The golf cart is a big favorite for any children that visit my parents. Destiny got several rides on it yesterday - with my step mother to take grass clippings to the place they dispose of them, and later to the mailbox. Soon after Mary Ellen arrived it was time to go to the community hall to pick up the meals that had been ordered. Mary Ellen had never driven it before, but decided that if my stepmother could, so could she! Actually, Destiny had already driven it the other weekend, under my brother-in-law, Scott's, supervision!
Destiny also enjoyed riding her bike on the nice, wide street.
Before I left my parents' place around 6:30, I had a sweet time of prayer with them. Every time I kiss him good by I wonder if it's my last time. His health and strength has declined so rapidly in the past month, it's hard to believe. As his discomfort increases, so do the meds. With that comes more sleepiness and some confusion. So every moment he's awake and comfortable is a moment to seize and cling to and remember.
My sweet stepmother has six wonderful sons who live in the same general area as my parents. I have three siblings that still live in that area. Those nine people, plus myself on the weekends, plus a few Hospice aids, plus a home health aide we are hiring five nights a week, are taking turns being at my parents' house around the clock, day after day, week after week. His care is too much for my stepmother to do alone. My sister Mary Ellen makes up an hour by hour schedule every week. We all communicate by email to let her know when we are available, and somehow it always works out. We all, including my three siblings who live far away, dearly love our parents. And those of us who get the chance to help take care of Dad honestly consider it an honor and a privilege. His grateful spirit is still very alive and well.
I returned to State College this afternoon and had some serious discussions with the Lord as I drove. There are many things pulling on my heartstrings.
Today was Anthony's 33rd birthday. What wonderful memories Dick and I have of the day he was born - at 9:20 AM on 9/20!! This evening he and Lori went out to dinner and a movie while Dick and I kept Austin. After they came home we had a delicious Carvel ice cream cake.
4 comments:
Jean - You inspire me! Even in these tough times, your joy comes through on each post!
Your Dad is such a special person. I can see how you all love him and enjoy spending time with him and your stepmom. I know you will never regret that time.
Love the picture of Austin. Yes - that face is cute and those thighs look so squeezable!
Happy Birthday to Anthony!
my heart goes out to you Jean and will keep you in my prayers and thoughts.
Jean, I know these days are hard...but I know they are sweet as well. How wonderful to have these 'last times' to sit together or talk together...just to 'be' together. I know it is all just so bittersweet. Take comfort that his is a life well lived and he will reap his reward in God's timing. I think about you often. God bless!
Happy Birthday to Anthony! He is one wonderful young man and you have such a right to be proud of him.
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