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The Works

Posted by eph21920 on January 7, 2024 in Eucharist, Family, Grateful, Life

The other day I bought a new handheld showerhead for my mom’s shower. She has not had much strength in her legs recently and it has been difficult trying to get her into the shower at all. But, she got up this morning with some energy and was moving pretty well. So, I seized the moment and gave her a shower. The new showerhead was amazing and made it super quick, easy, and less stressful. I gave her “The Works” which included shampoo, conditioner, lotion, hairstyle, pedicure, and anything else you might think of. Later in the afternoon, my sister gave her a manicure and we all painted our nails. I went to church this morning as well and brought back Holy Communion for my mom. It felt good to me to be able to get mom all cared for, inside and out

I Found God today caring for my mom.

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Full Heart

Posted by eph21920 on January 6, 2024 in Angel, Answer, Begin, Family, Grateful, Home, Life, Struggles

We’ve been lucky to have a caregiver come over twice a week for a couple hours. Now and as time goes on, my mom requires a tremendous amount of attention and energy. I’m often exhausted. But we are committed to keeping her at home. I have tried to get more help in, but unfortunately have had no success from two different agencies. People just didn’t show up, or didn’t have the necessary skills. It was very frustrating. After reading a couple articles about hiring a caregiver, I remembered I had the contact info for a CNA who cared for my dad when he was in a facility. As difficult as that was, she was our angel. I contacted her and she said she would love to help us out. We went through all the necessary paperwork and she came over today. She is so sweet and calm, and mom seemed to like her. She will be coming over a few afternoons a week. After she left, my sister said it best “my heart is full right now”. I’m cautiously optimistic that she will work out and feeling very blessed as I thanked God all evening.

I Found God today in a caring young woman.

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Less Dizzy

Posted by eph21920 on January 5, 2024 in Answer, Family, Grateful, Healing

My sister has been experiencing a pretty bad bout of vertigo for a little over a week since she traveled. Yesterday it was so bad she was having trouble working on her computer. I have had spells of vertigo myself and learned how to do a maneuver on myself to correct it. I was also taught by a physical therapist how to do it on my mom. My sister and I debated whether to allow me to help her through the maneuver as well. Since she never had it done or had such bad dizziness before, we were a little hesitant. Finally we decided she was suffering so much trying the maneuver couldn’t make things much worse. After a little more research, I guided her through the motions. She had a restless night, but wasn’t spinning anymore. Today she felt better as time went on. We were grateful for that and hoping and praying that she will continue to improve.

I Found God today helping my sister to feel better.

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Puppies

Posted by eph21920 on January 4, 2024 in Creation, Friends, Joy

A friend of mine breeds Standard Poodles. One of her dogs had a litter of puppies on new years eve. She has been graciously sharing photos and videos of them. Even though it’s only been a couple of days since they were born, I can see changes in them. The last video showed the puppies nursing and making those whining puppy sounds. It was adorable. My friend said she hasn’t been getting much sleep because they are so loud. We have been getting a lot of joy looking at the photos and videos of the newborn puppies and their mom.

I Found God today in new puppies.

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Abundance

Posted by eph21920 on January 3, 2024 in Answer, Faith, Friends, Joy, Life, Plan

A friend of mine challenged me to go into the year with a word that I could keep in mind. I liked this idea better than a “resolution”. So I chose the word BREATHE. When I find myself stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed, I have noticed that I am actually holding my breath. I need to remember to BREATHE in oxygen for my body, mind, and soul. I asked friends what their word would be. This is what one friend replied with which I thought was beautifully honest and transparent:

“Mine is Abundance- more joy! More living! Love quality time with family and friends! God created me for so much more! Thrive was my word last year and it carried me through lots of healing and learning to be myself again.”

I Found God today in an honest witness of His love and power.

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Understanding Visitor

Posted by eph21920 on January 2, 2024 in Grateful, Home, Life, Pope

Today mom’s hairdresser came over and cut my mom’s hair. We got caught up on holiday festivities, parenting, and caring for parents. She was so kind with my mom and so good to talk with. She was an understanding visitor and quite a blessing.

I Found God today in a caring visitor.

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Lord’s Blessing

Posted by eph21920 on January 1, 2024 in Bible, Connected, Family, Grateful, Music

Tonight we read the scriptures for the Mass celebrating the Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The first reading was Numbers 6:22-27 which includes one of my favorite blessings beginning with “The Lord Bless you and keep you.” This is also the song that my mom used to sing in high school choir. They would close each concert with it. I read it a couple of times and asked my mom if she recognized it. She said she did but couldn’t place it. I started singing it and after a few words, she joined in. She sang the whole song while I did my best to harmonize. It was a blessed moment for me.

I Found God today singing a familiar song with my mom.

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Children in Church

Posted by eph21920 on December 31, 2023 in Baby, Children, Family, Happiness, Life

Today was the Feast of the Holy Family. There were plenty of families in church this morning with young children and babies who were very vocal. In front of me was a pregnant mom, dad, and 3 young boys. The smallest one would walk back and forth on the pew from one parent to the other. At one point he made it past his dad and stopped in front of me to say “hi”. I said hi back in a whisper. He followed my cue and whispered a couple more times. He was adorable. The pastor spoke about how much he loved to hear the children. He said it was the sound of angels. He said that he had been with people praying that their babies be born healthy, or that they be made well when they are sick. We should all be rejoicing to hear the sounds of little ones as they are a blessing. As if on cue, a couple babies let out a scream. It was funny and enlightening.

I Found God today in the sound of children.

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Framing Photos

Posted by eph21920 on December 30, 2023 in Connected, Death, Family, Grateful, Grief, Happiness, Life, Love

After my father died, family members went through the hundred or so matted photos that my dad had prepared and took their favorites to keep. My grandson had several and for his birthday, asked to have them framed. Today he gathered up his stack of prints and I took him to the local craft store. We met my son there as he had the same idea. Luckily, the frames were buy one, get one half price. We carefully chose a frame for each of the 11 pictures. It made me very happy that my grandson was so interested, appreciative, thoughtful, and excited to frame and hang his pictures. They are a beautiful momento of my father’s life and love. It was somewhat healing and a blessing to look at the photos and remember my dad.

I Found God today spending good time with my grandson and remembering my father.

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Sitting in the Sun

Posted by eph21920 on December 29, 2023 in Answer, Creation, Family

Today was beautiful and sunshiney. Typically, my mom and I would sit on the porch and get our daily dose of vitamin D. Unfortunately, today mom’s legs were very weak and she was unable to make it out the door. I thought about taking the wheelchair down the one step, but thought I had better practice first and make sure I knew what I was doing. I had the front door already opened and the sunshine was streaming in through the screen door. So I just adjusted the screen to get the most sun and fresh air in. We sat in the doorway and enjoyed the outdoors. It was a blessing.

I Found God today enjoying the outdoors in the house.

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