I talked to my dad last night and found out my mom is doing worse. She has been in the hospital and a nursing / rehab facility for a month now. Last week she contacted pneumonia in the nursing facility and was put back in the hospital for a few days. She is recovered from that but now cannot talk. She is in a different nursing / rehab facility because the last one just didn’t take care of her. She cannot do anything for herself, she cannot eat because she can’t swallow, so she is fed and medicated through a feeding tube. Now her voice is gone. She has no way of communicating. Parkinson’s disease is not pretty.
As I sit here 800 miles away, I feel helpless in being able to do anything. I am so thankful that when we went out there in December she was still able to talk to us and we had a few good visits with her. I hear these reports and I ask God, how much longer will she suffer? There is not a thing she can do for herself. All the things she’s enjoyed doing in life are now gone. She cannot go and visit with people, she cannot plant flowers and tend her garden, she cannot sew, she cannot cook, she cannot read, all she can do is lay and watch television. What kind of life is that?
As I ask these questions I know that God’s grace is sufficient through the suffering. God’s grace is sufficient to my dad who is daily watching his wife and companion of 55 years suffer like she does. God’s grace is sufficient for me as I cry out to Him for my mom and dad. God’s grace is sufficient for my family as we look at what mom will need long term. God’s grace is sufficient and I need to rest in it.
Tuesday my dad has a meeting with the doctors and staff at the nursing home to discuss mom’s care for long term. They want to meet with any of the family around as well. I’m sure my brothers will be there. The decisions won’t be easy ones. But we all know that God will give us wisdom and will direct us as to what is best for her. All the while we rest in His grace and mercy. She is in His hands.
Dave and Vicki, Be assured that Diane and I are praying for you. Having lost Diane’s mom as well as my dad and mom, we can relate to the helplessness you are feeling. Blessings, Brian and Diane Harris
Watching a loved one suffer is never easy but we KNOW that this life is only temprol and soon we all will be together for eternity with the Creator,King,Master and Savior of all. Until then we all must hold up Holy Hands to Our God Almighty. Our prayers are with you and your family. We Love You.
You are in our prayers throughout this time. May you experience God’s comfort and peace as you make difficult decisions. Love you!
Dave,
I admire your faith and am thankful you are seeing this the way you are. Your faith and family are the only things that will get you through this.
Also, I am sad to say that it will get harder before it gets easier – but even in that, His grace is sufficient.
Lean hard on Him – He loves you and your mom and dad (as you of course know).
Prayers for you and yours.
You guys stay in my prayers. You and Vickie are such blessings. It is times like this that you really realize how important it is to learn to walk with God and just learn to let Him love on you.
I count it a priviledge to be able to uphold your mother and your entire family in prayer.
This is a very tough time for you and your family. I know, I have been there also. As you said, depend on God’s grace. You and your family are in my prayers.
Just want you to know you, Vicki,Josh, and Jeremy as well as your Mom and Dad and brothers are in our prayers. It is a privilege to pray for each other as Kelly said.
We love you!
Ann fo all
Praying for you all stay strong and know that its all in Gods timing. Love you all so much so awesome seeing what you have been doing the past years your making such a difference in so many lives
Levi