We all saw each other yesterday at the funeral, but kept our regular meeting anyways. One of the ladies had moved to another state and had been joining our sessions via Zoom. It was good to see her in person again. Another woman came to the group for some time, but didn’t continue. I was happy she came as well to add to the discussion. We prayed especially for our friend whose husband had just died. And we prayed for all those sick and suffering as we approach the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. I feel very blessed that this group is a part of my life.

I Found God today praying with friends.

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Reaching For Heaven

Posted by eph21920 on February 6, 2024 in Answer, Connected, Death, Eternity, Faith, Friends, Grief, Hope, Life, Love, Prayer

A friend of mine in my prayer group had been battling cancer. He started on Hospice Care 10 months ago. He was a very faithful man and I always enjoyed what he had to share in our sessions. While he was on the quiet side, I knew that when he spoke, his words would be meaningful and worth contemplating. He went home to the Lord last week and his funeral was today. His daughter shared a beautiful testimony of his faith-filled life and the legacy he leaves behind with his family. One comment that struck me was that her dad put God first. Because of that, there was plenty of love for his wife, children, and grandchildren. Later, his wife told me about an incident that occured just a few hours before his death. He sat straight up in the bed, reached out his arms, and was looking beyond her. He was ready to get up and go with his legs over the bed. She and the family tried to get him back in bed, but they couldn’t move him. They had to actually call for assistance. After that, his breathing changed and he passed away shortly thereafter. He died as he lived – reaching for Heaven. It was a beautiful image that emulated hope. That is what my friend always wanted to share – the hope and love of Jesus Christ. I was glad the prayer group was there and that we were all able to be together, laugh, cry, and pray together for our beautiful friend.

I Found God today as my friend reached Heaven.

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Fortitude

Posted by eph21920 on February 5, 2024 in Answer, Faith, Life, Prayer, Struggles

In a meditation that I listened to today, the statement that hit my heart was about prayer. “Do not pray for easy lives – pray to be stronger. Do not pray for tasks equal to your powers, pray for powers equal to your tasks.” This is, after all, what I should be praying for. Not to make things, situations different, but for the ability to preserve in the tasks God has given me.

I Found God today in prayer guidance.

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