HOPE

 

I love the picture of the pelican taking off.  His wings are wide and he is lifting himself into the sky.  I also love the picture of our tour group in front of the empty tomb in Jerusalem.  Because of that spot, I can endeavor to spread my wings and achieve new goals.

HOPE

At times, caregiving is hopeless.  The pressure of caring for a loved one can be devastating and make us doubt every decision we make for them, and for ourselves.  But, because I believe that Jesus Christ rose from the grave, I have a hope that life cane change.  I believe that God will step into the chaos and give me a clear picture of what I need to do and how to do it.

Take stock of what you believe and why.  Give God a chance to prove Himself to you and allow you to soar above the difficulty and find your way.

Jeremiah 29:11

Coming and Going...

 

Galveston Island has been a place of healing and peace for me.  Several years ago, we spent a week there.  Misty took photos of the kids and this was one of my favorites.  It signified life to me.  I have found myself coming and going through good times and tough times.  I have walked up and down, working on the details and challenges of my life.

I am finding that whatever the situation, I have been asked to make choices that bring peace or chaos.  Life is a fifty-fifty toss up and how we catch, and handle, the fall out is very important.  Having a place to go that I enjoy gives me the edge I need to step back and relax.  It is in the relaxation mode that I make the best decisions.

Find that place.  It is important that you have balance as you walk back and forth!

 

 

Sunrise

 

Sunrise in Galveston...

 

This was taken from the deck of the summer rental, the Cat Cracker, on Galveston Island. Bermuda Beach is one of my favorite places, and watching the sun rise over the Gulf is one of my favorite pastimes.  When I am there, I can feel the tension ease out of my body.  I become relaxed and pliable.

 

Life is 50% sunsets and 50% sunrises.  You can count on it.  With every new day, things will change and what seems like a never ending season will come to an end.  As a caregiver, I have to do my best to define what helps me enjoy the sunrise and be prepared for the sunsets. 

 

Sunset can also be a time of wonder.  Sitting on the beach, watching the sun dip behind the horizon is a positive experience, too.  Joy and sorrow are often close companions, but if I am open to them, I can face whatever might come along and find that place of peace. 

 

God has given believers the Holy Spirit to help walk through the challenges of life.  If you aren't familiar with Him, look in the book of Acts and the letters Paul wrote to believers.  He is a companion who is constant and willing to meet with us in whatever position we find the sun.

 

 

I just feel a need to include a pelican.  Here is todays.

THE HOUSE WITH MANY DOORS

   
 

 

When I remember my mom, I remember her living in this house outside of Yellville, Arkansas.  Her grandfather Pearce built it.  They added rooms and with every room there was an outside door.

 

It is in the country and she would tell stories of the mountain lions talking to each other in the night.  The wild turkeys would travel across her front lawn and on into the woods that surrounded the house. 

 

It was quiet. Too quiet for some.  The silence was loud and with all the doors, feeling safe and locked in wasn't always easy!!

 

The time came when she had to move into my home in Houston.  It was the end of life as she knew it.  She had no car.  She had left her friends.  Her world became small and different.  I don't think she ever was able to make the transition and find a new challenge and purpose. 

 

I learned one important lesson from the time she came to live with me.  As her life was winding down, someday, mine would too.  I determined to do my best to keep a focus, a goal.  As long as I was able to remain independent, to any degree, I would.

 

If you are a caregiver, keep your focus.  If you can, help that loved one find some sense of worth in their life.  As long as an individual feels needed and important, their reason for remaining on earth will make sense.  Once that sense of being valuable is gone, so are they.

 

 



 

Heritage

 

I was looking through some pictures from the TREAT family reunion in 2010.  I stopped on this one because it reminded me of all the weekends my dad spent with his buddies "pickin and grinnin'" in our living room.  Salty Dog, TennesseWaltz, and so many other songs of the early 1900s were their specialty.  After two or three hours, they would stop for donuts and coffee, then play on into the night.

My Uncle Jack and grandson, Johnathan, are making music by the Buffalo River.  Johnathan is holding my mother's guitar that she played for many years.  When I see it, I immediately go back to the time she would sing along with dad's band.

What has this to do with caregiving?  For me, remembering my heritage and the strength of those who have lived before me, has given me resolve.  I can recall how they worked through the challenges of their lives and came through victorious.

I enjoy the chance to return to a time when I was not the responsible party!  Mom and Dad were the line drawn in the sand and I was taken care of.  Now, it has been my turn and I am the one who is being watched.  How am I responding in a crisis?

Found this oldie...

An Evening Prayer
recorded by Mel Tillis
written by Charles H. Gabriel and C.M. Battersby 

If I have wounded some poor soul today
If I have caused one foot to go astray
If I have walked in my own willful way
Dear Lord for-give

If I have uttered idle words in vain
If I have turned aside from want or pain
Lest I offend some other through the strain
Dear Lord for-give

If I have been perverse or hard or cold
If I have longed for shelter in Thy fold
When Thou hast given me some fort to hold
Dear Lord for-give

Forgive these sins I have confessed to Thee
Forgive the secret sins I do not see
Guide me love me and my keeper be
Dear Lord for-give

Committing to Serve

This picture is Johnathan's graduation from Boot Camp.



This picture is the day he signed up in the National Guard.  He turned 18 that day.

 

I am totally invested in our servicemen. He has chosen to become a part of the armed services and serve his country.  When we are leaving Houston as a hurricane approaches, Johnathan will be heading to someone who needs his help.  His unit will be called to take care of anyone in harms way, whatever the storm, or flood, or fire.

 

I will not forget those who serve to keep my life peaceful.  I will remember to pray for them, support them and be there when they need help.

 

(I still see him as a ten month old, reaching to open my refrigerator.  I recall his soccer, football and swimming endeavors.) If I remember, other Nana's and parents have the same visions of their young person, many of whom are serving in areas far from home.

 

Today, I REMEMBER.

 

 

Remembering

In 2005, David passed away.  I had been his caregiver during the last two years of his life.  During this time, He fought cancer and diabetes.  In February of 2005 the battle we, his family, fought with him, ended.  It took all of us to get through the hurt and pain of those intense days.

The picture was taken at his 60th birthday party.  I am not sure what he was telling Kamri, but she was intently listening.  This was a very good evening for our family.  He had friends and family who were there to celebrate his life. 

Memorial Day focuses on our military, and the lives who gave themselves for our freedom.  There are times I felt like I was suffering from Post Traumatic Stress.  Looking at this picture triggers some of the challenges and emotions of those events.  When you say a prayer tomorrow for our soldiers, include those caregivers who fight for the lives of those they love.

I remember.