First things first, I thought I had put a link in my last post to Julie's GREAT Christmas post, but I don't see it. So I'm trying it again. If you haven't read it, please check it out, what an encouragement to enjoy the simple pleasures of Christmas.
Okay, now on to life. Life is so......well, its so......how can I say this? Let's say challenging, shall we? Life is actually LOTS of things, but just for the moment, let's say its challenging. My precious Grandpa, the one I love soooo much that I named my son after him, was brought out here about 2 or 3 weeks ago and dropped off at my mom's. His wife just couldn't handle his memory issues anymore. They are both in their 80's and it just got to be too much for her. She drove out from California to drop him off, was here maybe 20 minutes, and then drove all the way back to California. My Grandpa is so hurt he won't even mention her name. My mom is struggling being her dad's parent. Its....challenging.
Yesterday, my Mom went for a routine dr. visit and they discovered multiple goiters and lumps and bumps on her thyroid. They did biopsies then and there, but the stress in Mom's house was already pretty high before this. They said they'd have her biopsies back by Monday, so at least there won't be a long wait. My mom is having several health issues right now, and each time we discover a new issue, its like another piece of the puzzle to issues she's had for over 20 years now. Hopefully these issues will help explain her other issues. But I can see she's concerned, she's responsible for caring for her dad now, and as she puts it, she can't afford to be sick. Her life is......challenging.
Now for me, sitting here watching my Grandpa, one of the greatest men in my entire life, return to a child like dependence, and watching my mom starting to have all kinds of medical 'things' popping up, unnerves me. Oh, I know its part of the circle of life, we come into this world entirely dependent on others for our physical well being. and if we live long lives, we often go out entirely depending on others for our physical well being. I know that this is how God made us and that God is in control of this too, but its hard to watch your parents age. As we age, our parents age, and I see lots of my friends struggling with the very same issue: aging parents and how to care for them. I know I'm aging, but it just seemed like THIS challenge was still in the distant future for me. Hmmmmm.......good thing I have a Saviour!!!
This life IS challenging, and I just can't imagine walking through it without the Lord supporting me and sustaining me. I praise Him that my peace comes from within, but boy, how I would like to see my Mom and Grandpa have that peace too. This is my prayer. That through these challenging circumstances, they would seek Him who can meet ALL their needs. Afterall, if I haven't learned anything else, I do know that challenges help us grow closer to Him. If we never lean on Him, we will never know His enduring love and support for us. So I'm leaning, and I'm leaning hard!
Where Do You Want to Be in 12 Months?
1 day ago
4 comments:
oh beth, so good to see you blogging again. i am heartbroken about your grandpa. i have things to say about it all but don't want to in the comment section because i know others might not understand my sentiments.....beth, i remember your grandpa and grandma. i am just so sad. as for your surgeries. wow, when it rains it pours. i think maybe its good to get them all over at once. yep, even at the holidays...maybe you will be freed from worrying about the unnecessaries of Christmas this way. focus on getting better dear friend. i miss you. i love you.
p.s. did i mention that i miss you???
julie
Oh beth, I am so sorry to hear about your Grandpa and your mom. what a challenging time you are having. i will pray for you and them. i wish you were closer so i could give you a hand and a hug.
Beth,
It's Jennifer. I don't have one of these so I will be anonymous but it's a good way to keep updated on your granpa, mom and your health. I know it must be devastating for you and your mom to see your grandpa this way and stressful that your mom has her stuff to deal with while dealing with her father. Remember I am hear to talk if needed. Plus I know you have your own health issues. It might be a good way to relieve stress. You know I'm here for you always.
Love ya,
Jennifer
I have the BEST friends on the planet!!!! :)
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