Possible Light at the End of the Tunnel

At this phase of our lives I'm not posting every day as I envisioned when I started this blog!  Working from home and caring for Carl's mom is pretty much the sum total of what is going on right now.  However, after a turbulent past week -- our first doctor visit after finally getting Alabama vs. Florida straightened out (Medicare & Social Security) ended in frustration. Mrs. V's new doctor immediately wanted to put her in Health South and felt she had not received nearly enough therapy in Montgomery.  So, we headed over, wheeled Mrs. V to her new room and...not a private room...she refused to stay, regardless of what the administrator and education nurse tried to tempt her with...she was not so nice, we were frustrated beyond words, and the three of us left in anger...much prayer was said asking for God to help us get through to her the need for assistance.  So, home we went without a word said between any of us the rest of the night.  Of course, Mrs. V was happy as a clam because she felt she had "won".  We have had alot of "confusion" and uncomfortable days and nights due to some "issues" (shall we say - won't go into what has been causing her problems in this public setting).  But finally after some advice/remedy shared via a friend of a friend, we tried it, it worked and PRAISE THE LORD, we have had a couple of better days and night.  And, the doctor, though also frustrated, ordered home health care to do an evaluation, which was held on Saturday afternoon.  We liked the male nurse who came and he helped her see that his coming and physical therapy coming out was to help her and not to try to "get rid of her" - her mantra since coming here.  So, home care will start Monday at 3 x a week and we'll see how much physical therapy will be ordered.  I would surely love to see her mobile enough and doing well enough by the end of the summer to possibly go to some form of day care - i.e., Senior Citizens Center, etc.  She could have more socialization and who knows...fun maybe...and we could start resuming a semblance of more normal life.  Last week we celebrated (not) our 37th wedding anniversary.  Since we were not able to go anywhere overnight or even out to eat, we've promised we will do some sort of celebrating at our very earliest opportunity.  We know God is still in control and there is a purpose in everything we go through.  Right now we are moving through moment by moment and just pray for patience and endurance to run this race of our lives.  Oh, and did I mention my sweet dad has anemia and had to have his first blood transfusion ever...guess that's what happens as you get older...our living parents are also getting older and things happen. God doesn't give us more than we can handle, but feels like it comes close sometimes.  But, we do have so much to be thankful for in other ways and just look to that when we think we've reached the end of our ropes...loved the sermon from Tim today. One point was to "move on" when we come to the waters' edge, step on out there and have faith that God will take care of us. The water will part and we can keep going...and the invitation song keeps running through my head..."The Battle Belongs to the Lord".  Yes it does and He will see us through.  Blessings to all.

Rejuvenation!

Tuesday evening brought some much-needed relaxation and time away from the daily stresses for time with "the girls"...friends who've either been there themselves, caring for an elderly parent, or just some compassionate, caring hugs.  Carol Fisher and Cynthia Poole hosted the mid-summer event at Carol's home with some light, but great tasting goodies, and time for laughing, talking, with the evening concluding with plans for the fall and coming year.  Here's some pics...so sorry for the quality from my cell; will need to start carrying my camera again...thanks, Carol for opening your home and sharing your heart with me and so many others.

Again, forgive the poor quality of pics, but hope the smiles can show through and give you some idea of the good time had by all.  If you're a Timberlane gal from college age on up, feel free to join us beginning in September, second Tuesday nights.  T.W.I.G.S needs more women who wish to participate in food, fun, fellowship and service.  Be watching for bulletin announcements of location and dates!  BTW, TWIGS stands for Timberlane Women in God's Service, and that's what we want to do!

Home is Not Quite the Same

Our home is not quite the same anymore...our office has been partially converted into a room for Carl's mother, complete with a hospital bed.  We are on Day 22 of our new lives with MawMaw in our home.  With her not being able to care for herself, one of us has to be at the house with her 24/7.  With my job being more flexible, here I am.  Carl tries to take over her care when he's home at night and on the weekends.  But I miss my job (never quite thought I'd say that these last few years) and I miss worshipping with my church family.  Carl is in charge of the sound room/audio visual, so it is more important for him to be there than me.  Thanks to those great guys who helps him out on Sunday nights and Wednesday nights though!  She wants a "female" here too, and doesn't like the idea of her grandsons being the ones to help her with certain things, you know.  But we FINALLY will be getting her in to a doctor next Wednesday, the 20th, and will possibly have a better idea at what we're going to be looking at down the road, and hopefully getting in some home health care and possible physical therapy - only if she would even benefit after this long with nothing to help her.  We don't foresee her ever returning to her tri-level house with all the stairs and living alone, but truly, only God knows what we're all in for in the days ahead. I'm trying to hold it together, but am having a difficult time not just running away some days.  God forgive me for my attitude and help me to be more compassionate and caring.