Friday, July 8, 2011

Words to Live By


"To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven:
A time to be born, And a time to die"
Ecclesiastes 3:1-2

There have been several posts lately about caring for the elderly and losing our loved ones. My hubbys siblings have been caring for their mother for almost three years. When she came home from the hospital, we were told by the Doctors and nurses that she would be coming home to die. She turned 90 in March, and my father in law will be 92 this month. We also have a 95 (almost 96) year old aunt who never had children. She is being cared for by another cousin. The caregiving is difficult, as they are adults and still know what they want. My mother in law has had numerous back surgeries, two knee replacements, gall bladder removal, open heart surgery, and now she has Parkinson’s. Her mind is still good, which is a good thing, but her body is going down. We really do not know when God will call one of His saints home, so we should never assume that there is not much time. Only God knows the day and time, even if they are ready to go Home. My hubby has 2 sisters and 2 brothers and between all of them, they are staying 24/7. They have hired a nurse/companion to come in twice a week, to give the siblings a break. It is expensive, but as my sister in law has said, she can do this physically, but it’s the emotional and mental part that wears her out.

God does have a plan, as in everything. We don’t know the reasons why He chooses to allow these circumstances to enter our lives. Just as when we were homeschooling our children, maybe it's not so much for them to learn, but to teach ME.

"And if you give yourself to the hungry,
and satisfy the desire of the afflicted,
then your light will rise in darkness,
and your gloom will become like mid-day.
And the Lord will continually guide you,
and satisfy your desire in scorched places,
and give strength to your bones;
and you will be like a watered garden,
and like a spring of water whose waters do not fail."
Isaiah 58:10-11


12 comments:

Pamela said...

I was privileged to be able to care for my mother-in-law through her colon cancer. What amazed me was the grace and strength you have when you need it. If you had told me I would have had to hook her up to TPN each night, flush her lines, etc, I would have laughed. My day nurse hated to be still so I'd come home to a clean house, too. Kinda miss that--ha!

I will be praying for your husband's family as they work together to make his parent's last days peaceful. And for you, too.

Blessings,
Pamela

no spring chicken said...

A very good word... So many ills would be fixed if we would honor and care for our parents and elders. I pray that I have the fortitude to do it with joy when the time comes.

Blessings, Debbie

Nikki (Sarah) said...

I think it's great your elderly relatives are being cared for the way they are even though it's hard....and your message is a good one....

Allie said...

What a blessing to care for your family....YES it's hard. But there is much grace too.

Jane said...

This post really touched me. As my husband's ALS progression continues, I have taken on more responsibility to care for him and to take care of all the household needs. I would be lying if I said it wasn't challenging but this is the role that I am meant to take at this time of my life and I wouldn't want to be any where else.
Thanks for posting this.
Jane

andsewon said...

Care giving is difficult on many levels, including emotionally and physical. I too cared for loved ones and would not change that but at times was very difficult. It is wonderful that your in-laws are being cared for by all and not just one.
Hugs to you all!

Charlotte said...

Sounds like your family really has their hands full. Longevity certainly runs in the family. I really like that scripture that there is a time for everything including a time to die. You and your family are blessed.
Charlotte

Unknown said...

I cared for my 88-year old mother after a stroke in November. She remained hospitalized until her death that following April lst. Even though it was difficult spending each day with her in the hosptial ( a good distance away), I counted it a priviledge to be there for her. She was a wonderful Christian mother, widowed early in life, who sacrificed greatly for her children...all twelve of them. For me, it was reasonable service!

Jackie said...

When my Mother in Law became a prisoner to her dementia it was hard on the whole family. There were evenings when my husband would be at the home of his parents late into the night. I am so glad that my children were able to witness him serving his mother in this way.

The French Hutch said...

Everyone in the family is doing God's work. Your family is Blessed. Thank your for sharing
Blessings......

~Emily
The French Hutch

Anonymous said...

Here's a link to Caregiver's Affirmations:
http://youtu.be/-fInVb4MWrg
I enjoyed reading your post. Happy Spiritual Sunday!

Mid-Atlantic Martha said...

My heart goes out to all of you -- caregiving is tough!