“Don't worry about tomorrow. It will take care of itself. You have enough to worry about today.”—Matthew 6:34 (CEV)
For many of us that are in our 50’s, we are now at a stage of or life where we get to enjoy being empty nesters. Along with being empty nesters, some of us also have aging parents. Inevitably, the day will come when our roles are reversed, and we are one day caring for them. I have been fortunate that my 84-year-old mother has been able to live independently for as long as she has.
I am currently writing this at my mom’s bedside in the hospital. This past week has been a whirlwind. Monday night at 10:30 pm. I received a phone call from my mother that she couldn’t lift her arm and it hurt. I live about 45 minutes from her. I was planning on spending the night with her and calling the doctor Tuesday morning. After getting to her home, I was wide awake. I knew neither one of us would sleep, so I took her to the ER.
After running every possible test, a heart attack/stroke was ruled out. It was a mystery what was going on with her arm. The doctor told us he could discharge her to go home, and I could make an appointment for an MRI later that day (at this point it was 4 am). He recommended admitting her so she could get it done earlier.
Since we were already there, I told her we were staying. By 8 am she was moved to a private room. Long story short, sepsis of her shoulder joint was the culprit. She had surgery to clean it all out on Wednesday. Praise God, I had her admitted Tuesday morning as well as the doctor’s accurate diagnosis. I spent Monday thru Wednesday night at the hospital having a total of 6 hours of sleep during that time.
Due to travel with my other siblings, I was solo with her until Friday. Praise Jesus my brothers and their wives are now able to help so that it isn’t solely on me. Many with aging parents do not have relief in a situation like this. Yes, we could leave her alone at the hospital because she has care, but none of us have felt comfortable doing that.
If you are able, times like these require a family member to advocate for their loved ones. I am thankful that I do have the flexibility to be able to do this No, it isn’t easy, but I know in the big scheme of things, me not getting in my workouts, going to my knitting group or not being able to tape for my YouTube Channel, is temporary and minor in comparison to making sure my sick mother has the proper care.
Being in God’s Word, has helped me to maintain my peace. In fact, while I was trying to sleep on Wednesday night, I found a YouTube Channel that reads scripture to you for 12 hours. I woke up refreshed on Thursday morning. My morning quiet time routine that I spend with God has been interrupted, but God knows my heart and gives me grace. A reminder of the same grace I need to be giving my mother.
Honestly, I don’t know how I would have coped with this without my knitting. It is what has kept my sanity. It has helped me keep my focus on my Lord and Savior as well as take one day at a time. My mother has been blessed with the most loving and caring staff. I have even been able to bless two of the patient care technicians with knit gifts. Thank You, Jesus.
Last week’s post, “It’s Okay to Ask for Prayers,” wasn’t a coincidence. I am humbly writing asking for those who read this to not only pray for my mother’s body to be free from infection but for me as well. This has been mentally and physically exhausting. My personality is to stay strong, take care of what needs to be done and put my own needs on the back burner. I know I need to take care of me too, and that hasn’t been easy. My dedicated daily quiet time with the Lord, hasn’t been the same, but thankfully, God has prayer warriors interceding on my behalf to lift and fill me up during this time.
I keep singing the song in my head, One Day at time, sweet Jesus, that’s all I’m asking from You. Give me the strength to do every day what I have to do….” I have been listening to Merle Haggard’s version. He was one of my dad’s favorite country western artists, which has given me comfort. One day at a time, is how we are to live. Yes, we have to get all of our ducks in a row to get my mom ready for discharge, but after her release, it will be trusting God, day to day. I don’t know how those without faith handle these hiccups in life.
Father God,
Thank You for all of Your provisions this week. I know the grace You have freely and generously given me is what I should be extending to others. Give me strength when I am weak. I ask for rest for a weary soul and give You praise for all the intercessory prayers being lifted up for both me and my mother. I pray for those in similar circumstances. May they have some relief for caring for a loved one. Fill up their tank to take another step. Remind them that You are with them and will never leave or forsake them. It is in Your Precious Son’s name, Jesus, that I pray these things. Amen.
February Verse:
“You, LORD, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light.”—Psalm 18:28
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