The next level of elder care has all of us adjusting to change again. Having decided to do home care for as long as possible is a decision we made long ago, but the implementation is quite the wake-up call.
My 95-year-old dad, a really brilliant man, and in excellent health for so long, declines.
This is hard.
What can I write about? Hard things.
To start out, I can state that I am weary. Lack of sleep takes it’s toll. As someone turning 60 in a few months I can say I feel it. Late middle age is definitely here, even waning. Old age looms.
It makes me think of the millennium daily, that place where we’re all about 30 and in perfect health, prime-time existence, loving Jesus, privileged and blessed.
This life is so short, so transient. These long weary days will be nothing but like grass blowing in the wind.
Sometimes I wonder how long I will be around on this earth. Will I live to be 95 like my dad? Longevity is a real factor in my family. We’ve all been rapture watchers and God has granted us long life. Still, 35 years is significant.
This is why I am re-treading.
Even as I care for my dad I am learning Chinese, mentally accepting sea-change in my own life. I hate doing life by myself. My kids have their own lives, and I rejoice that they are all productive, smart, and generally happy.
Cherie announced that she is ready to finish her Bachelor’s degree. There was much rejoicing—in my heart.
As a home-schooling mom I always had the standard that my kids would graduate with a four-year degree. Cherie has her Associate of Arts, so she’s no slouch, but she wanted to prudently choose a major, and that takes time.
She is a Tolkien expert, an online pro, who can answer anything about his works. She can write and read Elvish. She has learned enough Korean to understand passing conversation. Her artistic skills are impressive, her drawings have only improved over time. She loves to draw and write. Hmmm. Where did that come from? The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.
She wants to major in history for now, my second child to do that.
She is hardworking, bright, and beautiful. I couldn’t do life without her easily right now. I’m blessed by her. With all the sorrow and mess that I’ve experienced over the past three years I am grateful beyond words for her steady presence and personality. She is a treasure and a joy.
As Captain Wentworth described Anne in “Persuasion,” —“There is no one so capable as—–” —Cherie.
Brian used to quote that. Smiles.
I still hear his voice, and that makes me smile.
The days are beautiful. My brother and sister-in-law were here to give relief for a week. We all celebrated my niece’s birthday yesterday eating outside at place on Nicollet and 50th in Minneapolis. What a nice moment of early autumn to recall. I dropped them off at the airport afterwards.
Forging ahead for the next few weeks with my dad.
My mom had tested positive for Covid-19 a few weeks ago. Her recovery has been steady. She’s back to being part of the care-giving equation.
People survived the Bubonic plague, and they are surviving Covid-19 pandemic. We are surviving. Our days are numbered by God, and that means tomorrow could be the day we see Jesus.
Always keep that in mind. As life grows long, or is shortened in a unexpected manner we can know that God ordained it.
In acceptance lies peace.
Another Feast of Trumpets has passed. No Rapture. Perhaps today?
Maranatha!
Always watch. There is a special crown for keeping watch.
I Thessalonians 4:17