Protection

My grandson is in the National Guard.  I am both proud and concerned.  I am proud of his commitment to keeping me and Texas safe by doing his job.  I am concerned because he is my grandson and could be in harms way at some point.

I have those same feelings for my caregivers.  At this time, taking care of my home, car, etc. is all that is necessary.  But, there will come a time I will have to call on my family for a greater degree of commitment to my welfare. 

My church is also part of my caregiving team.  My friends can be counted on to help keep me connected when living brings more challenges to my mobility or health.

It is imperative that protection is found for the future, whatever that might be.  I have a friend and there is no family to help meet the needs.  She is at the mercy of her insurance and social services.  We can help some, but only with the permission of her circle.

Do you have a plan?  Who comprises your protectors?  Are you in someone's sphere of  protection?  Who are you responsible for?

Do not pull away from those who love you.  Do not pull away from someone who needs you because they are entering a new life cycle.  Christ touched Peter's mother-in-law on the hand and healed her.  (Matthew 8:14-15)

  Touch someone with love.  Allow someone to touch you!

IMPORTANT PEOPLE

The past few months God has been bringing people into my life from various seasons I was in.  There have been those I went to college with.  Several cousins I had not seen in years.  There are ladies I have attended church with years ago and new friends who have invited me into their circle.

It is so easy to remove oneself from society.  It is easy to find everything you need by phone or computer.  EXCEPT - friendship and support.  You can find it to a degree on face book, but the human touch is missing.  There is nothing like looking someone in the eye and having acceptance and love reflected in theirs.  It has been a long journey back to liking myself and becoming other centered instead of so self centered.  Grief will enclose you in a prison and Satan will maneuver your perceptions until you believe the lie.

I love the beach and these kids who were friends with Kamri several years ago.  You cannot beat your heritage - keep friends close and God closer!

Think again....

I stood for five minutes trying to stare him down.  He won.  He fought the Watusi cows...the Elk...anything that tried to take his food.  His stance was that of someone in charge!  Just look into his eyes.

There have been times I have had to take that attitude and STAND.  God tells us that when there is nothing else to do, STAND.  Hebrews 13 tells us He will NEVER leave us nor forsake us.  When life is difficult we must focus on Who we belong to and rest in that hope.

Like Hoover the goat (because he ate like a vacuum), we recognize our strength and look trouble head on.  God will supply our needs and make a way.

THE PLAN

The important thing is the plan.  Do you have one? 

Are you prepared in an emergency?  Do you know where your important papers are?  Do you know what they are?  Does your support group know where they are?  Do you have a support group?

If you do not, set down with your loved ones and develop a plan and a plan B.  Make sure you have something available in case something unexpected happens and your loved one is not left alone without knowing what is transpiring. 

A couple I know only have each other.  He had a stroke.  She is having memory issues and didn't know where he was.  They are extremely fortunate that his employer and the church they attend, plus a caring neighbor. were able to step up in the crisis. 

BUT, there must be clarity and things put in place so that the care receiver isn't left frightened. 

God has placed us in families.  Some are blood relatives, others are those who we have brought into our lives.  These people provide what we need in the PLAN that will take away stress and fear of emergency situations.

The ELK

There are times that God brings something beautiful into our lives to remind us that He has created all things for His pleasure.  This Elk was standing just outside the trailer gate when we drove into the compound.  He was watching his companions as they ate the corn that Paul had spread for them.  There were deer, Watusi cows, regular cows, and a funny goat who ate everything in sight.  He pushed the bigger animals around and kept them from eating at his table!

Ready to face the wind...

The Jeep is the transportation of choice when headed to the beach.  The sea breeze is not hindered as one heads west down the seawall.  There is just something special about riding with the wind in your hair and the sun on your face.  Peace floods my heart as I struggle to keep my hat in place!

I love the sense of freedom I experience every time I am beside the Gulf.  It is important to find that thing that releases those emotions and tensions that can build up when caregiving.  Mental, physical, emotional and spiritual health are the keys to thriving for you and your loved one.  Too often we don't realize that until it is too late. 

Caregivers.com is a website that will lead you to the helps you need.  What ever your questions might be or your challenges, there are answers!!

 

Time marches on...

Time has a way of passing quickly.  We don't realize how fast until we come across pictures from past events.  Then, we are shocked to see just how much our loved ones change.

Kamri and Timothy have changed over the past few years and are growing into teenagers.  Life has a way of going from infancy to childhood to adulthood before we realize it. When we do, we look back with guilt on some of the things we could have done in a different manner.  We also look back with pleasure at the things we did right. 

The past is good for assessing mistakes and finding new paths to correct them.  The present is to enjoy what God has given us and vow to make the most of it.  The future is a blank slate that we can seek His plan and make certain we are making the most of our opportunities.

Take a look at your loved one.  Vow to be the best you can for them.  Find the best way to health and happiness, regardless of the bumpy road you may be traveling!