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Rare Form

Posted by eph21920 on January 11, 2024 in Family, Grateful, Happiness, Humor, Life

My mom woke up this morning with energy after a long night’s sleep. She even exercised before breakfast. Instead of using the wheelchair, she used her walker to get around all day long. The new caregiver was here and she commented on what a nice and beautiful girl she was. My sister’s boss stopped by and my mom said what a nice young man he was. My son called and my mom actually chatted with him. She was joyful, happy, and even funny. It has been a very long time since my mom has had such a good day all day long like that. We all enjoyed it with her and I was very grateful.

I Found God today enjoying a good day with my mom.

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Here and There

Posted by eph21920 on January 10, 2024 in Connected, Family, Grateful, Life

Our new nurse/friend/caregiver came for her first shift this afternoon. When she arrived, my mom was napping in her room, so we chatted for a bit in the living room. After a while, mom rang her bell which meant she was awake and ready to get up. I asked our friend to allow me to get mom up and tell her that she was there. After I put my mom’s hearing aids I was able to talk with her. But she surprised me by saying that she had to go to the bathroom and we should ask the nurse who was in the living room. I was shocked. This wasn’t the first time my mom has done or said something like this. I truly believe that part of her is in this world and part of her is in the world beyond. Things worked out so well with the new caregiver this afternoon. I am feeling very blessed.

I Found God today contemplating the world beyond.

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Uncommon Strength

Posted by eph21920 on January 9, 2024 in Angel, Friends, Grateful, Life

A friend sent me an encouraging note today. It was more of a prayer and blessing. Part of it read, “Blessed are the caregivers. Surely they will be given uncommon strength through the touch of an angel’s wings.” I loved that image. I certainly could use uncommon strength AND a reminder that we are in the company of angels.

I Found God today in a beautiful image of an angel with me.

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Begin Again

Posted by eph21920 on January 8, 2024 in Answer, Begin, Family, Forgiveness, Grace, Grateful, Life, New, Opportunity, Struggles

The other day I heard a reflection about our ability to begin again. Every night we have the opportunity to review our day and hand it all to God in prayer, asking forgiveness for our wrongs. At the wakening of each new day, we are able to start fresh and live the day for what it brings, doing our best to keep close to God as we go. Ironically, beginning again is prevalent in dementia and can actually be a blessing. Today my mom and I had a very challenging event. I won’t elaborate, but it included a bathroom accident that resulted in a need to get mom in the shower. I admittedly wasn’t very calm and that upset my mother. I apologized and got her settled into bed for a nap once she was all clean. When she got up, it was as though nothing had happened and we had a relatively quiet afternoon. I was very grateful for that grace.

I Found God today beginning again.

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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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